How to Remove the Spare Tire of a Highlander?
2 Answers
Open the rear door of the Highlander, then lift the outer floor panel of the trunk. On the right side of the vehicle, you will find a small square cover approximately 7-8cm in size. Remove this cover to reveal a screw head. Use the provided tool to loosen this screw and take out the spare tire. Below are the steps for replacing the spare tire: 1. Prepare a jack, wrench, and the spare tire for replacement. 2. Use the jack to lift the vehicle and remove the tire bolts with the wrench. 3. Once all bolts are removed, take off the tire and install the spare tire. 4. Tighten all the bolts back in place and then remove the jack.
I've been driving a Highlander for several years, and taking out the spare tire isn't actually difficult. First, open the trunk and clear out any clutter inside. There's a removable panel at the bottom—lift it up and you'll see the spare tire secured there. Use the wrench from the vehicle's tool kit, fit it onto the screw in the middle of the bracket, and turn it counterclockwise a few times. The spare tire will slowly lower down. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as the chains can rust easily. It's a good idea to spray some lubricant beforehand. The spare tire is quite heavy, so I recommend having a friend help hold it to prevent it from dropping and getting damaged. Always perform this operation on level ground—safety first. If the screw gets stuck, don't force it; try wiggling it left and right to loosen it. After removing the spare tire, check the air pressure, and make sure to inspect it regularly to avoid leaks.
