How to Change a Tire

How to Change a Tire — Anderson Ford Bullhead City

A flat tire in Bullhead City is manageable if you are prepared. Keep a jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and owner’s manual in your vehicle, pull over somewhere safe, loosen the lug nuts, raise the car with the jack, swap on the spare, and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. The full step-by-step is below, and our Ford service team is here if you would rather let a professional handle it.

How to Change Your Tire: Step-by-Step

Keep these items in your vehicle so you are ready for a flat: a jack, a lug wrench, a properly inflated spare (or new) tire, and your owner’s manual. Pull off to the side of the road or a safe area, then follow these steps:

1. Turn on your hazard lights and turn off your car.
2. Apply your parking brake and place wheel wedges under the tires that are staying on the ground.
3. Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire, then use the jack to raise the vehicle.
4. Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire, and mount the spare in its place.
5. Hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle with the jack, then fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

How Often Should You Replace Your Tires?

Even tires in good condition wear down over time and become less effective. Replacement intervals vary with tire quality, driving habits, and the Arizona heat and highway miles around Bullhead City. Rotating your tires regularly is one of the best ways to maximize their life so one pair does not take more wear than the other. Ask a technician at your next tire rotation and they can estimate your remaining tire life.

How Many Miles Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

A spare tire is meant for emergencies, not extended driving. On the Laughlin, NV and Mohave Valley roads, keep your speed under 50 mph and drive no more than about 50 miles on a compact spare, then get a proper replacement installed as soon as possible.

Ford Tire Service at Anderson Ford Bullhead City

When it is time for new tires or a rotation, our factory-trained Ford technicians can help. Every visit for The Works® multi-point service includes a tire rotation and inspection, and we install tires matched to your Ford’s specifications. Contact us with any questions about changing a tire and a team member will help.

Tire Change FAQ

What do I need to change a flat tire?

You need a jack, a lug wrench, a properly inflated spare or new tire, and your owner’s manual. Keep these in your vehicle so you are prepared for a flat around Bullhead City.

How far can I drive on a spare tire?

A compact spare is for emergencies only. Keep your speed under 50 mph and drive no more than about 50 miles, then have a full-size replacement installed.

How often should I replace my tires?

It varies with tire quality and driving conditions. Rotating your tires regularly extends their life, and a technician at Anderson Ford Bullhead City can estimate your remaining tread life at each service visit.

Anderson Ford Bullhead City proudly serves drivers in Bullhead City, Golden Valley, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, and Laughlin, NV. Call 928-704-9853 or schedule service online today.