1. Safety First!
* Find a safe location: Pull over as far off the road as possible, onto a level, firm surface. Avoid soft ground or inclines. Turn on your hazard lights.
* Engage the parking brake: Firmly engage the parking brake.
* Warn others: If possible, have someone else stand a safe distance away, watching for traffic.
* Gather your equipment: Locate your spare tire (usually in the trunk), jack, lug wrench, and owner's manual (for specific jack points). Gloves are also a good idea.
2. Prepare the Vehicle:
* Locate the jack points: Consult your owner's manual for the precise jack point locations on your specific Ford Focus model and year. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame near the tires. Improper jack placement 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 before the tire is off the ground. Turn counterclockwise.
3. Jack Up the Vehicle:
* Position the jack: Carefully place the jack under the designated jack point.
* Raise the vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. Ensure the car is stable on the jack.
4. Remove the Flat Tire:
* Unscrew the lug nuts: Completely unscrew the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place (like the hubcap if you have one).
* Pull off the flat tire: Carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel studs.
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 wheel studs until it's firmly seated.
* Tighten the lug nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
6. Lower the Vehicle:
* Lower the jack: Slowly and steadily lower the vehicle using the jack until the spare tire is firmly on the ground.
* Tighten the lug nuts: Once the car is on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first, then the ones in between) to ensure even pressure.
7. Stow the Flat Tire and Tools:
* Tighten the lug nuts again: After driving a short distance (a few hundred yards), stop and tighten the lug nuts again to ensure they are securely fastened.
* Store the flat tire and tools: Put the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench back in their designated storage areas.
Important Considerations for Ford Focus:
* Spare Tire Type: Ford Focuses may have different types of spare tires (full-size, temporary/donut, or inflation kit). A temporary spare is designed for short-distance use only and has a lower speed rating. Your owner's manual will specify the limitations of your spare tire.
* Wheel Locks: If your car has wheel locks, you'll need the special key to remove them.
* Owner's Manual: Always consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions and diagrams specific to your Ford Focus model and year. This is crucial for correct jack point location and other safety information.
After changing the tire, get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Temporary spares are not intended for long-term use.
