Tire Repair for Your 1996 Ford Thunderbird

Shop for Ford Thunderbird Tires

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Ford Thunderbird at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1996 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 a repair on your 1996 Ford Thunderbird tire is feasible and safe, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Tire Replacement for Your Ford Thunderbird

Unfortunately, some 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to 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); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Ford Thunderbird Tire Inspection

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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. Bring your 1996 Ford Thunderbird in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

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.
  • Will a temporary sealant fix my Ford's flat tire? 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 carry out most Ford Thunderbird tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
  • Why do the tires on my Thunderbird keep losing air? Your Thunderbird tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
  • Do I have to replace all four Ford Thunderbird tires at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your Thunderbird 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1996 Ford Thunderbird repairs.