How To Change Ford Tires

Changing a flat tire on your Ford vehicle is a key skill for every car owner. While it’s always a good idea to leave tire changes to professionals, knowing how to change Ford tires in an emergency can save time and prevent further damage to your car. This guide will walk you through the process of safely replacing a tire on your Ford, ensuring you are prepared for any situation on the road.

Preparing for the Tire Change

Before beginning the tire change process, gather all necessary tools and supplies. A properly stocked vehicle emergency kit is key. Most Fords come with a basic tire-changing kit that includes a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire, though some models may have different configurations. Make sure the spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated before you begin.

Safety First

Safety is paramount when changing any tire, including Ford tires. The first step is to pull over to a safe, flat area, away from traffic. If you’re on the highway, turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or road flares to alert other drivers. Apply the parking brake to prevent the car from moving, and place a heavy object like a rock or brick behind one of the rear tires for extra stability.

Loosening the Lug Nuts

Once the car is secure, retrieve your lug wrench and begin loosening the lug nuts on the flat tire. It’s important to remember not to remove the lug nuts entirely at this point, but instead, break the initial resistance while the vehicle is still on the ground. Turning the lug nuts counterclockwise is the typical direction for loosening, though it’s always advisable to check your Ford’s manual for specific instructions. If the lug nuts are particularly tight, applying more force might be necessary, but always do so with caution.

Lifting the Vehicle

Next, position the jack under the vehicle at the recommended jacking point, which can be found in your owner’s manual. Make sure the jack is perpendicular to the ground and that it is stable. Begin raising the car slowly by turning the jack handle. Keep an eye on the vehicle as it lifts to ensure it’s steady and level. The goal is to lift the car high enough so the flat tire is completely off the ground, allowing you to remove and replace it without obstruction.

Removing the Flat Tire

Once the vehicle is lifted, proceed to remove the loosened lug nuts. Set them aside in a safe spot, as you will need them to secure the new tire. Carefully remove the flat tire from the wheel hub by pulling it toward you. If the tire is stuck, tap it gently with a rubber mallet to loosen any dirt or rust that may be causing resistance.

Installing the Spare Tire

Now it’s time to install the spare tire. Align the holes in the tire with the bolts on the wheel hub, and slide the spare onto the wheel hub. Once it is securely in place, replace the lug nuts onto the bolts by hand, tightening them as much as possible before using the lug wrench.

Tightening the Lug Nuts

Before lowering the car, tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Use the lug wrench to tighten each lug nut securely, but avoid over-tightening, as this can cause damage to the threads. Once all the nuts are securely fastened, lower the vehicle back down slowly with the jack. After the car is back on the ground, perform a final check to make sure the lug nuts are tightened properly.

Storing the Tools and Checking Tire Pressure

Once you’ve successfully replaced the flat tire, store the tools and the flat tire in your trunk. Don’t forget to check the air pressure in the spare tire before driving, as a low-pressure spare can lead to further complications.

If the flat tire was due to a puncture or other damage, it’s best to have it professionally repaired or replaced as soon as possible. While the spare tire may be good for short-term use, it is not designed for long-term driving.

Learning how to change Ford tires is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires proper knowledge, tools, and safety precautions. While it’s always recommended to have professional Ford vehicle services, knowing the basics can be invaluable in an emergency. Following the steps above will help ensure you can safely and effectively change your Ford’s tires when needed, minimizing risk and getting you back on the road quickly.