How to Remove the Spare Tire of the Highlander?
4 Answers
The steps to remove the spare tire of the Highlander are as follows: 1. Open the rear door of the Highlander, then open the outer cover of the rear trunk floor. 2. On the right side of the car, there is a small cover plate about 7-8 cm square. 3. Remove this cover plate to reveal a screw head, and use a tool to loosen the screw. 4. After loosening the screw, remove the spare tire. Steps to replace 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 bolts are unscrewed, the tire can be removed and replaced with the spare tire. 4. Tighten all the tire bolts as they were originally, then remove the jack, and the spare tire replacement is complete.
As a young person who frequently goes on road trips, I discovered during my last spare tire change that the Highlander's spare is located centrally underneath the vehicle. Removing it is fairly straightforward but requires some caution. First, locate the dedicated tool kit in the trunk, which contains a hook wrench and a jack. Park the car on level ground, engage the parking brake and gear for safety, then use the jack to slowly lift the designated support point on the underside—take it steady to avoid instability. Next, crawl under the vehicle to find the spare tire mount; insert the wrench into a round hole and turn counterclockwise to loosen the bolt—it might require some force. If it won't budge, spray some rust penetrant and wait a few minutes before trying again. Once the bolt is loose, gently pull out the spare tire mount, and the spare will come down with it—support the tire as you lower it to avoid injury or paint damage. After removal, it's wise to check the spare's air pressure and tread wear, as prolonged disuse can lead to aging—safety first. I usually inspect my spare tire's condition once a year, giving me peace of mind while driving and preventing roadside emergencies. The whole process becomes easy after practicing a couple of times—just stay calm and follow each step methodically.
Having driven a Highlander for years, I've seen many owners damage their spare tires due to improper removal—there's a knack to it. Typically, the spare is mounted under the chassis. Before removal, ensure the car is parked on level ground (avoid slopes where it might slip), turn off the engine, wear gloves, and gather tools—the rear compartment holds a long wrench and jack. When lifting, locate the chassis’ marked support points and raise until the spare wheel clears the ground, but not too high to hinder access. Next, insert the wrench into the central locking ring and turn counterclockwise to loosen; it may stick—apply lubricant if excessive force is needed. Once fully loosened, gently wiggle the spare’s bracket to slide it out slowly, avoiding sudden drops that could injure feet. After extraction, inspect tread depth and pressure—low or flat tires render the effort pointless. The Highlander’s under-chassis spare design saves trunk space but traps moisture; check every six months and reinflate to prevent rust. Rotate spares periodically to extend lifespan. Patience and methodical steps ensure safety first.
As a mechanic, I often help friends remove the spare tire of a Highlander, emphasizing the professional use of tools. The tools are located in the toolbox in the trunk, including a special long-handle wrench. After parking the car securely, jack it up to the appropriate height, ensuring the designated points on the chassis are properly aligned to avoid damaging the chassis structure. Insert the wrench into the hole at the center of the spare tire bracket and slowly turn it counterclockwise to loosen the fixing nut—steady movements are key. Once the nut is loose, gently pull the bracket to slide out the entire spare tire system, being careful not to hit surrounding components. After removal, quickly inspect the spare tire for cracks or insufficient pressure, addressing any issues immediately. Similar to other SUVs, the spare tire is designed under the chassis to optimize space, but maintenance is crucial—regular checks for moisture prevention are essential.
