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?

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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 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.

Where can I get my Mercury Cougar tires repaired?

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.

What can cause Cougar tires to keep losing air?

If your Cougar tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Is it necessary to replace all four Mercury Cougar tires at once?

When replacing the tires on your Cougar, 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.

1997 Mercury Cougar Tire Repair Services

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Mercury Cougar Tire Repair

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! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1997 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 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 1997 Mercury Cougar tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (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.

When Is It Time for Mercury Cougar Tire Replacement?

Not all 1997 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes 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 cuts or tread separation.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Mercury's recommendation. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. 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.

Mercury Cougar Tire Inspection

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1997 Mercury Cougar in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

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? 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 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.
Where can I get my Mercury Cougar tires repaired? 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.
What can cause Cougar tires to keep losing air? If your Cougar tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Is it necessary to replace all four Mercury Cougar tires at once? When replacing the tires on your Cougar, 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.

1997 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 1997 Mercury Cougar repairs.