Ford continues to explore new ways to improve everyday vehicle ownership through smart technology, and its latest patent filing focuses on a situation every driver hopes to avoid: a flat tire. The automaker has filed a patent for a system that could both detect flat tires and assist drivers during the replacement process in future Ford vehicles.

Filed on April 10, 2024, and published on October 16, 2025, the patent outlines a system that uses onboard sensors to identify when a tire has lost pressure or failed. Once detected, the vehicle would notify the driver and present several operating modes designed to make the situation safer and easier to manage.

One of those options is a tire change mode, which would automatically raise the vehicle’s air suspension to its maximum height. This could improve access to the wheel and reduce strain or risk while changing a tire. Another option is an off-road mode, intended for situations where drivers intentionally reduce tire pressure to improve traction on loose surfaces.

The system also includes a service mode, designed for routine tire maintenance. In each case, a key goal of the technology is to protect the vehicle’s air suspension by ensuring it operates correctly during tire-related events, reducing the risk of damage caused by improper use.

Ford has recently filed several patents focused on proactive maintenance, including systems that estimate the remaining useful life of parts and notify drivers when tire rotation is needed. This flat tire assistance concept fits neatly into that broader strategy of preventing damage before it happens.

As with all patent filings, Ford emphasizes that these ideas are exploratory and not a promise of production. Still, the concept highlights how future Ford vehicles could make common roadside issues safer, simpler, and less stressful for drivers.