What to Do If the Spare Tire Won't Come Off?
3 Answers
Start by removing the tire. First, use a wrench to loosen the five bolts on the wheel counterclockwise. Once all five bolts are loosened, place the jack under the "reinforcement" position of the skirt panel between the two wheels and raise the jack. When the vehicle is lifted about 3 cm off the ground, simply unscrew the bolts on the wheel one by one, and the tire will come off. Next, install the spare tire. For a five-bolt wheel hub, tighten the bolts in a star pattern multiple times. For a four-bolt wheel hub, tighten them in a diagonal sequence multiple times.
When changing a spare tire and encountering stuck bolts, I recommend first ensuring the vehicle is safely parked with the handbrake engaged and hazard lights on. Bolts often get stuck due to rust or over-tightening—spray some WD-40 lubricant and wait five minutes for it to penetrate. If that doesn’t work, check if the wrench matches the bolt size, try stepping on the wrench for extra force, or use a pipe over the wrench for better leverage. For spare tires mounted underneath, carefully lift the vehicle with a jack before working to avoid injury. I regularly maintain the spare tire mount by applying anti-rust grease to prevent such issues. If all else fails, don’t force it—call roadside assistance. Safety always comes first.
I've also encountered the issue of a stuck spare tire bolt. The method is to spray some penetrating oil on the bolt, wait a moment, then gently tap it left and right to help loosen it. Check if you're using the correct tools—if you don't have a dedicated wrench, use the spare tire tool from the car or other hard objects to apply extra force. When the bolt is located underneath the car, first jack up the vehicle to ensure safe operation space. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands. After each tire change, clean the bolts to keep them smooth, so it won't be as difficult next time. If you really can't get it off, don't be stubborn—calling for roadside assistance is the best option.
