Why won’t my Ford Escape tire come off?
Escape tires often stick due to rusted hubs and seized lug nuts, complicating removal during flat changes. When a tire won’t budge despite removing lug nuts, the wheel hub may be rusted or corroded. Spray penetrating oil like WD-40 generously around the hub and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Remove the lug nuts with the tire iron by turning them counterclockwise. Remember, “Lefty loosey, righty tighty. Once the lug nuts are removed, you should be able to take the wheel off the vehicle.If the lug nuts have been removed and the tire still won’t come off, it may be stuck to the hub due to rust or corrosion. You could try tapping the tire with a rubber mallet or a piece of wood to help loosen it from the hub. If that doesn’t work, using a pry bar to gently lift the wheel off the hub might be effective.
What to do if the tire won’t come off?
To remove a stuck tire, first spray penetrating oil on lug nuts and let it sit 10-15 minutes. Use a breaker bar for extra torque on lug nuts. If the tire won’t budge, tap the tire’s sidewall with a rubber mallet to break rust bonds between the wheel and hub. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage. Place the wheel lock key onto the wheel lock, ensuring that the pattern on the key aligns with the pattern on the lock. Apply pressure and turn the tire iron counterclockwise to loosen the wheel lock. Continue turning until the wheel lock has been completely removed from the wheel.Insert the curved end of a tire iron between the tire and the rim, then carefully pry the tire away from the rim. Work your way around the tire, gradually releasing it from the rim and prying it over the lip.