How to Remove the Undercarriage Spare Tire on a Prado?
3 Answers
Open the driver's side door of the FAW Toyota Prado; Engage the handbrake of the FAW Toyota Prado to prevent the vehicle from rolling; Pull the trunk switch located on the left side of the driver's leg area in the FAW Toyota Prado, then lift the trunk open; Lift up the bottom cover panel of the FAW Toyota Prado's trunk; After lifting the bottom cover panel of the FAW Toyota Prado's trunk, the spare tire will be visible and can be directly removed.
When it comes to removing the underbody spare tire on the Prado, as a long-time owner, I do it often—it's a piece of cake. First, locate the spare tire position. On Prado models, the spare is mounted under the rear of the vehicle, with a winch drum nearby. Take the socket wrench that came with your car key, insert it into the drum’s socket, and slowly turn it counterclockwise to lower the chain and spare tire. Take your time—turn steadily to avoid the chain jamming. Once the spare is lowered, unhook the chain by hand, and the tire comes right off. Throughout the process, prioritize safety: wear gloves and mind your back when squatting. After removal, clean off any dust to ensure grip next time. I check mine monthly—it’s a habit that makes emergency tire changes quicker and extends the spare’s lifespan. Especially before long road trips, this routine saves headaches down the road.
I'm a newbie who just started driving a Prado, and I'm a bit nervous about removing the spare tire, so I'll take it step by step. First, make sure the car is parked securely, engage the handbrake or shift to P mode—safety first. The spare tire is located at the rear under the chassis, covered by a small panel. Lift it to reveal the turning hole. Use the wrench from the car's toolkit to insert into the hole, turning it counterclockwise with gentle force until you hear the chain loosen, then stop. Lower the spare tire slowly—don't rush it, or you might drop it on your foot. Then unhook it and place the spare tire on a flat surface. The first time took me 15 minutes, but I got faster with practice. I recommend having a friend assist initially, especially at night or in the rain—good lighting is essential to see the parts clearly. After removing the spare, check for any air leaks. This experience can help newbies avoid panic in emergencies.
