1. Safety First!
* Find a safe location: Pull over onto a level, stable surface, as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights.
* Engage the parking brake: This is crucial to prevent the car from rolling.
* Turn off the engine: This is a standard safety precaution.
* Gather your tools: You'll need your spare tire (check its pressure!), lug wrench, jack, and owner's manual (for jack point locations). Gloves are also recommended. Consider using wheel chocks if available, placing them behind the wheels opposite the flat.
2. Prepare the Car:
* Locate the jack points: Consult your owner's manual for the correct jacking points on your 1998 Mustang. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame near the pinch welds (the seam where the body panels meet). Do not jack up the car on the suspension components or body panels. Incorrect jacking points can damage your car.
* Loosen the lug nuts: Before jacking up the car, 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 while the tire is still on the ground. Turn them counter-clockwise.
3. Jack Up the Car:
* Position the jack: Place the jack securely under the designated jack point.
* Raise the car: Carefully and slowly raise the car until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. You only need enough clearance to remove and replace the tire.
4. Remove the Flat Tire:
* Unscrew the lug nuts: Completely remove the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place (e.g., the hubcap if you have one).
* Pull off the flat tire: Carefully pull the flat tire towards you and away from the car.
5. Install the Spare Tire:
* Align the spare tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel studs.
* Push the spare tire onto the studs: Push the spare tire onto the studs until it sits firmly against the hub.
* Tighten the 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). Don't overtighten them at this point.
6. Lower the Car:
* Lower the jack: Carefully and slowly lower the car using the jack until the tire is on the ground.
* Tighten the lug nuts: Once the car is on the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
7. Stow the Flat Tire and Tools:
* Securely stow the flat tire and your tools.
8. Check Tire Pressure:
* Check the spare tire's pressure: Make sure it's inflated to the correct pressure (check the sticker on your driver's side doorjamb or your owner's manual).
Important Considerations for a 1998 Mustang:
* Spare Tire Type: Your 1998 Mustang may have a full-size or a temporary spare tire. Temporary spares are usually smaller and have a lower speed rating. If you have a temporary spare, drive cautiously and get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
* Lug Nut Size: Be sure you have the correct size and type of lug wrench for your Mustang's lug nuts.
* Wheel Chocks: Using wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground will greatly reduce the risk of the car rolling during the jacking process.
If you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, call a roadside assistance service or have your car towed to a tire shop. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Remember to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and diagrams relating to your vehicle.
