Can I drive my Volkswagen 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 GTI until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Volkswagen GTI to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.

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

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI tires repaired?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Volkswagen GTI tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

Why do the tires on my GTI keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI?

When replacing the tires on your GTI, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

2012 Volkswagen GTI Flat Tire Repair Service

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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.

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Get Your Volkswagen GTI Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 2012 Volkswagen GTI is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If your 2012 Volkswagen GTI tire puncture can be repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your Volkswagen GTI

Unfortunately, some 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes 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 a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Volkswagen 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.

Volkswagen GTI Tire Inspection

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. Bring your 2012 Volkswagen GTI in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Volkswagen GTI Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Volkswagen 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 GTI until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my Volkswagen's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Volkswagen GTI to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI tires repaired? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Volkswagen GTI tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do the tires on my GTI keep losing air? Possible reasons for your GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI? When replacing the tires on your GTI, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

2012 Volkswagen GTI Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Volkswagen GTI's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 2012 Volkswagen GTI repairs.