Tire Repair for Your 1996 Mercury Cougar
Get Mercury Tire Repair
Get Tires for Your Mercury Cougar
Keep your car in its best shape from the bottom up. Shop for tires today, then schedule a fast, easy installation appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Mercury Cougar Tire Repair
Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1996 Mercury Cougar 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 we determine that your 1996 Mercury Cougar tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (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.
When Is It Time for Mercury Cougar Tire Replacement?
Not all 1996 Mercury Cougar tire damage can be 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. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like 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); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and major cuts or separated treads.
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. If you can replace your damaged tire with the same type, brand, and size as the others, you may be able to save costs and only purchase one replacement. 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 Mercury Cougar?
A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1996 Mercury Cougar.
Mercury Cougar Tire Repair Questions
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What happens if I drive my Mercury on a flat tire? 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 Cougar until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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Is temporary sealant bad for my Mercury'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.
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What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 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.
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Who repairs Mercury Cougar tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Mercury Cougar tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
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Why do my Cougar tires keep losing air? Your Cougar tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
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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”.
1996 Mercury Cougar Repair
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 1996 Mercury Cougar repairs.
