How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your Thunderbird until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires?

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.

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

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 2003 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.

Why do my Thunderbird tires 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?

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.

2003 Ford Thunderbird Flat Tire Repair Service

Get Ford Tire Repair

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.

Shop Tires

Repairing Your Ford Thunderbird Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 2003 Ford Thunderbird is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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. 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 2003 Ford Thunderbird tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (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) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Ford Thunderbird Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 2003 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

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. 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

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 2003 Ford Thunderbird in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Ford Thunderbird Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your Thunderbird until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Ford's tires? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? 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 2003 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.
Why do my Thunderbird tires 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? 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 2003 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 2003 Ford Thunderbird repairs below.