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 Vanagon 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?

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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon 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.

Who can repair Volkswagen Vanagon tires?

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

What can cause Vanagon tires to keep losing air?

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

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

It's important to consider replacing your Vanagon 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”.

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Flat Tire Repair Service

Get Volkswagen Tire Repair

Shop for Volkswagen Vanagon Tires

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

Shop Tires

Repairing Your Volkswagen Vanagon Tire

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. It seems construction is everywhere these days! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon 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 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon tire puncture can be repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Tire Replacement for Your Volkswagen Vanagon

Sometimes, 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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 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 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. 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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Volkswagen Vanagon?

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Bent tire rims, bulging tire sidewalls, leaks under your car, or noise from your exhaust system can all point to tire-related damage that should be addressed quickly. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon.

Volkswagen Vanagon 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 Vanagon 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? 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon 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.
Who can repair Volkswagen Vanagon tires? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Volkswagen Vanagon tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What can cause Vanagon tires to keep losing air? If your Vanagon tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Do I have to replace all four Volkswagen Vanagon tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your Vanagon 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”.

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Volkswagen Vanagon's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon repairs.