The 2024 Ford Maverick is the ultimate compact truck. From its efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine to its versatile truck bed, the Maverick stands out from the crowd. We look closely at the three trim levels to help you decide which Maverick is the truck for you. more 1. XL First up is the entry-level Maverick XL which looks exactly how you would want a truck to look, with its distinctive black mesh grille, auto on/off LED headlights, incandescent taillights, and 17-inch steel wheels with sparkle silver covers. The 4.5-foot bed gives you a 1,500-pound payload and is equipped with the Flexbed storage system, a multiposition tailgate, and slots to configure the bed how you wish. Stylish comfort greets you inside. Black onyx and dark slate cloth upholstery adorns the interior, along with front bucket seats and full bench rear seating with under-bench storage compartments. Drivers receive a black urethane tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a six-way manually adjustable seat. Technology All the Maverick's important information is displayed on a 4.2-inch instrument cluster and drivers receive a helping hand from safety features, including a rearview camera, pre-collision assist, and automatic emergency braking. An eight-inch LCD touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility acts as the infotainment hub, and a six-speaker stereo system pumps out the soundtrack to every journey in perfect clarity. 2. XLT As the middle trim level, the XLT builds on the XL, adding a gray grille bar to the front fascia and switching out the wheels for 17-inch carbonized gray aluminum ones. The interior receives an upgrade to navy pier and medium slate upholstery while the steering wheel becomes heated and wrapped in soft vinyl. 3. LARIAT Heading the range is the LARIAT, receiving a stylish makeover and adding even more desirable elements. Outside, the grille bar becomes silver and the head and taillights now feature LED signature accent lighting for a more refined appearance. Ford has also introduced convenient exterior features, such as heated side mirrors and a trailer hitch. Desert brown ActiveX-trimmed upholstery adds an upmarket feel to the interior. Driver comfort is improved with the introduction of an eight-way power-adjustable heated seat with power lumbar and a larger 6.5-inch information display. Technology The audio system receives an upgrade to a B&O eight-speaker system, and USB ports and a wireless charging pad ensure everyone's devices stay charged. And, as the top model, the LARIAT expands on driver-assist technologies, gaining lane-departure warning, cross-traffic alert, lane keeping, evasive steering, and adaptive cruise control. Compact trucks don't come better than the new Ford Maverick. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly XL or go all out with the LARIAT, you'll be investing in a truck that delivers on all levels. Visit Interstate Ford and explore the Maverick lineup today.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport Trim Levels
The Ford Bronco Sport, also affectionately known as the "Baby Bronco," is the subcompact version of the legendary Bronco, and consequently, also comes with the otherworldly off-road capability that is synonymous with the Bronco family. The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport comes in five trims to suit different tastes and needs. Read on to find your ideal Bronco Sport. more Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend Despite being the entry-level option, the Big Bend boasts an impressive array of practical features that ensure you won't settle for anything else. With standard four-wheel drive, no terrain is off-limits. Powering this adventure-ready SUV is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 181 HP and 190 lb-ft of torque that is not only peppy and capable but also remarkably fuel-efficient, achieving up to 33 mpg on the highway. Designed with practicality in mind, the Big Bend gives convenience a whole new meaning. Its liftgate is equipped with two adjustable floodlights and a bottle opener, making nighttime activities a breeze. Plus, the flip-up rear glass grants easy access to the cargo area without fully opening the gate. Ford Bronco Sport Heritage The Heritage trim comes with everything you would find in the Big Bend, including Ford's intuitive SYNC3 infotainment system with an 8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen, voice recognition, Applink, 911 Assist, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 6-speaker stereo system. Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling The Free Wheeling trim is designed for carefree spirits. It pays homage to Ford's iconic off-roaders from the '70s that sported a colorful appearance package to showcase the adventurous nature of those times. The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling features an exclusive graphics package comprising five rainbow stripes running along its exterior, 17-inch race red-painted wheels, a silver-painted grille with two-color Bronco lettering, and a sleek shadow black roof. Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks The Outer Banks comes with all sorts of bells and whistles to ensure you don't miss out on creature comforts while out in the wild. They include heated front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, memory driver seat and side view mirror, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, and a 110v/150W AC outlet in the cargo area. Ford Bronco Sport Badlands The Badlands is the big daddy of the Bronco Sport trims, coming with a bigger and meaner 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating a whopping 250 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque to give you enough juice to get out of any situation. It also features an advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit for superior grip and traction. Ready to sample the Ford Bronco Sport? Contact us today at I25 Ford to schedule your free test drive and expert consultation.
