If you have ever gotten a flat tire, you may remember how frustrating and scary it can feel. Being stranded on the side of a road, maybe outside the Springfield, TN area, can feel isolating. Luckily, your Ford has a spare tire, and you can quickly get back on the road.
Well, the only challenge that exists for most people at this point is changing the tire. If that describes you, then rest assured, you are in good hands. We've put together a little guide to help you fix that flat tire and get back on the road.
So, here is a short how-to guide for changing your Ford's tire.
Locate the Spare
Surprisingly, most new cars on the market do not come with a spare tire. Instead, they come with a tire patch kit, which is less than ideal for repairing something on the side of the road.
So, the first step in changing a tire is locating the spare tire. In the trunk of your Ford vehicle, usually under the floor, is a spare tire. Some models have had them bolted under the back of the car, but you will usually find them in the rear of the vehicle.
Locate the Jack
After finding the spare tire, you must locate the tools needed to complete the job. You should have a tire iron and scissor jack provided by Ford. If you do not, make sure to buy one if you are on the road, outside the Nashville area.
The jack will help you to lift the vehicle off its deflated tire. And the tools will help you to remove the bolts from the wheel. However, when applying the jack to the vehicle, it is important to place it on a spot that will not crumble under the car's weight.
For example, make sure that your jack stand is placed under the frame of your Ford vehicle. The frame can carry the car's weight and putting it anywhere else can be extremely dangerous. The last thing you want is for an issue to happen far away from home, with no one to help you outside the White House, TN area.
Using the Tools
After locating your spare and tools, it is time to start changing your tire. Place your jack under the frame of the car and start jacking it up. Stop before the pressure has been taken completely off your spare tire.
Next, you want to loosen the nuts holding your flat tire onto the car. Once the bolts are loose, then you can continue jacking the car up off the ground. If you do not loosen the lug nuts first, then you may have a hard time keeping the wheel still while it is suspended in the air on the jack.
After you have your lug nuts are loose and the tire suspended above the ground, go ahead and remove them all from the car. At this point, you should be left with a flat tire in your hands, separated from your Ford vehicle.
Remove and replace the flat tire with the spare located in the rear of the vehicle.
Finish It
After you remove the flat tire, place the spare tire onto the vehicle. Once you have lined the new tire up and it sits on the car, start threading the lug nuts back on by hand until mostly tight.
Once you have done that, start lowering your vehicle to the ground. Use your tools to tighten the bolts, and make sure not to tighten them too much.
However, if you are going on a trip out of the Springfield, TN area, allow our master mechanics to service your Ford before you go. A thorough inspection can help prevent issues like this from happening altogether.
Visit Tracy Langston Ford Today!
For more information, make your way to Tracy Langston Ford to learn more. Be sure to check out our service center, parts center, tire care advice, and available service coupons.