How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

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 Escort 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 Ford's flat tire?

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

Where can I get my Ford Escort tires repaired?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford Escort tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

Why do the tires on my Escort keep losing air?

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

Is it necessary to replace all four Ford Escort tires at once?

It's important to consider replacing your Escort 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”.

1996 Ford Escort Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your Ford Escort Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1996 Ford Escort needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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 1996 Ford Escort tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Tire Replacement for Your Ford Escort

Unfortunately, some 1996 Ford Escort tire damage can’t be effectively 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). 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 a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Ford recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. 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. 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.

Ford Escort Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1996 Ford Escort in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Ford Escort Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? 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 Escort 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 Ford's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford Escort 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 Escort 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.
Where can I get my Ford Escort tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford Escort tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do the tires on my Escort keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Escort tires continuously losing air.
Is it necessary to replace all four Ford Escort tires at once? It's important to consider replacing your Escort 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”.

Repair Services for Your 1996 Ford Escort

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford Escort's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1996 Ford Escort repairs.