The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid does not include a spare tire. Instead, it has a “Tire Mobility Kit” (TMK) located under the trunk’s floorboard. This kit contains an air compressor and sealant to help fix flat tires. Always check your vehicle for specific instructions on using the tire repair tools included.
For removal, utilize the tools provided with your MKZ. Take the jack handle and lug wrench from the side compartment in the trunk. First, loosen the lug nut on the flat tire slightly, but do not remove it completely. Next, use the jack to elevate the vehicle. Once the tire is off the ground, remove the lug nut entirely and take off the flat tire.
Now, place the spare tire onto the wheel hub, aligning the holes with the lug bolts. Tighten the lug nuts by hand, then lower the vehicle and finish tightening them.
Understanding these steps will ensure you can handle a flat tire situation effectively. Next, we will discuss maintenance tips for your spare tire to ensure it remains in top condition, ready for emergencies.
Where Is the Spare Tire Located in the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
The spare tire in the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is located in the trunk. You will find it beneath the trunk floor. To access the spare tire, lift the trunk floor cover. You may need to remove any additional storage compartments that may be in place above the spare tire. Once you’ve lifted the cover, you will see the spare tire secured in a well.
How Can You Easily Access the Spare Tire in Your Lincoln MKZ?
You can easily access the spare tire in your Lincoln MKZ by locating the trunk floor compartment and using the appropriate tools to remove it.
First, find the spare tire location. The spare tire is stored in a compartment beneath the trunk floor. To access it, open the trunk of your Lincoln MKZ.
Next, remove the trunk floor cover. Depending on the model year, you may need to lift or slide the cover out of the way. Some models feature a removable panel that can be taken off to expose the spare tire compartment.
Then, use the tools provided with the vehicle. Typically, you will find a jack and a lug wrench, which are stored alongside the spare tire.
After that, lift the spare tire from the compartment. Turn and pull the retaining bolt or nut in a counterclockwise direction to release the tire from its holder.
Lastly, remember to check the pressure of the spare tire before use. It is crucial to ensure it is adequately inflated for safe driving. Regularly inspect the spare tire and its tools to verify they are in good condition and ready for emergencies.
What Should You Do If You Can’t Locate the Spare Tire?
If you cannot locate the spare tire in your vehicle, follow these steps to resolve the issue.
- Check the owner’s manual.
- Inspect common storage areas.
- Seek assistance from roadside services.
- Contact your vehicle’s dealership.
- Consider alternative options (like roadside repair kits).
These steps present various solutions to the problem. Each option has its advantages, depending on your specific situation with the vehicle.
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Check the Owner’s Manual: Checking the owner’s manual is essential for understanding the vehicle’s layout. The manual provides detailed information on spare tire storage and removal instructions. This document is usually organized and easy to navigate.
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Inspect Common Storage Areas: Inspecting common storage areas can help locate the spare tire. Typically, the spare tire is stored in the trunk, underfloor compartment, or mounted externally. For some vehicles, like SUVs, the spare may be attached underneath the vehicle or inside a side panel.
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Seek Assistance from Roadside Services: Seeking assistance from roadside services is a practical option. These services can assist with locating the spare tire and help in changing it. Subscription services often cover such assistance as part of their offerings.
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Contact Your Vehicle’s Dealership: Contacting your vehicle’s dealership is another viable solution. Dealerships hold specific knowledge about the exact model and its features. They can provide guidance and information on spare tire location.
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Consider Alternative Options: Considering alternative options is advisable if the spare tire is not found. For example, a tire repair kit can temporarily patch your tire until you reach a service station. These kits usually include tire sealant and an inflator.
By following these steps, you can efficiently address the issue of not being able to locate your spare tire.
How Do You Properly Remove the Spare Tire from Your Lincoln MKZ?
To properly remove the spare tire from your Lincoln MKZ, follow these steps: locate the tire, gather the tools, lift the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts, and remove the tire.
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Locate the spare tire: The spare tire is typically located in the trunk of your Lincoln MKZ. It is usually found beneath the trunk floor, secured with a cover.
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Gather the tools: You will need a jack, a lug wrench, and possibly a tire iron. These tools are often stored in the trunk along with the spare tire.
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Lift the vehicle: Place the jack under the recommended lift point of the vehicle, which is indicated in the owner’s manual. Turn the jack handle to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
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Loosen the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to turn each lug nut counterclockwise. It may help to apply pressure to the wrench to break the initial tightness of the nuts. Loosen them enough so that they can be removed by hand.
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Remove the tire: Once the lug nuts are sufficiently loosened, remove them completely. Hold the flat tire with both hands and pull it straight off the wheel hub.
By following these steps carefully, you will successfully remove the spare tire from your Lincoln MKZ, allowing you to replace it with your full-sized tire.
What Steps Should You Follow to Install the Spare Tire Securely on Your Lincoln MKZ?
To install the spare tire securely on your Lincoln MKZ, follow these steps: jacking the car, removing the damaged tire, placing the spare tire onto the hub, and tightening the lug nuts.
