1988 Ford F-150 Flat Tire Repair Service

Quick and Convenient Ford F-150 Tire Service

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Ford F-150 at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

Repairing Your Ford F-150 Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1988 Ford F-150 is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 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 we determine that your 1988 Ford F-150 tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your Ford F-150

Not all 1988 Ford F-150 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 puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Ford's recommendation. 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. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Ford F-150

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1988 Ford F-150 in for a tire inspection.

Ford F-150 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 F-150 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? A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.
  • How long can I drive my Ford on a spare tire? 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 F-150 tires repaired? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Ford F-150 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
  • What can cause F-150 tires to keep losing air? If your F-150 tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
  • Do all four tires on a Ford F-150 have to be replaced at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your F-150 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”.

1988 Ford F-150 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 F-150, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1988 Ford F-150 repairs.