4 Key Tips for Year-Round Ford Maintenance
If there's one thing your Ford dealer will tell you, it's that regular Ford maintenance is crucial to the smooth running of your vehicle. While most drivers know how important it is to winterize their car, many overlook routine tasks during the summer, fall, and spring months. more 1. Winter Care for Your Ford Preparing your vehicle for the winter months makes sense, since your car will often have to cope with cold and wet weather and maybe even ice and snow. You should make sure to check your vehicle's heating system, including the HVAC controls, fans, and coolant levels to ensure they're functioning well, and top up with a cold-weather appropriate wiper fluid so you can always keep your windshield clear. 2. Spring Tasks to Maintain Your Ford After the harsh winter months, spring is the ideal time to give your wiper blades a check-up to make sure they aren't broken or warped. This is also the perfect opportunity to have your wheel alignment tested and to make sure your tires have no signs of damage like cracks or holes. You should also consider getting your brake system inspected during the spring months. 3. Ford Dealer Tips for Summer Maintenance As the weather warms up, the key component of your vehicle to carry out some checks on is its air conditioning system, especially if you've spotted any issues like unusual noises or a weak air output. In hot weather, your car's battery may also lose efficiency, so it's worthwhile checking its charge so you don't get stranded on the roads during your summer road trips. 4. Fall Advice for Vehicle Care As winter approaches once more, it's time to think about your vehicle's fluids. Check the coolant level and have it replaced if it's more than two years old. Change your engine oil to a thinner one at this time of year, too, so your car will run smoothly when the weather turns cold. This could also be the right time to think about putting winter tires on your vehicle and getting your braking system checked. Why Is Maintenance Important? If you fail to check your vehicle's key components at regular intervals throughout the year, you could miss signs of damage or faults that could easily get out of hand and cause a major breakdown that would be costly to fix. Are you worried about any aspect of your vehicle maintenance, or could your Ford benefit from a service? Then call us today at I25 Ford.. We're here to make sure you enjoy safe and trouble-free motoring all through the year!
5 Electrifying Features of the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning is a unique truck with exciting capabilities. This innovative option comes with dual electric motors, excellent storage solutions, and a 12-inch touchscreen. Read our list of highlights below to learn more about this cutting-edge truck. more 1. Dual Electric Motors Dual electric motors give the entry-level Ford F-150 a total of 452 horsepower under the hood with the standard range battery. This battery also allows you to drive up to 240 miles at a time. With the available extended-range battery, you'll have 580 horsepower, and an estimated driving range of 320 miles. This powerful truck handles beautifully, with four selectable driving modes including Normal, Sport, Off-road, and Tow/Haul modes. The excellent 4x4 system offers drivers great control in low-traction conditions. 2. Comfortable Seating The entry-level truck is a comfortable ride for every passenger. The front bucket seats are heated. The driver's seat comes with eight-way power-adjustable controls for enhanced comfort that helps the driver avoid fatigue on long rides. In the second row, passengers will have an impressive 43.6 inches of legroom, allowing them to stretch out and get comfortable. 3. Storage You'll have plenty of storage space for cargo. The electric motors create more room upfront, giving you 14.1 cubic feet of storage volume in the front trunk. You'll also have 52.8 cubic feet of cargo volume in the back bed box. 4. Ford BlueCruise 1.2 The entry-level truck comes with a standard 90-day trial for Ford BlueCruise 1.2, an available feature drivers can choose to add long-term. This exciting technology allows for hands-free driving on 97% of the controlled access highways within the United States and Canada. Consumer Reports gave Ford's active driving assist technology a top rating because of its exciting features. Some of the great capabilities of BlueCruise 1.2 include lane repositioning, and a driver-facing camera. This camera will alert the driver when it notices they are no longer paying attention. Additionally, BlueCruise can handle passing cars. The driver simply needs to activate the turn signal, and the system will handle passing the vehicle and returning to the original lane. 5. Infotainment Ford has done an amazing job outfitting the F-150 Lightning with a cutting-edge infotainment system, beginning with the beautiful 12-inch touchscreen. This system is equipped with SYNC4, an updated software that's easy to use and includes enhanced voice recognition software. The system also comes with FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, which allow you to connect an amazing 10 devices at once. Additionally, this system comes with a three-year trial for connected navigation, making it easy to get where you're going as smoothly as possible. The system also includes a 90-day trial to SiriusXM 360L for a great listening experience. Drivers looking for a capable truck with the latest technology are going to love the F-150 Lightning. Visit I25 Ford. now to see our great selection of excellent vehicles.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Tires With Proper Tire Maintenance From Your Ford Dealer
