The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Urban areas are booming. 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 1988 Ford E-350 Econoline is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 1988 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) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.
Unfortunately, some 1988 Ford E-350 Econoline tire damage can’t be effectively 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 puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.
When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Ford’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. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.
A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1988 Ford E-350 Econoline.
Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford E-350 Econoline's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1988 Ford E-350 Econoline repairs.