Ford Service Tips: How to Change a Flat Tire

Although we’ll inspect your tires at every Ford service appointment, sometimes drivers have to deal with a flat tire between visits to our dealership. Most of us have run over a nail or another object that can puncture a tire — and, albeit annoying, a flat tire doesn’t have to ruin your day. Here are some tips on changing a flat from the pros at Ford of Cookeville.

Signs You Have a Flat Tire

You might notice a deflated tire when you approach your vehicle. However, if the tire is damaged while you’re driving, you’ll likely notice your car pulling to one side and hear a flapping sound. The tire pressure light on your dashboard will also illuminate when one of your tires has gone flat.

Steps to Changing a Tire

There are several steps to changing a tire:

• Pull over or park in a safe place away from traffic.
• Locate your spare tire, jack, and tire iron or lug wrench.
• Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel or hubcap using your lug wrench.
• Place the jack under your vehicle’s frame and raise it until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.
• Remove the loosened lug nuts, put them in a safe place, and take the tire off the wheel. Put the flat tire inside your vehicle so it doesn’t roll away.
• Put the spare tire onto the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the jack and use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts.

Once you’ve changed your flat tire, head over to our Ford service facility for a repair or a brand-new tire — or a full set!

Let Our Ford Service Experts in Cookeville, TN Keep Your Tires Rolling Smoothly

If you have to change a flat tire, it’s important not to drive on your spare for too long. Come by our Cookeville, TN Ford dealership right away for a tire replacement service. We’ll get you back on the road as quickly as possible!