The tires are one of your vehicle's most important safety features. They support the weight of your vehicle, absorb impact, and navigate all sorts of weather conditions. Taking advantage of the tire maintenance services provided by your local Ford dealer can extend the lifespan of your tires, saving you the expense of frequent replacements and keeping you safe on the road. more Monitor Tire Pressure Maintaining the proper tire pressure is a quick, easy way of extending the life of your tires. Tires that are properly inflated wear more evenly and are better able to navigate inclement conditions. But tire pressure fluctuates with outside temperature levels and with use, so your pressure levels need frequent monitoring. We can check your tire pressure when your vehicle is in for service, and some drivers also make a habit of routinely checking it themselves. Rotate the Tires Rotating the tires on the vehicle is another easy way of ensuring that they're wearing evenly. Tires wear differently depending on their position on the car and whether the vehicle is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. Periodically changing the position of the tires on the vehicle evens out the differences in the wear rate. The tires on a vehicle are often rotated during a routine oil change. Balance Your Tires The wheels on your vehicle are lined with evenly distributed weights, but those weights can shift over time, leaving your wheels off-balance. Unbalanced tires lead to a rougher ride and can experience more tread wear. Balancing your tires is a fast, easy maintenance that our service department can perform for you. Keep Your Tires Aligned The tires on your vehicle should be aligned so that they are parallel to each other and also square with the road. Hitting a pothole, bumping a curb, or striking a barrier can all nudge your tires out of alignment, and misaligned tires tend to wear unevenly. If your steering wheel vibrates or your vehicle drifts to the right or left while in operation, your tires may be out of alignment. Drive Smoothly Your driving habits also influence how your tires wear. Dramatic acceleration and braking and other aggressive driving behaviors contribute to increased tire wear. Accelerating slowly and gradually reducing your speed before stomping on the brakes are safe driving behaviors that can also extend the life of your tires. Careful maintenance and conscientious driving can extend the life of your tires while also increasing your safety and comfort on the road. When you're ready to schedule your next tire service, give us a call at Interstate Ford.
4 Reasons to Love the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is a fun SUV that loads impressive features into a small package. Drivers love this vehicle for its excellent performance, well-connected infotainment system, and advanced safety assist technology. Check out our list below to learn more about this lovable compact SUV. more 1. The Smooth Everyday Performance Every trim of the compact Bronco Sport comes with a standard 4x4 system that gives you enhanced traction and control. You'll also have start-stop technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a punchy 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 181 horsepower. We love the flexibility of the five selectable G.O.A.T. (goes over any type of terrain) modes. The modes include Sport, Eco, Normal, Sand, and Slippery. When selected, they give you a more optimized driving experience that makes the most of what your Ford SUV can do. 2. The LCD Touchscreen This off-roading vehicle comes with excellent modern technology, beginning with an eight-inch LCD touchscreen. This infotainment system is located in the center stack, and includes Ford's SYNC3 software with enhanced voice recognition, as well as pinch-to-zoom capabilities. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect your smartphone, and then load your favorite apps on your large touchscreen. This system is connected to your Bronco Sport's excellent six-speaker sound system. You'll have a standard AM/FM stereo, as well as Bluetooth for audio streaming, giving you plenty of easy ways to listen to your favorite music. 3. The Safety Assist Features Standard safety assist features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, as well as a lane-keeping system. You'll also have a blind spot information system, paired with a cross-traffic alert for enhanced awareness of other vehicles surrounding your SUV. 4. The Vintage Style of the Free Wheeling Trim Ford added a Free Wheeling trim to the 2024 options. This super fun trim gives your Bronco Sport's exterior a cool makeover inspired by the vehicles Ford designed in the 1970s. This trim offers great features like 17-inch wheels that have stylish red accents, and a silver-painted grille. You'll also have reflective body graphics with a sunset color scheme. Inside the SUV, the Free Wheeling trim adds red trim pieces, a unique sunset design on the backs of the seats, and a Free Wheeling plaque on the center console. The interior stitching is a cool ombre style and pairs with sunset weave cloth. We love the unique qualities of the Bronco Sport, and the 2024 model plays this up well. If you're looking for a compact SUV you can take on any adventure, you need to test drive this fun option. Visit I25 Ford now to see our excellent selection of new vehicles.
