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.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires?

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

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

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.

Who can repair Ford Thunderbird tires?

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

Why do the tires on my Thunderbird keep losing air?

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

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

When replacing the tires on your Thunderbird, 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.

1988 Ford Thunderbird Tire Repair Services

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Get Tires for Your Ford Thunderbird

Keep your car in its best shape from the bottom up. Shop for tires today, then schedule a fast, easy installation appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Get Your Ford Thunderbird Tire Repaired

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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. 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 a repair on your 1988 Ford Thunderbird tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (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.

Tire Replacement for Your Ford Thunderbird

Not all 1988 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 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.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Ford’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. 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.

Ford Thunderbird Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1988 Ford Thunderbird.

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.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Ford Thunderbird 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? 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.
Who can repair Ford Thunderbird tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Ford Thunderbird tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do the tires on my Thunderbird keep losing air? If your Thunderbird tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Do all four tires on a Ford Thunderbird have to be replaced at the same time? When replacing the tires on your Thunderbird, 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird

Your Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird repairs below.