How to Remove the Spare Tire of a Highlander?
2 Answers
The method to remove the spare tire of a Highlander consists of the following 7 steps: 1. Prepare tools: Get a socket head and a breaker bar; 2. Open the trunk: Open the trunk and locate the black cover; 3. Open the black cover; 4. Use the socket head: Fit the socket head onto the screw in the black hole; 5. Use the breaker bar: Insert the breaker bar through the hole in the middle of the socket head; 6. Rotate the breaker bar counterclockwise; 7. The spare tire can then be removed. Below are the steps for installing the spare tire, totaling 5 steps: 1. Prepare tools: Take out the spare tire and tools. The spare tire is secured with bolts—remove them first; 2. Loosen the wheel bolts: Use a cross-socket wrench to loosen the bolts on the wheel hub. Clockwise tightens, counterclockwise loosens; 3. Use the jack: Position the jack and lift the side where the tire needs to be changed; 4. Remove the tire: Take off the previously loosened bolts. Apply force diagonally to ensure even distribution and prevent stress concentration, which could damage the threads. Then remove the tire; 5. Install the spare tire: Mount the spare tire onto the wheel hub. Tighten the bolts diagonally, lower the jack, and tighten the bolts again.
Last year when I was driving my Highlander for an outing, I experienced a flat tire and had to retrieve the spare tire myself. The whole process was actually quite simple, but safety comes first. First, find a flat surface to park and engage the handbrake, then locate the toolkit in the rear trunk, which contains a jack and a wrench. The spare tire is housed in a protective cover hanging under the car, and you need to use the wrench to turn the lifting mechanism counterclockwise a few times to slowly lower the spare tire. Once it’s securely down, carefully pull it out and place it on the ground to avoid straining your back. I make it a habit to regularly check the spare tire’s pressure to ensure it doesn’t fail, as it’s crucial for long trips—I recommend using a pressure gauge to check it monthly. Additionally, the toolkit includes instructions, and following them will get the job done—even beginners can manage it, just be patient and don’t panic. Safety is always the priority; after replacing the tire, remember to clean the original one to keep things tidy.
