
Open the trunk, take out the triangular warning sign, and place it 50 meters behind the car (on highways, it should be placed 150 meters away, within the range of 50-150 meters). Lift the bottom cover of the trunk to reveal the spare tire. Use the wrench from the toolbox to correctly release the spare tire clamp and remove the spare tire. Position the jack at the designated spot on the vehicle and use the lever to lift the rear tire. Then, unscrew the four bolts of the rear tire and remove the damaged tire. Screw the bolts back on, place the replaced tire in the original spare tire position, and return the jack and toolbox to their original places in the trunk.

Restoring the Ford Escort's spare tire is actually a step-by-step process. First, place the spare tire into the dedicated recess at the bottom of the trunk, making sure it's aligned properly and not crooked. Then locate the fixing bolt, which is the metal rod in the center hole of the spare tire, and tighten it clockwise until the spare tire is firmly pressed against the floor panel. I usually step lightly on the edge of the spare tire to ensure there's no room for wobbling. Remember to check if the jack and tool kit are back in place, and finally secure the trunk cover panel. Pay attention to the tire pressure of the spare tire if it's not used for a long time. I check it every month, and if it's flat, inflate it immediately, as it's crucial for emergencies. Don't use the temporary spare tire for an extended period; after replacing it, go to a tire repair shop as soon as possible to fix the original tire.

Don't be careless when reinstalling the spare tire - safety comes first. Start by parking on level ground and engaging the handbrake, then open the trunk to retrieve the jack tool kit. Roll the spare tire into the recess and align it properly. Squat down to tighten the central fixing bolt - I usually use a wrench to torque it until fully secured, preventing rattling noises from road vibrations. Make sure to clip the tool kit back into the side bracket and return the jack to its original position. Remember, spare tires shouldn't exceed 80 km/h - going beyond this speed could be dangerous. Personally, I inspect my spare tire's condition every six months. Rubber deteriorates over time, and a spare unused for five years is better replaced with a new one for guaranteed safety.

Here's how I reinstalled the spare tire: Place the removed tire vertically into the trunk groove with the tread pattern facing downward. Locate the central stud and slide the dedicated washer onto it. Use the provided wrench to turn clockwise until the tire is completely flush against the floor panel. It's best to apply force at a 45-degree angle with the wrench for easier tightening. After securing the spare, check for any wobbling—if loose, give it another half turn. Always return the jack to its metal bracket; don't leave it loose in the trunk where it could cause damage. Temporary spare tires must maintain a pressure of at least 5 bar, as typically marked on the tire sidewall.


