1. Safety First!
* Find a safe location: Pull over as far off the road as possible onto a level, stable surface. Avoid soft shoulders or inclines.
* Turn on your hazard lights: This warns other drivers.
* Engage your parking brake: This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Warn others: If possible, have passengers get out of the vehicle and stand away from the road. Consider using warning triangles or flares if you have them.
2. Gather Your Supplies:
* Spare tire: Check its condition and inflation. A significantly underinflated or damaged spare is unsafe.
* Jack: Located in the rear cargo area (usually under the floor panel).
* Lug wrench: Also located in the rear cargo area, usually with the jack.
* Owner's manual: This will have specific instructions and diagrams for your Expedition.
* Gloves (optional): To keep your hands clean.
3. Prepare the Vehicle:
* Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench: Consult your owner's manual if needed.
* Chock the wheels: If on an incline, place a rock or brick behind the wheel opposite the flat to prevent rolling.
4. Loosen the Lug Nuts:
* Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Don't remove them completely yet; just break them free. This is much easier to do before jacking up the vehicle. Turn counter-clockwise.
5. Jack Up the Vehicle:
* Consult your owner's manual for the correct jacking points. The Expedition likely has designated points on the frame near the flat tire. Never jack up the vehicle on the axle, bumper, or suspension components.
* Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. The tire should be high enough to comfortably change the tire without forcing anything.
6. Remove the Flat Tire:
* Unscrew the lug nuts completely and carefully keep them together in a safe place (a hubcap or container).
* Pull the flat tire off the wheel studs. It might be heavy, so be prepared.
7. Install the Spare Tire:
* Align the spare tire with the wheel studs.
* Push the spare tire onto the studs.
* Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
8. Lower the Vehicle:
* Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack.
* Once the tire is on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts, then the ones in between) using the lug wrench. This ensures even pressure.
9. Final Steps:
* Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. You can use your foot for extra leverage if needed.
* Lower the vehicle completely.
* Stow the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench.
* Check the lug nuts again after driving a short distance. They might loosen slightly due to settling.
* Check the tire pressure of the spare tire and the other tires.
* Get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Spare tires are usually temporary and not designed for sustained high-speed driving.
Important Considerations for a 2000 Ford Expedition:
* Weight: The Expedition is a heavy vehicle. Be extra cautious when jacking it up and changing the tire. Make sure the jack is stable and on a firm, level surface.
* Size: The spare tire might be smaller than the regular tires (a "donut" spare). This will affect your driving speed and handling. Check your owner's manual for the recommended speed limit for the spare tire.
* Lug Nut Size: The lug nuts on an Expedition are typically large and require significant torque.
If you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, or if you have any doubts, it's best to call a roadside assistance service or a tire professional. Safety should always be your top priority.
