What happens if I drive my Ford on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Explorer Sport Trac engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

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

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?

While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Where can I get my Ford Explorer Sport Trac tires repaired?

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

What can cause Explorer Sport Trac tires to keep losing air?

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

Do all four tires on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac have to be replaced at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your Explorer Sport Trac 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”.

2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Tire Repair Services

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Get Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If the road has been rough on your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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 a repair on your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac tire is feasible and safe, 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 Explorer Sport Trac Tire Replacement?

Not all 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 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). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to 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 puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); 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. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Ford Explorer Sport Trac Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Ford on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Explorer Sport Trac engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Ford's flat tire? 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? While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Where can I get my Ford Explorer Sport Trac tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford Explorer Sport Trac tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What can cause Explorer Sport Trac tires to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Explorer Sport Trac tires continuously losing air.
Do all four tires on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac have to be replaced at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your Explorer Sport Trac 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”.

2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Repair

Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac repairs below.