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

Will a temporary sealant 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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 2023 Ford Explorer is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who repairs Ford Explorer tires?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Ford Explorer tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

What is causing the tires on my Explorer to keep losing air?

If your Explorer tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

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

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.

2023 Ford Explorer Flat Tire Repair Service

Get Ford Tire Repair

Shop for Ford Explorer Tires

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

Shop Tires

Get Your Ford Explorer Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. 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. If the road has been rough on your 2023 Ford Explorer tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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. To start, we’ll consider the location of tire damage, the type of issue, the size and scope of the damage, and the amount of wear on your tires.

If your 2023 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) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Tire Replacement for Your Ford Explorer

Not all 2023 Ford Explorer tire damage can be 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; 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.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Ford's recommendation. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Ford Explorer?

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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 2023 Ford Explorer.

Frequently Asked Ford Explorer 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 Explorer until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 2023 Ford Explorer is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who repairs Ford Explorer tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Ford Explorer tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What is causing the tires on my Explorer to keep losing air? If your Explorer tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Ford Explorer? 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.

Get the Repairs Your 2023 Ford Explorer Needs

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 2023 Ford Explorer repairs.