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 Passat 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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 1998 Volkswagen Passat is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Where can I get my Volkswagen Passat tires repaired?

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

What can cause Passat tires to keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your Passat 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 Passat?

Replacing all four tires on your Passat 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”.

1998 Volkswagen Passat Flat Tire Repair Service

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Volkswagen Passat Tire Repair

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. 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 1998 Volkswagen Passat 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 we determine that your 1998 Volkswagen Passat tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (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.

Volkswagen Passat Tire Replacement

Not all 1998 Volkswagen Passat tire damage can be repaired. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must 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 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); a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Volkswagen’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. 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. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Volkswagen Passat

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. Bring your 1998 Volkswagen Passat in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 1998 Volkswagen Passat is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Where can I get my Volkswagen Passat tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Volkswagen Passat tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What can cause Passat tires to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Passat 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 Passat? Replacing all four tires on your Passat 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”.

1998 Volkswagen Passat Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Volkswagen Passat's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1998 Volkswagen Passat repairs.