1988 Ford Ranger Tire Repair Services

Shop for Ford Ranger 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.

Repairing Your Ford Ranger Tire

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1988 Ford Ranger needs flat tire repair or inspection. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 your 1988 Ford Ranger tire puncture can be 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) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Ford Ranger Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1988 Ford Ranger tire damage can’t be effectively 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1988 Ford Ranger in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Ford Ranger Tire Repair Questions

  • What happens if I drive my Ford on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Ranger engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
  • Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires? 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.
  • Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1988 Ford Ranger 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.
  • Who repairs Ford Ranger tires? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Ford Ranger tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
  • What is causing the tires on my Ranger to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Ranger tires continuously losing air.
  • Can I replace just one or two tires on my Ford Ranger? 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 1988 Ford Ranger Needs

Your Ford Ranger runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1988 Ford Ranger repairs below.