How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

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 LTD 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.

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 LTD tires repaired?

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

Why do the tires on my LTD keep losing air?

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

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

When replacing the tires on your LTD, 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.

Tire Repair for Your 1986 Ford LTD

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

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Repairing Your Ford LTD Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. 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. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1986 Ford LTD needs flat tire repair or inspection. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. 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 1986 Ford LTD tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Ford LTD Tire Replacement

Not all 1986 Ford LTD tire damage can be 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 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.

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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Ford LTD?

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1986 Ford LTD in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Ford LTD Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? 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 LTD 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.
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 LTD tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford LTD tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do the tires on my LTD keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your LTD tires continuously losing air.
Do all four tires on a Ford LTD have to be replaced at the same time? When replacing the tires on your LTD, 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.

Repair Services for Your 1986 Ford LTD

Your Ford LTD runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1986 Ford LTD repairs below.