How to Change a Flat Tire | Driver How-To | Ford

Get a fast and easy primer on changing a flat tire from Unbox Therapy’s Lewis Hilsenteger.

If you haven’t had a flat tire yet, consider yourself lucky—but you can’t rely on luck forever. Most vehicles get a flat sooner or later, so it’s important to be prepared. If you are watching this video roadside, please make sure you are far away from the road and out of harm’s way. Your safety is our main concern.

Before starting, you’ll need a tire jack, a tire wrench, and a spare tire. All of these items should already be located in your vehicle’s trunk, but check your owner’s manual to be sure.

Tires degrade over time depending on many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, etc.) the tires experience throughout their lives. In general, Ford Motor Company recommends tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread wear. You should replace your spare tire when you replace the road tires or after six years due to aging even if it has not been used. It may be time for new tires if they are more than six years old, or if you notice any of the following signs:

• The tread has worn down to less than 3/32"
• Bulges, blisters, or bubbles
• Cracking in the tread grooves
• Punctures, cuts, snags, or separation in tire tread, shoulder, or sidewall
• Sudden loss of tire pressure
• Poor handling or traction on slippery surfaces
• Pulling to one side while driving
• Sudden vibration while driving
• Tires that have been driven while flat