Can I drive my Saturn on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your SL2 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Will a temporary sealant fix my Saturn's flat tire?

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1998 Saturn SL2 may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.

Who offers Saturn SL2 tire repair?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Saturn SL2 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

Why do the tires on my SL2 keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your SL2 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Do all four tires on a Saturn SL2 have to be replaced at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your SL2 tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

1998 Saturn SL2 Flat Tire Repair Service

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Get Tires for Your Saturn SL2

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Get Your Saturn SL2 Tire Repaired

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. 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. If the road has been rough on your 1998 Saturn SL2 tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. 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 we determine that your 1998 Saturn SL2 tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for Saturn SL2 Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1998 Saturn SL2 tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Saturn recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Saturn SL2 Tire Inspection

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1998 Saturn SL2 in for a tire inspection.

Saturn SL2 Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Saturn on a flat tire? Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your SL2 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my Saturn's flat tire? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1998 Saturn SL2 may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.
Who offers Saturn SL2 tire repair? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Saturn SL2 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
Why do the tires on my SL2 keep losing air? Possible reasons for your SL2 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do all four tires on a Saturn SL2 have to be replaced at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your SL2 tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

Get the Repairs Your 1998 Saturn SL2 Needs

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your Saturn SL2, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1998 Saturn SL2 repairs.