6 Benefits of Getting Car Financing at Your Ford Dealer
When it's time to purchase a new or used Ford, a key aspect to consider is financing. Often opting for car financing directly through your local Ford dealer is the best option. more Expertise and Specialization Your local dealer specializes in Ford vehicles, and our finance department is well-versed in the intricacies of Ford financing. This specialization means we can offer you tailored financing options that best suit your needs, taking into account factors like model, trim, and your personal financial situation. Our expertise ensures that you're not only getting competitive rates but also the most suitable loan or lease terms for your Ford vehicle. Exclusive Ford Incentives Dealers often have access to exclusive incentives and promotions that you won't find elsewhere. These incentives may include low-interest rates, cash rebates, or special lease offers on specific Ford models. By choosing to finance your Ford vehicle at your dealer, you can take advantage of these exclusive offers, potentially saving you a significant amount of money on your purchase. Convenient One-Stop Shopping Getting your car financed through the dealer provides the convenience of one-stop shopping. You can browse the dealership's inventory, test drive your desired Ford model, and then seamlessly transition to the financing process all under one roof. This simplifies the entire car buying experience, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. Flexible Financing Options Dealerships often offer a wide range of financing options to accommodate various budgets and credit profiles. Whether you have excellent or a less-than-perfect credit, and even if you are a first-time buyer, your dealer can work with you to find a financing solution that fits your unique circumstances. This flexibility is challenging to find with traditional lenders. Speedy Approval Process When you finance your Ford vehicle at a dealership, you can expect a faster approval process compared to traditional banks or credit unions. Dealers have streamlined their financing procedures, making it quicker and more efficient to get approved for your car loan or lease. This speed can get you behind the wheel of your new Ford sooner. Competitive Interest Rates Dealerships often have access to competitive interest rates, thanks to their relationships with various lenders and financial institutions. This means you can secure a lower interest rate on your car loan, which will result in lower monthly payments and potentially significant savings over the life of your loan. When you're ready to purchase your next Ford, contact or come down to Interstate Ford to check out our showroom and discuss the exceptional financing options we have to offer. Our sales team is ready to assist you in figuring out the best options for your budget.
Master the Art of Parallel Parking With Your Ford
Backing into a parking space can be challenging for many Ford drivers. However, there's no need to worry! With the assistance of the helpful parallel parking tips below from your Ford dealer, you will parallel park like a pro in no time. more When reverse parking your car, find a parking space that is at least one-and-a-half times the length of your vehicle. You want enough space to back into the space and park comfortably without struggling to fit your car in. Once you find a suitable spot, switch on your turn signal to let other drivers know you're about to park your vehicle. Get Ready To Reverse Park Pull up next to the vehicle you want to park behind at a distance of at least two feet away. Check for cars behind you in your side and rearview mirrors. Back Into the Space Slowly and Carefully Slowly reverse back. Keep backing up until the middle of your Ford aligns with the car's rear bumper you want to park behind. Remember to check your rearview and side mirrors for any approaching traffic. Also, keep your turn signal on in case a vehicle approaches you from behind to show you're reverse parking. Turn Your Steering Wheel Towards the Curb Turn your steering wheel towards the curb and carefully reverse into the parking space until you can see the vehicle's headlights behind you in your side mirror. Keep an eye on the car's rear bumper in front of you. As your front door passes it, straighten your wheels and proceed to back up cautiously. After you have moved past the bumper of the adjacent car, you can turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction and reverse your vehicle towards the center of the parking area. Position Your Car Properly Keep reversing your car back carefully while monitoring the distance between your vehicle and the car behind you, using your rearview mirror. Keep reversing until your vehicle aligns with the cars in front and behind, ensuring it is parallel to the curb and positioned between 12 and 18 inches from it. You might need to move a bit forward or backward to achieve the perfect positioning, with equal space between your car and the ones in front and behind. That's all there is to it! Reversing into a parking spot can be nerve-wracking, but you can do it perfectly with practice. Consider setting up some obstacles at home to practice before attempting to reverse park on the street. For outstanding maintenance and repair services and helpful tips from Ford specialists who know everything about keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape.
