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

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Thunderbird engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Ford's flat tire?

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.

How long can I drive my Ford on a spare tire?

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 1987 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Ford Thunderbird tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.

What is causing the tires on my Thunderbird to keep losing air?

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

Do I have to replace all four Ford Thunderbird tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your Thunderbird 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”.

1987 Ford Thunderbird Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your Ford Thunderbird Tire

Urban areas are booming. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1987 Ford Thunderbird 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. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If we determine that your 1987 Ford Thunderbird tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for Ford Thunderbird Tire Replacement?

Not all 1987 Ford Thunderbird tire damage can be repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must 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 with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; 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. 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. 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 Thunderbird

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1987 Ford Thunderbird in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Ford's flat tire? 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.
How long can I drive my Ford on a spare tire? 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 1987 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Ford Thunderbird tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
What is causing the tires on my Thunderbird to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Thunderbird tires continuously losing air.
Do I have to replace all four Ford Thunderbird tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your Thunderbird 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 1987 Ford Thunderbird Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford Thunderbird's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1987 Ford Thunderbird repairs.