Main Steps to Install the Spare Tire:
1. Ensure your vehicle is parked on a stable surface.
2. Locate the spare tire and jack.
3. Loosen the lug nuts on the damaged wheel.
4. Use the jack to lift the vehicle.
5. Remove the damaged tire completely.
6. Place the spare tire onto the hub.
7. Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
8. Lower the vehicle off the jack.
9. Tighten the lug nuts securely with a wrench.
Having laid out these essential steps, let’s expand on each one for clarity.
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Ensuring Your Vehicle is Parked on a Stable Surface:
Ensuring your vehicle is parked on a stable surface is critical for safety. Parking on a level surface prevents the vehicle from rolling. This reduces the risk of accidents while changing a tire. -
Locating the Spare Tire and Jack:
You should first locate your spare tire and jack. The spare tire for your Lincoln MKZ is typically located in the trunk. Ensure you have all necessary tools, including a lug wrench. -
Loosening the Lug Nuts on the Damaged Wheel:
Loosening the lug nuts before lifting the car is important. Most lug nuts require turning counterclockwise. This action reduces the chance of the wheel spinning when you jack the car, as it creates stability. -
Using the Jack to Lift the Vehicle:
Using the jack properly is crucial for safely changing a tire. Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated jacking point as specified in your owner’s manual. Raise the car until the tire is off the ground. -
Removing the Damaged Tire Completely:
Once the vehicle is lifted, completely remove the damaged tire. Carefully place it aside, ensuring it is not close to the lifting area of the vehicle. -
Placing the Spare Tire onto the Hub:
Place the spare tire onto the hub, aligning the holes with the wheel studs. Ensure it sits flush against the hub for secure installation. -
Hand-tightening the Lug Nuts:
Once the spare tire is in place, hand-tighten the lug nuts. This initial tightness ensures the tire stays in position while you lower the vehicle. -
Lowering the Vehicle Off the Jack:
After hand-tightening, carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground. This step allows the tire to sit securely under the weight of the vehicle. -
Tightening the Lug Nuts Securely with a Wrench:
Finally, use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Apply force in a star pattern to ensure even pressure across the wheel. This helps maintain stability while driving on the spare tire.
Following these steps ensures that your spare tire is installed securely on your Lincoln MKZ.
How Can You Verify That Your Spare Tire Is in Good Condition for Use?
You can verify that your spare tire is in good condition for use by checking its air pressure, inspecting for visible defects, ensuring proper tread depth, and confirming the condition of the tire tools.
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Air Pressure: Check the air pressure of your spare tire with a gauge. The recommended pressure is usually found on a label inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Maintaining proper pressure is crucial for safe handling and performance. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2020) found that under-inflated tires are more likely to fail during use.
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Visible Defects: Inspect the spare tire for any visible damage. Look for cuts, cracks, or bulges on the tire surface. Any significant imperfection may compromise the tire’s integrity and increase the risk of failure when in use.
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Tread Depth: Measure the tread depth to ensure adequate grip. Use a tread depth gauge or the penny test: insert a penny into the tread; if you can’t see Lincoln’s entire head, the tread is acceptable. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA, 2021), a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch is recommended for safety.
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Tire Tools Condition: Ensure that the jack and changing tools are present and in good working condition. Inspect the jack for rust or damage and check if the tire iron fits properly to remove the lug nuts. Having functional tools is key during an emergency tire change.
Regular checks on these aspects can significantly increase safety and reliability during roadside emergencies.
What Are Your Options If Your Lincoln MKZ Does Not Come with a Spare Tire?
If your Lincoln MKZ does not come with a spare tire, you have several options to address this situation.
- Purchase a spare tire.
- Use a tire repair kit.
- Enroll in a roadside assistance service.
- Consider tire sealant products.
- Understand warranty coverage for roadside assistance.
- Explore temporary spare tire solutions.
To further explore your options, let us review each possibility in detail.
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Purchasing a Spare Tire: If your Lincoln MKZ lacks a spare tire, purchasing an appropriate spare tire that fits your vehicle can offer a direct solution. Spare tires can be obtained from dealerships, tire shops, or online retailers. Make sure to match the tire specifications to those of your MKZ for a proper fit.
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Using a Tire Repair Kit: Utilizing a tire repair kit can be a practical alternative. These kits often include items like sealants and plugs for patching small punctures and can temporarily extend your tire’s life until you reach a repair shop.
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Enrolling in a Roadside Assistance Service: Enrolling in a proactive roadside assistance service can provide peace of mind. Companies often offer 24/7 help for flat tires, providing either repairs on-site or towing to a nearby service center. This option can be beneficial for individuals who prefer not to manage tire issues independently.
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Considering Tire Sealant Products: Tire sealant products can be used to fix minor leaks or punctures without changing the tire. They work by sealing small holes from the inside out. The use of such products is a temporary fix, and a professional tire technician should evaluate the tire afterward.
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Understanding Warranty Coverage for Roadside Assistance: Some vehicle warranties and insurance policies include roadside assistance. Reviewing these options can help you utilize services without added cost, which may cover flat tire repair or replacement.
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Exploring Temporary Spare Tire Solutions: In some cases, you may find that temporary spare tire options are available. These compact spares can be a lighter and space-saving alternative. While designed for short-term use, they can be a solution until a full-size tire is purchased.
Exploring these options allows you to make an informed decision, ensuring your Lincoln MKZ remains safe and operational despite the absence of a traditional spare tire.
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