Tire Repair for Your 1985 Ford E-350 Econoline

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1985 Ford E-350 Econoline 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 begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If a repair on your 1985 Ford E-350 Econoline tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (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.

Not all 1985 Ford E-350 Econoline 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 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 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. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. 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.

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1985 Ford E-350 Econoline in for a tire inspection.