How to Remove the Spare Tire of a Toyota Highlander?
3 Answers
Toyota Highlander spare tire removal method: Open the rear door of the Highlander, then open the cover on the outer side of the rear trunk floor. On the right side of the car, there is a small square cover approximately 7-8 cm in size. Remove this cover to reveal a screw head. Use the tool provided with the vehicle to loosen this screw. Once the screw is loosened, the tire will come down, and the spare tire can then be removed. Steps for replacing the spare tire: 1. To replace the car's spare tire, prepare a jack, wrench, and the spare tire. 2. First, use the jack to lift the car, then use the wrench to unscrew the tire bolts. 3. After all the bolts are unscrewed, the tire can be removed and replaced with the spare tire. 4. Tighten all the tire bolts as they were originally, remove the jack, and the spare tire will be successfully replaced.
The spare tire of the Toyota Highlander is mounted under the rear chassis, and removing it requires some skill. I often handle this kind of issue myself. First, ensure the car is parked on a flat and safe surface, and engage the handbrake to prevent rolling. Open the trunk and locate the spare tire toolkit, which should contain a wrench and a jack. Use the jack to lift the rear of the car slightly, creating space under the chassis for operation. Then, crawl underneath the car, where you'll see the spare tire secured to a metal frame. Use the wrench to loosen the bolts or nuts by turning them clockwise to remove them. Be cautious during the operation as the chassis can be dusty—wearing gloves is recommended to protect your hands. After removing the spare tire, don’t forget to check if the tire pressure is sufficient to avoid failure in an emergency. The whole process requires patience; avoid rushing or using excessive force.
Last time I helped a friend remove the spare tire from a Highlander, I realized beginners often miss safety steps. First, you need to locate the tools—the toolkit is usually tucked in the trunk compartment, containing a dedicated wrench and jack. Parking the car on level ground is crucial. Then, position the jack at the designated support point and raise the vehicle slowly, not exceeding the necessary height. When loosening the mounting bolts, they might be tight or rusted—spraying some lubricant makes it easier. The spare tire is heavy, so use both hands to lift it down. I’ve seen someone reach in without jacking up the car first, nearly getting injured. Remember: lift the car before removing the tire to avoid unnecessary risks.
