2016 Mustang Spare Tire Essentials: Expert Guide

The 2016 Ford Mustang, a modern incarnation of the iconic American muscle car, has been praised for its improved handling, enhanced technology, and striking design. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to access your spare tire? Fear not, as this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of using your 2016 Mustang's spare tire, along with some useful tips and precautions.

First, it's crucial to understand that the 2016 Mustang comes with a temporary spare tire, not a full-size one. This is a common practice among modern vehicles to save weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Accessing Your Spare Tire

Before you proceed, ensure you're in a safe location with enough space to work. Here's how to access your 2016 Mustang's spare tire:

Locating the Spare Tire Kit

The spare tire is located in the rear of your vehicle, under the carpeted floor panel. To access it, open the trunk and unscrew the three bolts holding the panel in place. Once removed, you'll see the spare tire kit, which includes the tire, a jack, and a lug wrench.

It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location and contents of the kit when you're not in a rush, so you're prepared if an emergency arises.

Removing the Flat Tire

Start by turning on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Block the wheel opposing the flat tire to prevent your car from rolling. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire counterclockwise, but don't remove them all the way yet.

Once the nuts are loosened, jack up your vehicle until the tire is about six inches off the ground. Now, remove the lug nuts completely and pull the tire towards you to remove it from the wheel base. Set it aside, along with the lug nuts and the hubcap (if applicable).

Installing the Spare Tire

Now that the flat tire is removed, it's time to mount the spare tire. Ensure you position the spare tire's valve stem in the 12 o'clock position, as it needs to be accessible once the tire is inflated. Place the flat tire on the ground beside your vehicle to use as a step stool for reaching the valve stem.

Mounting the Spare Tire

Place the spare tire on the wheel base and start by replacing the lug nuts. Tighten them by hand as much as possible in a star pattern to ensure even tension. Once all nuts are snug, lower your vehicle with the jack until the spare tire touches the ground but isn't completely on the ground.

Finally, give the lug nuts another tug clockwise to ensure they're as tight as possible. Lower your vehicle completely and give the lug nuts one last pull using the lug wrench. Replace the hubcap (if applicable) and dispose of the flat tire according to local regulations.

Inflating the Spare Tire

The spare tire should be inflated to 60 PSI. If you don't have a tire gauge, you can find the recommended pressure on the tire's sidewall or in your owner's manual. Once inflated, drive your Mustang to the nearest service center to have a professional technicians replace the spare tire with a full-size one as soon as possible.

Remember, the temporary spare tire is not designed to be driven on at high speeds or long distances. Always prioritize your safety by driving cautiously and keeping an eye out for a service center.

In a perfect world, you'd never need to use your 2016 Mustang's spare tire. But by being prepared and knowing how to handle this situation, you can minimize the stress of a flat tire and stay safe on the road. Happy driving!