What happens if I drive my Ford on a flat tire?

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 Ranger as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford Ranger 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?

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 1986 Ford Ranger is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who can repair Ford Ranger tires?

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

What can cause Ranger tires to keep losing air?

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

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

Replacing all four tires on your Ranger is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 1986 Ford Ranger

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Quick and Convenient Ford Ranger Tire Service

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

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Ford Ranger Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If the road has been rough on your 1986 Ford Ranger 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 start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 1986 Ford Ranger tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (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.

When Is It Time for Ford Ranger Tire Replacement?

Sometimes, 1986 Ford Ranger tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like 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 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 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Ford Ranger?

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. Bring your 1986 Ford Ranger in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Ford Ranger Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Ford on a flat tire? 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 Ranger as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford Ranger 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? 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 1986 Ford Ranger is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who can repair Ford Ranger tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Ford Ranger tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What can cause Ranger tires to keep losing air? If your Ranger tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Do all four tires on a Ford Ranger have to be replaced at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your Ranger is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Get the Repairs Your 1986 Ford Ranger Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford Ranger's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1986 Ford Ranger repairs.