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 Tracer until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Will a temporary sealant 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.

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

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Where can I get my Mercury Tracer tires repaired?

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

What is causing the tires on my Tracer to keep losing air?

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

Do all four tires on a Mercury Tracer have to be replaced at the same time?

Replacing all four tires on your Tracer is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 1996 Mercury Tracer

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It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Mercury Tracer at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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Mercury Tracer Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If the road has been rough on your 1996 Mercury Tracer tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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 we determine that your 1996 Mercury Tracer tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (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 Tracer Tire Replacement?

Not all 1996 Mercury Tracer 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 puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture that lies outside the tire 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.

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. 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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Mercury Tracer?

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1996 Mercury Tracer in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Mercury Tracer Tire Repair Questions

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 Tracer until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Where can I get my Mercury Tracer tires repaired? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Mercury Tracer tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What is causing the tires on my Tracer to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Tracer tires continuously losing air.
Do all four tires on a Mercury Tracer have to be replaced at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your Tracer is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

1996 Mercury Tracer Repair

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your Mercury Tracer, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1996 Mercury Tracer repairs.