Keep your car in its best shape from the bottom up. Shop for tires today, then schedule a fast, easy installation appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1998 Saturn SL1 needs flat tire repair or inspection. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. To start, we’ll consider the location of tire damage, the type of issue, the size and scope of the damage, and the amount of wear on your tires.
If your 1998 Saturn SL1 tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.
Unfortunately, some 1998 Saturn SL1 tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Even if your tire damage is minor, if your tires have less than 2/32nd inch of tread remaining, a repair isn’t possible (or safe). Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Some tire issues are easy and straightforward to repair, but other kinds of tire damage can’t be properly repaired. Tire damage that can’t be repaired effectively include a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.
When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Saturn’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. If you can replace your damaged tire with the same type, brand, and size as the others, you may be able to save costs and only purchase one replacement. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.
A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1998 Saturn SL1 in for a tire inspection.
Your Saturn SL1 runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1998 Saturn SL1 repairs below.