Can I drive my Ford 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 Contour until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Ford's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford Contour 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.

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

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 Ford Contour 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 offers Ford Contour tire repair?

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

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

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Contour tires continuously losing air.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my Ford Contour?

While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Contour, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

Tire Repair for Your 1996 Ford Contour

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Ford Contour Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1996 Ford Contour is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If your 1996 Ford Contour tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for Ford Contour Tire Replacement?

Not all 1996 Ford Contour tire damage can be 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). 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 that lies outside the tire tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and major cuts or separated treads.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Ford'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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Ford Contour?

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 1996 Ford Contour.

Frequently Asked Ford Contour Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Ford 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 Contour until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Ford's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford Contour 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 Ford Contour 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 offers Ford Contour tire repair? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Ford Contour tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What is causing the tires on my Contour to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Contour tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Ford Contour? While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Contour, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

1996 Ford Contour Repair

Your Ford Contour runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1996 Ford Contour repairs below.