Advice From Your Ford Dealer: 5 Essential Items for Your Car Tool Kit
A well-stocked car tool kit can be invaluable to fix minor problems. These tools can't provide a permanent solution, but they can fix something for long enough so you can reach your Ford dealer and get a permanent repair. These are a few of the items that you should be part of any good tool kit. more Bit Driver A step up from a screwdriver, a bit driver can give you extra power to loosen or tighten any screws. A bit driver comes with a selection of bits, and the driver and bits take up less space in a tool kit than the older-style screwdriver set. You can easily get a driver with a wide range of bit sizes online or from any DIY store. Flashlight Problems don't just happen during the day. If something goes wrong, and you need to make a quick repair at night, a good flashlight is invaluable. We recommend a heavy-duty flashlight, preferably one that can be hooked over something so that you can have both hands free to fix the issue. A headlamp is also a good option. Be sure to keep spare batteries in your tool kit for the light. Zip Ties Zip ties are underappreciated, but they can temporarily fix numerous problems. Smaller zip ties can be used to separate electrical wires or other small items. Larger zip ties can temporarily replace items like a broken radiator hose clamp or reattach a side mirror. It's a good idea to keep a pack of small and a pack of large zip ties in your tool kit for emergencies. Jumper Cables If you have a dead battery and another driver pulls over to assist you, do you have jumper cables? Most drivers don't keep these cables in their vehicles, and you may have to pass on this helping hand and wait for a mechanic. Jumper cables are readily available, and come in a variety of lengths. Choose a longer set of cables, as the other vehicle may have to park behind you. Water Water isn't a tool, but it can make all the difference to your comfort, especially on a hot day. Bottled water has a long shelf life and doesn't take up much space in the trunk. If you're fixing a problem or waiting for a tow, some bottles of water will quench your thirst. You can also use the water to clean your hands or top up the coolant in the radiator in an emergency. Many other items can be added to the perfect tool kit. If you'd like to know more.
5 Things Drivers Love on the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport at Your Ford Dealer
Take the scenic route, get outdoors, and forge your own path inside the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport available at your Ford dealer. This sport SUV has a practical and spacious interior with generous passenger seating and good cargo space. You'll find that this SUV has plenty of off-road capabilities that ensure you can tackle weekend adventures with aplomb. more 1. Auto High Beams Make driving at night simple with the automatic high-beam headlamps on the Bronco Sport. These headlamps automatically toggle between your high and low beams as they sense oncoming traffic. This makes it easy to see at night and keep your hands on the wheel without fiddling with toggles and switches or blinding other drivers. 2. Cruise Control With Stop-And-Go Equip this sport SUV with Adaptive Cruise Control. This ACC includes stop-and-go tech and lane centering to help you stay relaxed while on long drives. The ACC lets you set your preferred cruising speed and pre-set your follow distance. At this point, the Bronco Sport uses cameras and advanced radar to keep your speed and distance. 3. Evasive Steering Assist You can outfit the Bronco Sport with the available Evasive Steering Assist system. This driver assistance tech utilizes cameras and radar sensors with the available Pre-Collision Assist system to detect vehicles ahead and apply your brakes. If a collision is unavoidable with braking alone, the Evasive Steering Assist system provides steering support to help you maneuver around the vehicle ahead. 4. Cargo Capacity This sport SUV has excellent cargo space with plenty of room behind the second row. If you need more room, lay the second row flat, and you have up to 65.2 cubic feet of cargo space when you choose the Heritage, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Free Wheeling models. The Badlands model boasts an available maximum cargo capacity of up to 60.6 cubic feet with the second row laid down. 5. Safari Style Head out into the wilderness with the extra height provided by the safari-style roof on the Bronco Sport. The taller roof ensures you have plenty of space for cargo and your taller friends. The tall roof height means you can fit up to two bikes standing inside the SUV when you equip it with the available interior bike rack. If you need an SUV that can keep up with your busy schedule and weekend plans, check out the '24 Ford Bronco Sport. Life can get busy and hectic; don't let a busy schedule stop you from purchasing your next family vehicle and ask us about our Pick Up and Go services and how you can sign your paperwork at home today.
