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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1989 Ford Thunderbird 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 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 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.

1989 Ford Thunderbird Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your Ford Thunderbird Tire

Cities are growing. 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. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1989 Ford Thunderbird needs flat tire repair or inspection. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix 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) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Ford Thunderbird Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 1989 Ford Thunderbird tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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). At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. Some tire issues are easy and straightforward to repair, but other kinds of tire damage can’t be properly repaired. Tire damage that can’t be repaired effectively include a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; 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 major cuts or separated treads.

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. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird in for a tire inspection.

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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1989 Ford Thunderbird 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 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 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.

1989 Ford Thunderbird Repair

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 1989 Ford Thunderbird repairs.