Driving with a flat tire can be hazardous and damage your wheels. Some indicators of a flat tire include a loud noise, thumping, vibration, your vehicle pulling to one side, or a tire pressure warning light on your dashboard. If you notice any of these signs, pull over immediately to a safe spot, preferably a level, stable surface away from traffic.
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools on hand. These include a jack, lug wrench, wheel wedges, and a fully inflated spare tire. Your Ford vehicle’s manual will provide details on where you can find these tools in your vehicle and the specific types suitable for your model.
Wheel wedges are used to prevent your car from moving while you’re working on it. Place these in front of the front wheels if you’re changing a rear tire, and behind the rear wheels if you’re changing a front tire.
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise until you feel the lug nuts have loosened. Do not remove them entirely yet.
Position the jack under the vehicle, using your Ford owner’s manual for specific positioning. Once in place, start cranking the jack until the flat tire is off the ground.
Now, you can remove the lug nuts completely. Take off the flat tire by pulling it straight towards you. Set it aside in a location where it won’t roll away.
Position the spare tire on the hub, align it with the lug bolts, and push it all the way in. Put the lug nuts back on by hand at first, then use the lug wrench to tighten them but do not fully tighten them yet.
Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack, ensuring the car is stable. Once on the ground, you can now fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
It’s important to check the tire pressure in the spare tire as soon as possible. Spare tires often require a higher pressure than regular tires, so refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct pressure.
After replacing a flat tire, it’s always recommended to visit a professional tire service. Spare tires aren’t meant for long-distance or high-speed driving. You’ll need to have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
A flat tire is a common issue that can happen at any time. Being prepared and knowing how to replace a flat tire on your Ford vehicle can save you time and stress. Remember to always drive safely, monitor your tire pressures regularly, and don’t delay in seeking professional help after using your spare tire.
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