Frequently Asked Tire Leak Questions

How can I check my tires for wear problems?

Tires often give their owners signs of problems in plenty of time to have them corrected. Learn to "read" these early warning signs and you can prevent many wear problems that shorten tire life by thousands of miles. Here are some of the most common problems.

How much air should I put in my tires?

Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in your owner's manual, posted on the edge of the driver's door, on a door post or on the inside of the glovebox door. Always check inflation when tires are COLD: when the vehicle has been driven less than a mile or one hour or more after driving. Use a good quality tire gauge. Note: It's natural for radial tires to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Check or adjust inflation every few weeks, before any long trip or if traveling with a heavy load. And don't forget to check the spare. Your Gemini Automotive Service provider can answer any questions you may have about tire inflation.

Is it safe to repair a flat tire?

If a tire loses all or most of its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it's not damaged. Tires that are run even short distances while flat are often damaged beyond repair. Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts up to 1/4 inch -- confined to the tread -- may be satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using industry-approved methods. Don't repair tires with tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch, or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tires which are worn below 1/16 inch tread depth. Your best bet is to make sure your spare tire is always ready to do the job. Check it regularly for proper air pressure and be sure that it is in good shape. If your car is equipped with one of the several types of temporary spares, be sure to check the spare tire's sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed, and mileage limitations. Visit your local Gemini Automotive Care provider for expert tire repair.

My tire has gone flat. Is this covered by my Goodyear Limited Warranty?

Due to the variety of causes for air loss, this question can only be answered by an authorized Gemini Automotive Service retailer.

Some common causes of sudden or slow air loss:

• Road hazard injuries (punctures, cuts, impact damage to the liner, ply material or sidewall rubber).
• Valve stem or valve core leakage (damaged or aged rubber stem or a loose or damaged valve core).
• Leaking from the bead seating area (corrosive buildup on the wheels which prevents a proper seal between the wheel flange and the tire beads, bead seating area damage from accidental mounting or dismounting injury, foreign material between the rim flange area and the tire bead seating area, bent rim flange).