How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

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!

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to 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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 2003 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 repairs 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?

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

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

It's important to consider replacing your Ranger 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”.

Tire Repair for Your 2003 Ford Ranger

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Shop for Ford Ranger Tires

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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Get Your Ford Ranger Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. Roads are expanding. There's construction around every corner! 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 2003 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 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 2003 Ford Ranger tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for Ford Ranger Tire Replacement?

Sometimes, 2003 Ford Ranger tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch 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.

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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Ford Ranger

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! 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 2003 Ford Ranger in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Ford Ranger Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? 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!
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 2003 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 repairs 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? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Ranger tires continuously losing air.
Do all four tires on a Ford Ranger have to be replaced at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your Ranger 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”.

Get the Repairs Your 2003 Ford Ranger Needs

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your Ford Ranger, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 2003 Ford Ranger repairs.