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 F-150 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Will a temporary sealant 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.

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 1997 Ford F-150 is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who offers Ford F-150 tire repair?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Ford F-150 tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

What is causing the tires on my F-150 to keep losing air?

Your F-150 tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

Is it necessary to replace all four Ford F-150 tires at once?

When replacing the tires on your F-150, 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.

1997 Ford F-150 Flat Tire Repair Service

Get Ford Tire Repair

Get Tires for Your Ford F-150

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Shop Tires

Repairing Your Ford F-150 Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! 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 1997 Ford F-150 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 1997 Ford F-150 tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Ford F-150 Tire Replacement

Not all 1997 Ford F-150 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). Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

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. 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. Still not sure how many tires to replace or what kind to buy? A trained tire technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care is ready and waiting to answer your questions.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Ford F-150

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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 1997 Ford F-150 in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Ford F-150 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 F-150 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant 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.
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 1997 Ford F-150 is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who offers Ford F-150 tire repair? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Ford F-150 tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What is causing the tires on my F-150 to keep losing air? Your F-150 tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Is it necessary to replace all four Ford F-150 tires at once? When replacing the tires on your F-150, 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.

1997 Ford F-150 Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford F-150's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1997 Ford F-150 repairs.