Can I drive my Mercury on a flat tire?

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your Cougar as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Mercury'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.

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

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1986 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar tires?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Mercury Cougar tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

What can cause Cougar tires to keep losing air?

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Cougar tires continuously losing air.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my Mercury Cougar?

It's important to consider replacing your Cougar tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 1986 Mercury Cougar

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Mercury Cougar Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1986 Mercury Cougar 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 begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If your 1986 Mercury Cougar tire puncture can be repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (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.

When Is It Time for Mercury Cougar Tire Replacement?

Not all 1986 Mercury Cougar tire damage can be 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). Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 tire with a puncture or damage outside 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 Mercury recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Mercury Cougar

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1986 Mercury Cougar in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Mercury Cougar Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Mercury on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your Cougar as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Mercury'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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1986 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Mercury Cougar tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What can cause Cougar tires to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Cougar tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Mercury Cougar? It's important to consider replacing your Cougar tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

Repair Services for Your 1986 Mercury Cougar

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Mercury Cougar's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1986 Mercury Cougar repairs.