Driving in Rain and Driving in Snow: Safety Tips from Your Ford Dealer
Modern features like Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) systems can greatly enhance safety when driving in rain or driving in snow. However, even with these technologies, it's crucial to know how your vehicle responds in different weather situations and to adjust your driving accordingly. Here are a few thoughts from your local Ford dealer. more Tire Maintenance and Selection For rain, ensure your tires have adequate tread depth to channel water away and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. In snowy months or when traveling in winter, consider switching to winter tires, which are designed to provide better traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Regularly check tire pressure, as temperature changes can affect it, and improperly inflated tires compromise vehicle handling and safety. Reducing Speed and Maintaining Distance Reducing your speed is one of the most effective ways to stay safe when you have to drive in rain or in snow. Wet and icy roads increase stopping distances, making it harder to react to sudden changes. Drive at a speed that allows you to maintain control of your Ford and react to unexpected situations. Additionally, increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead to allow more time to stop safely without skidding or causing a collision. Handling Skids and Hydroplaning Even with careful driving, your Ford may skid on wet or icy roads. If this happens, don't slam on the brakes! The key word to remember is "gently." Gently steer in the direction you're intending to go, and gently pump on the brakes. If you begin to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and keep your wheel steady, steering straight until you regain traction. Avoid making sudden turns or braking hard, as these actions can make the situation worse. Using Lights and Windshield Wipers In rainy or snowy conditions, visibility can be significantly reduced. Always use your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. This is not just for your visibility, but also for others to see you. Additionally, ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and use them as needed to keep your view clear. Planning and Preparing for the Journey Before setting out, plan your route and consider alternative routes in case of road closures or extreme weather conditions. Check weather forecasts and road condition updates. It's also wise to keep an emergency bag in your vehicle, with things like blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and some food and water. Always remember that safety comes first, and if conditions are too severe, consider postponing your trip until the weather improves. And if you need any assistance with preparing your car for challenging weather conditions, come in and see us over here at Interstate Ford.
How To Change a Tire: A Step-by-Step Guide From Your Ford Dealer
We've all been there - rushing to get to work or an important appointment, only to be slowed down by a flat tire. It can be incredibly frustrating but don't worry. Your Ford dealer has got you covered with quick and easy steps on how to change a tire in no time. more Step 1: Pull Over When It's Safe If you notice you have a flat tire, quickly and safely find a level and firm spot away from traffic to pull over. If you drive an automatic, put your vehicle in park, and if it's a manual, shift into reverse to reduce the chance of your car rolling while changing the tire. Switch on your hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts Remove the wheel wedges, lug wrench, jack, and spare tire from the trunk. Place the wheel wedges in front of and behind the tire to prevent the car from rolling. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts counterclockwise, but don't remove them altogether. Step 3: Jack Up Your Car Locate the jacking point positioned beneath the car, near the flat tire. Check your owner's manual if you need clarification on where the jack placements are. Jack up your vehicle and use the lug wrench to loosen and remove the nuts. Store the nuts securely to prevent misplacing them. Take the flat tire off and position it beneath the car to safeguard your vehicle if it slips off the jack. Step 4: Mount the Spare Tire Place the spare tire in front of the wheel well and align the rim with the bolts. Push the tire inward until the bolts poke through the rim, then fit the nuts onto the bolts. Tighten the nuts clockwise with your hand as tightly as you can. Don't use the wrench at this stage. Step 5: Lower Your Car Lower your car using the jack until the tire is touching the ground. Use the wrench to tighten the nuts by turning them in a clockwise direction until the wheel is flush against the hub. Tighten every other nut if there are five of them. For four nuts, tightening them in opposing pairs will do the trick. Once done, lower your car, remove the jack, and give the nuts a final tightening. If you have hubcaps, replace them and put all your tools back in the trunk. To ensure your tires are in good condition, swing by Interstate Ford today, and our certified Ford technician will thoroughly examine your tires for wear and damage and inflate them to the proper pressure levels.