What happens if I drive my Volkswagen on a flat tire?

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your GTI as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Volkswagen'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?

While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 2014 Volkswagen GTI is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who repairs Volkswagen GTI tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Volkswagen GTI tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

What is causing the tires on my GTI to keep losing air?

If your GTI tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my Volkswagen GTI?

Replacing all four tires on your GTI is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

2014 Volkswagen GTI Flat Tire Repair Service

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Get Tires for Your Volkswagen GTI

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

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Repairing Your Volkswagen GTI Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. If your 2014 Volkswagen GTI is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 2014 Volkswagen GTI 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) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for Volkswagen GTI Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 2014 Volkswagen GTI 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. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Volkswagen's recommendation. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Volkswagen GTI

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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 2014 Volkswagen GTI.

Frequently Asked Volkswagen GTI Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Volkswagen on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your GTI as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Volkswagen'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? While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 2014 Volkswagen GTI is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who repairs Volkswagen GTI tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Volkswagen GTI tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my GTI to keep losing air? If your GTI tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Volkswagen GTI? Replacing all four tires on your GTI is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Get the Repairs Your 2014 Volkswagen GTI Needs

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 2014 Volkswagen GTI repairs.