How to Remove the Spare Tire Cover on a Prado?

[DiKate]

To remove the spare tire cover on a Prado, first unlock the fastener at the bottom of the spare tire, then hold the cover and rotate it counterclockwise by a certain angle. Note that removing the spare tire cover requires significant force and is generally not easy to take off. During installation, align the upper and lower clips of the spare tire first, then rotate clockwise until you hear a click sound. The Prado is an imported ORV with dimensions of 4760mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1845mm in height. The vehicle comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and adaptive high-beam headlights.

[VanChloe]

To be honest, I was also confused at first, thinking removing the spare tire cover would be simple. Turns out the Prado's rear spare tire cover is secured with small screws hidden under the bottom clips. You'll need to park on a flat surface, engage the handbrake for safety, then find a Phillips screwdriver or small wrench – don't force it, as plastic parts can crack easily. When I did this myself last time, it took a while to locate the screws, usually positioned at the cover's edges. After unscrewing, just lift gently to remove. It's a good opportunity to check the spare tire pressure or clean accumulated dust inside the cover. If clips are rusted and hard to open, apply some lubricant carefully. The whole process isn't complicated – even beginners can manage it in about 10 minutes, but for first-timers I'd recommend checking the manual or searching online for reference images to avoid damaging components. When reinstalling, align the holes properly and tighten screws adequately to prevent rattling noises while driving.

[McAllison]

As someone who frequently goes off-roading, I find the spare tire cover removal on the Prado quite quick—the key is identifying the anchor points: there are usually hidden clips or small nuts at the bottom of the rear door. I typically use a 10mm socket or a flathead screwdriver to unscrew them—just remember to apply moderate force, as aged plastic can be brittle. In practice, as long as the vehicle is parked steadily, no special tools are needed; a standard car toolkit suffices. After removing the cover, it’s a good idea to check if the spare tire’s mounting bolts are loose to prevent detachment during long, bumpy trips. The Prado’s spare tire design is solid, but the cover material tends to accumulate dust, so I remove and clean it every six months. If the clips are stubborn, a gentle tap can loosen them—avoid yanking forcefully. The whole process takes 2-3 minutes, and even beginners can master it with practice—safe, practical, and it extends the cover’s lifespan.

[KennedyMarie]

When removing the spare tire cover, I paid extra attention to details since plastic parts are prone to scratches. The Prado's cover is typically secured with clips located above the rear wheels—just a small Phillips screwdriver is needed to release them. After parking, I wore gloves and worked slowly to avoid dirtying my hands or scratching the paint. Once removed, I wiped down both the cover and spare tire surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent odors. During reinstallation, I aligned the clips and gently pressed them back into place to ensure a watertight seal. The whole process is straightforward—just 5 steps: park safely, locate screws, loosen and remove, clean, and reinstall. If clips get deformed occasionally, a quick spray of WD-40 does the trick. Don’t forget regular maintenance like this—it saves repair costs.