The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1997 Ford Thunderbird is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. 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 your 1997 Ford Thunderbird tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.
Unfortunately, some 1997 Ford Thunderbird tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and major cuts or separated treads.
Depending on what Ford recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. 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. 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.
A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
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 1997 Ford Thunderbird repairs.