What happens if 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 SW2 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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

A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 Saturn SW2 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.

Where can I get my Saturn SW2 tires repaired?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Saturn SW2 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

Why do the tires on my SW2 keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your SW2 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my Saturn SW2?

It's important to consider replacing your SW2 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”.

Tire Repair for Your 1997 Saturn SW2

Get Saturn Tire Repair

Shop for Saturn SW2 Tires

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Saturn SW2 at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

Shop Tires

Saturn SW2 Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1997 Saturn SW2 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. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 1997 Saturn SW2 tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for Saturn SW2 Tire Replacement?

Sometimes, 1997 Saturn SW2 tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. 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 puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and major cuts or separated treads.

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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Saturn SW2?

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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 1997 Saturn SW2 in for a tire inspection.

Saturn SW2 Tire Repair Questions

What happens if 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 SW2 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my Saturn's flat tire? A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 Saturn SW2 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.
Where can I get my Saturn SW2 tires repaired? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Saturn SW2 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
Why do the tires on my SW2 keep losing air? Possible reasons for your SW2 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Saturn SW2? It's important to consider replacing your SW2 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”.

1997 Saturn SW2 Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Saturn SW2's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1997 Saturn SW2 repairs.