How to Remove the Spare Tire of the New Highlander?
4 Answers
The method for installing and removing the spare tire of the new Highlander is detailed in the vehicle's user manual. The specific steps are as follows: 1. Open the rear door, then lift the outer cover of the trunk floor (referred to as the "central cover"). 2. On the right side of the vehicle, you will find a small square cover approximately 7-8 cm in size. Remove this cover to reveal a screw head. 3. Use the provided tool to loosen the screw. The tire is suspended under the vehicle, and loosening the screw will allow the tire to descend. 4. Once the screw is loosened, the spare tire can be removed. Before removing it, detach the outer cover of the spare tire.
I often do my own car repairs, and removing the spare tire on the new Highlander is quite simple. First, park the car on a level surface, engage the handbrake, and place wheel chocks to prevent rolling. The spare tire is usually located at the center of the rear underside of the vehicle. Open the cover on the floor of the trunk to access it. The tools are in the toolbox, including a jack, wrench, and chain tool. Use the jack to gently lift the rear of the car slightly to loosen the chain. Then, use the wrench to turn the fixing bolt or chain device counterclockwise to release it. Slowly remove the spare tire—it’s quite heavy, weighing over 20 kilograms. When lifting, support it with your knees to avoid straining your back. Safety first—wear gloves. After removal, secure everything properly and don’t forget. Regularly check the spare tire’s air pressure and wear, and it’s recommended to perform maintenance every quarter to avoid issues during emergencies. When changing tires, take your time, stay calm, and proceed step by step.
I just changed the spare tire on my new Highlander, and as an ordinary car owner, I found the process quite intuitive. Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks. Locate and open the spare tire cover panel on the rear floor. The toolkit is in the side pocket—take out the jack and the specialized wrench. Use the jack to lift the car slightly, but don't raise it too high. The spare tire is secured with chains; slowly loosen the bolts or operate the mechanical lock mechanism. When removing the spare tire, it's safer to ask for help—it's heavy physical work. After removal, immediately return it to its original position and tighten the bolts. Some advice: always maintain the spare tire's air pressure at around 10 psi, not too high. Practice these simple steps a few times to get used to it, and don't be afraid of making mistakes—take your time to ensure safety.
Veteran Driver's Perspective: Park level, handbrake tight. The spare tire is under the rear of the car; open the cover to retrieve the tools. Use the jack to slightly lift the rear of the car and loosen the chain. Use a wrench to loosen the fixing points and slowly remove the spare tire. Don't forget to support the weight with your legs. Afterward, check the tire pressure and wear. Safety first—change the tire quickly.
