A flat can be very inconvenient, especially if it happens far from home. Fortunately, it’s a problem that can be easily fixed, and you’ll be on your way again in no time. As your Ford dealer, we’d like to tell you how to change a tire like a pro.
Park Safely
Changing a tire takes a lot of attention, so you must choose a safe place to change the tire. You’ll need a relatively flat area that’s as far from other moving vehicles as possible. Sometimes you might not be lucky, and you have to change a tire on the side of the road. In these circumstances, open your hood, switch on your indicator lights, and position any warning signs you have behind your car so other drivers can see you’re stationary.
Gather Your Tools
Changing a tire requires only a few tools, and they will usually be located in your trunk. You’ll need the spare, a jack, and a lug wrench or tire iron. If you’re not sure where they are, your car manual will give their location. We recommend purchasing these as soon as possible for any future mishaps if your vehicle does not already come equipped with these tools. If you currently have a flat tire and do not have a spare and/or the necessary tools, call your warranty or insurance provider’s Emergency Roadside Assistance or contact a towing service company that offers tire repair in your area.
Loosen the Tire
Use the lug wrench or tire iron to loosen the lugs on the flat tire. You may need to use force to turn them, as they must be extremely tight to keep your tire in place. Don’t completely remove the lugs. Loosen them enough so they can easily be turned by hand.
Jack Your Ford
Take a look underneath your Ford for a flat metal area. There are several areas like these underneath your car, and they’re designed as a reinforced position for placing a jack. You can also find the location of these areas marked in your car manual. Once you’ve found a suitable position, place the jack and use it to lift your car off the ground until the flat touches the ground.
Replace the Tire
Unscrew the lugs, remove the flat, and then position the new tire over the lug holes. Once the holes on the tire line up with the lug holes, screw the lugs into position and tighten them by hand.
Lower Your Car
It’s now time to lower your car. Once all four tires are on the ground, use the lug wrench or tire iron to tighten the lugs on the replacement tire as securely as possible.
Time To Leave
Once the spare is securely in place, pack the flat, jack, and lug wrench back in their positions, and you’re ready to drive away.
Now you know how to change a flat! Once you’re back on the road, visit our service department at Bommarito Automotive Group so we can check your tire lugs are securely in place. We can also supply you with a replacement tire if necessary.
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