Tire Repair for Your 1988 Ford F-350

Shop for Ford F-350 Tires

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.

Ford F-350 Tire Repair

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If the road has been rough on your 1988 Ford F-350 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 a repair on your 1988 Ford F-350 tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Ford F-350 Tire Replacement

Not all 1988 Ford F-350 tire damage can be repaired. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must 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); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and major cuts or separated treads.

Depending on what Ford recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. 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. 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 F-350?

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1988 Ford F-350 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Ford F-350 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-350 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
  • Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Ford's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford F-350 to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.
  • What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1988 Ford F-350 may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.
  • Where can I get my Ford F-350 tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford F-350 tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
  • What can cause F-350 tires to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your F-350 tires continuously losing air.
  • Can I replace just one or two tires on my Ford F-350? It's important to consider replacing your F-350 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-350 Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford F-350's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1988 Ford F-350 repairs.