Image via Ford.com
Fords although incredibly reliable and helpful cars do occasionally get flats, especially if the tires are not properly maintained. That is why we have created this handy guide to help you in case of a flat on the road.
Get to a safe spot on the road
When you do notice that your tire is flat don’t immediately pull over, especially If you are on the highway. You may damage your rims but you will be in a much safer position to change your tire or call for help and you will be out of traffic thereby further reducing the risk.
Call for Assistance(If Available)
You may know your way around a car, but even if you do, getting a tow is probably the safest option. Most spare tires are only rated for approximately 50mph for 50 miles. So if you can afford it call for help and get a tow, there is no need to risk being stuck on the side of the road trying to change a tire in the middle of nowhere if you can avoid it.
How to actually change the tire
If your car comes with a spare tire most likely it will come with a collapsible jack and the tools to remove and replace the tire. Usually it will also come with instructions, follow these closely. If not look for the jack point under the car and engage the emergency brake. Once you have found the jack point, and the emergency brake is engaged firmly, place the jack under that jack point and then use the crank to expand the jack and lift the car.
Once the car is lifted you will use the lug key, which is an unusual attachment to the lug wrench or something similar that came with the car to remove the tire, once the tire is removed you will then lift the spare tire onto the bolts and then re attach the lug nuts and screw them on with the lug wrench turning them each a little bit in a star pattern, repeat this process until the tire is firmly attached. Then slowly crank down the jack and remove it storing the original tire and jack in your trunk.
Safety Before hand
At Pat Milliken Ford we believe it is important that we take car of problems before they become problems that is why we recommend stopping by our service center to make sure that your car including your tires are ready to go before you leave.
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