How to Remove the Spare Tire?
4 Answers
The method to remove the spare tire is: open the trunk, lift the trunk mat to reveal the spare tire, then unscrew the fixing knob to remove it. A spare tire is an extra tire prepared for the car, allowing for timely replacement in case of a flat or other tire issues, preventing the car from breaking down midway. Precautions for installing the spare tire include: 1. Before installing the spare tire, place the removed tire under the car to avoid accidents; 2. Ensure all tire fixing screws are tightened before removing the jack; 3. Tighten the screws in a diagonal sequence, not clockwise or counterclockwise one after another.
Parking on a flat and solid surface and firmly applying the handbrake is crucial—I learned this the hard way when I had a tire blowout on the highway. Open the trunk, lift the mat, and locate the spare tire compartment cover. Inside, besides the spare tire, you'll find a jack and a specialized wrench. The spare tire is usually secured by a large bolt; turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen it, but avoid using excessive force to prevent breaking it. When removing the spare tire, bend your knees and use your leg strength—lifting with a straight back can easily strain your back. By the way, after removing it, remember to check the tire pressure, as many spare tires go flat from long-term disuse. It's best to carry a portable air pump in your car. Loosening the lug nuts of the flat tire before changing it makes the job easier. After replacing it, head to a tire repair shop immediately—spare tires are only for emergencies and not meant for long-term use.
As a driver who frequently travels long distances, when retrieving the spare tire, I first ensure the vehicle is completely turned off, the gear is in P (Park), and the handbrake is firmly engaged. Placing wheel chocks in front and behind the tires adds extra safety. Open the trunk and clear any clutter to expose the spare tire compartment—some SUVs require lifting the cargo area floor panel. The securing bolt is usually hidden in the center of the spare tire; use an L-shaped wrench to turn it counterclockwise until a click indicates it's loosened. For vehicles with an underbody-mounted spare tire, you'll need to crawl underneath to locate the release mechanism. After removing the spare tire, always lay it flat to prevent rolling hazards, as accidents involving loose tires are common. Wearing gloves during tire changes is crucial, as grease and metal shavings are difficult to clean off. Before reinstalling the spare, remember to clear debris from the storage well, as foreign objects can cause abnormal vibrations.
I always check the vehicle manual before removing the spare tire, as locations vary significantly between models. Lift the trunk mat to reveal the tool kit, then place the jack nearby for later use. When loosening the spare tire's mounting bolt counterclockwise, stop immediately upon hearing metal contact – excessive force can damage the threads. Remove the spare by hugging it and using your knee for leverage; ladies may want assistance. Critical reminder: Observe the speed limit marked on the tire sidewall (usually 80km/h) – exceeding this is extremely dangerous. Never store the damaged tire in the trunk as flung tread debris can shatter glass. Always return tools promptly – a friend once forgot the jack and punctured the fuel tank over a bump.
