How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

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

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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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.

Who can repair Ford Explorer tires?

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

Why do my Explorer tires keep losing air?

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

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

When replacing the tires on your Explorer, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

2003 Ford Explorer Tire Repair Services

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Repairing Your Ford Explorer Tire

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If the road has been rough on your 2003 Ford Explorer tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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 your 2003 Ford Explorer tire puncture can be repaired, 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) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Tire Replacement for Your Ford Explorer

Unfortunately, some 2003 Ford Explorer 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. 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 tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; 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 example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. 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.

Ford Explorer Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Bent tire rims, bulging tire sidewalls, leaks under your car, or noise from your exhaust system can all point to tire-related damage that should be addressed quickly. Bring your 2003 Ford Explorer in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Ford Explorer Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Explorer engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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.
Who can repair Ford Explorer tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford Explorer tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do my Explorer tires keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Explorer tires continuously losing air.
Do all four tires on a Ford Explorer have to be replaced at the same time? When replacing the tires on your Explorer, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

2003 Ford Explorer Repair

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your Ford Explorer, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 2003 Ford Explorer repairs.