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 Escort until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires?

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Where can I get my Ford Escort tires repaired?

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

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.

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

While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Escort, 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 1998 Ford Escort

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Get Tires for Your Ford Escort

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Ford Escort at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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Get Your Ford Escort Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! 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 1998 Ford Escort needs flat tire repair or inspection. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If we determine that your 1998 Ford Escort tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

When Is It Time for Ford Escort Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1998 Ford Escort tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and major cuts or separated treads.

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. 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. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Ford Escort Tire Inspection

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1998 Ford Escort in for a tire inspection.

Ford Escort 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 Escort until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Where can I get my Ford Escort tires repaired? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Ford Escort tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
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.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Ford Escort? While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Escort, 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.

Repair Services for Your 1998 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 1998 Ford Escort repairs.