Can I drive my Volkswagen on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Golf engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Volkswagen's tires?

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.

How long can I drive my Volkswagen on a spare tire?

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Who can repair Volkswagen Golf tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Volkswagen Golf tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.

What can cause Golf tires to keep losing air?

Your Golf tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

Do I have to replace all four Volkswagen Golf tires at the same time?

While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Golf, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

1996 Volkswagen Golf Tire Repair Services

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

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Volkswagen Golf Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1996 Volkswagen Golf needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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. We’ll begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If your 1996 Volkswagen Golf tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix 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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Volkswagen Golf Tire Replacement

Not all 1996 Volkswagen Golf tire damage can be 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. 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 with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Volkswagen’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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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. Still not sure how many tires to replace or what kind to buy? A trained tire technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care is ready and waiting to answer your questions.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Volkswagen Golf?

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. Bring your 1996 Volkswagen Golf in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Volkswagen Golf Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Volkswagen on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Golf engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Volkswagen's tires? 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.
How long can I drive my Volkswagen on a spare tire? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Who can repair Volkswagen Golf tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Volkswagen Golf tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
What can cause Golf tires to keep losing air? Your Golf tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Do I have to replace all four Volkswagen Golf tires at the same time? While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Golf, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

Get the Repairs Your 1996 Volkswagen Golf Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Volkswagen Golf's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1996 Volkswagen Golf repairs.