Before You Begin:
1. Safety First: Find a level, stable, and safe location away from traffic. Engage your parking brake firmly. Turn on your hazard lights. If possible, use wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the flat.
2. Gather Your Tools: You'll need your spare tire (check its pressure!), lug wrench, jack, owner's manual (for jacking points), and gloves (optional but recommended). A flashlight might also be helpful, especially at night.
3. Locate the Spare Tire: The spare tire's location varies depending on your F-150's trim and options. It could be under the truck bed, inside the truck bed, or even under the rear seat (less common). Consult your owner's manual to confirm its location.
4. Check Your Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual will provide the most accurate information about your specific F-150 model's jacking points and any other crucial instructions. This is highly recommended.
Changing the Tire:
1. Loosen Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the vehicle, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Don't remove them completely yet; just break them free. Turn counterclockwise.
2. Locate Jacking Point: Consult your owner's manual to find the correct jacking point for your F-150. It's typically a reinforced area of the frame near the flat tire. Never jack on the axle or any other non-designated area.
3. Raise the Vehicle: Position the jack securely at the designated jacking point and carefully raise the vehicle until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. Ensure the vehicle is stable.
4. Remove Lug Nuts: Now, completely unscrew the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place (e.g., inside the hubcap).
5. Remove the Flat Tire: Carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel studs.
6. Mount the Spare Tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel studs and push it onto them.
7. Tighten Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then use the lug wrench to tighten them in a star pattern (opposite nuts first, then the ones in between) to ensure even pressure. Don't overtighten!
8. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack. Once the tire is on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts again using the lug wrench.
9. Final Check: Double-check that all lug nuts are securely tightened. If you have a torque wrench, use it to tighten to the manufacturer's specified torque.
10. Stow the Flat Tire: Carefully place the flat tire and tools back in their designated storage areas.
11. Check Spare Tire Pressure: Check the air pressure in your spare tire and inflate it to the correct pressure (check the sticker on your driver's side doorjamb or your owner's manual).
Important Considerations:
* Spare Tire Type: Your spare tire may be a temporary spare (smaller and designed for limited use at lower speeds) or a full-size spare. Check your owner's manual for instructions specific to your spare type. Temporary spares have speed and distance limitations.
* Lug Wrench: If your lug nuts are exceptionally tight, you might need a breaker bar or a longer lug wrench to loosen them.
* If You're Unsure: If you're uncomfortable changing a tire yourself, call a roadside assistance service or a trusted mechanic.
Remember to always prioritize safety. If you are unsure about any step, consult your owner's manual or seek professional help.
