Can I get my spare tire down without the special tool? Yes, in many situations, you can lower your spare tire without the factory-issued tool, though it often takes more effort and requires careful attention to safety. This guide will show you safe ways to lower your spare tire when the standard tool is missing or broken.
Finding Your Spare Tire Mechanism
Most modern vehicles store the spare tire underneath the rear of the car. This setup keeps the spare out of the way. However, accessing it requires knowing where the spare tire release mechanism is hidden. If you are stuck and need to change a tire quickly, finding this access point is the first big step.
Locating the Access Point
The undercarriage access point is usually near the rear bumper. It might be hidden behind a plastic cover or directly visible under the vehicle’s body.
- Look Under the Rear: Get low and look directly beneath the trunk area.
- Check for a Keyhole or Slot: You are looking for a small hole, slot, or perhaps a cap that seems designed for insertion. This hole leads to the winch mechanism that holds the tire up.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: If you have the manual, it shows the exact jack location and the spare tire lowering procedure. This is the best place to start if you can access it.
What If the Tool Is Missing?
If the designated rod or crank tool that came with your flat tire kit is missing, you need a substitute. This substitute needs to be strong and long enough to reach the mechanism.
Improvised Tools for Lowering the Spare
Since the specific tool is absent, we need to find something that fits the slot and is strong enough to turn the winch. Remember, the winch can be stiff, especially if it’s never been used.
Measuring the Required Tool Size
Before searching for a substitute, try to see what size opening you have. Look closely at the slot or hole.
- Is it a square opening?
- Is it a hex (six-sided) shape?
- Is it a thin, round hole?
The factory tool usually has a specific shape to grip the winch screw head securely. Using the wrong tool can strip the mechanism, making future removal much harder.
Effective Substitute Items
Here are common items that might work for manual spare tire lowering:
- Long, Strong Screwdriver: A very long flat-head screwdriver might work if the slot is wide enough. Make sure the handle is sturdy enough for you to push or turn hard.
- Metal Rod or Pipe: A piece of strong metal pipe, like an axle from an old piece of equipment, can provide the necessary leverage.
- Lug Wrench Handle: Sometimes, the handle end of a standard lug wrench is the right size to fit into the access slot. This is often the best improvised tool because it is designed for force.
- Sturdy Dowel Rod (Wood): Only use a very thick, hard wooden dowel if you are certain the mechanism is not very stiff. Wood can snap easily under high torque.
Safety Note: Never use an item that is too small. If it slips while you apply force, you could seriously injure your hand or face.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lowering the Spare Tire Manually
This process focuses on the emergency jack procedure for lowering the tire, even without the perfect tool. Safety comes first.
Preparation and Safety Checks
Before you attempt to lower the tire, make sure you are safe. You should never attempt this on the side of a busy highway unless you have pulled far off the road and activated your hazard lights.
- Secure the Vehicle: Engage the parking brake fully. If you have wheel chocks, place them behind the wheels that are not flat.
- Gather Supplies: Have your replacement tire, your improvised tool, and possibly a flashlight ready.
Engaging the Winch Mechanism
The winch is a threaded rod system that holds the spare tire firmly against the frame. You need to turn this mechanism in the correct direction to release the tension.
Determining the Turning Direction
Generally, you turn the mechanism counter-clockwise to lower the tire. Think of it like unscrewing a large bolt. If you turn it and nothing happens, try turning it clockwise briefly; this might release any initial binding before you start lowering.
Applying the Improvised Tool
- Insert the Tool: Carefully insert your substitute tool into the access slot. Push it in until you feel it engage with the internal mechanism.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Start by applying gentle turning pressure counter-clockwise. You are checking for resistance.
- Winching Down: Once you feel it begin to move, you must keep turning. It can take many, many rotations to lower the tire completely. This is often a slow and tiring process. Keep your body positioned so that if the tool slips, it won’t whip toward you.
Dealing with a Stuck Winch
A winch that has never been used can seize up due to rust or road grime. This is where improvisation meets brute force—carefully.
- Lubrication (If Possible): If you have WD-40 or any penetrating oil, spray it generously into the access hole. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This can sometimes loosen the threads enough to allow movement.
- Using Leverage: If a long rod is necessary, use it to increase your turning leverage. Stand near the tire, brace your feet, and turn steadily. Avoid quick, jerky motions, as these often break tools or strip threads.
Utilizing the Vehicle Jack Safely
Once the spare tire is mostly on the ground, you can easily unhook it. Before you even think about lifting the car, you need to know the vehicle jack usage points. Never lift the car before the spare is freed enough to roll out.
Where is the Jack Located?
Your jack is usually stored in the trunk well, sometimes secured under the floor panel alongside the flat tire kit. Knowing the jack location is vital for the second half of this roadside repair.
The Correct Jack Points
Lifting a vehicle improperly can cause serious damage to the frame or suspension, or even cause the car to fall off the jack. Always consult your manual for specific jack location points near the wheel you are changing.
Generally, there are reinforced metal areas just behind the front wheels and just in front of the rear wheels along the frame rail. These areas are specifically designed to bear the weight of the car when using the emergency jack procedure.
Table: Safe Jacking Locations (General Guide)
| Vehicle Area | Recommended Jack Point | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Front Wheels | Strong metal pinch weld near the wheel. | Avoid plastic trim or suspension arms. |
| Rear Wheels | Frame rail section behind the rear wheel. | Ensure the jack base is flat on solid ground. |
Completing the Tire Change Without the Full Kit
If the specialized crank tool is missing, it strongly suggests that other specialized tools might also be missing, like the wheel lock key.
Removing Lug Nuts
If you don’t have the full flat tire kit, you might not have the correct socket for your lug nuts, especially if you have locking nuts.
- Standard Lug Nuts: If you have a standard tire iron or lug wrench from another vehicle that fits the nuts, use it. Again, apply steady pressure.
- Locking Lug Nuts: If you have locking lug nuts and no key, you cannot proceed safely. Attempting to force a standard socket onto a locking nut can damage the nut irreparably.
If you have locking lug nuts and no key:
1. Call for roadside assistance. They have specialized extraction tools.
2. If you are in a remote area, ask a nearby service station if they have a universal lug nut remover set.
Mounting the Spare Tire
Once the flat is off, lift the spare tire into position. This can be awkward since you just struggled to get it down.
- Aligning the Hub: Carefully line up the wheel studs with the holes on the spare tire.
- Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts: Put the lug nuts back on and tighten them firmly by hand as much as possible. Do not use your improvised tool for final tightening yet.
Final Steps: Raising the Vehicle and Securing Everything
After the new tire is on, you must raise the vehicle and then secure the winch cable.
Lifting the Vehicle
Use your vehicle jack usage knowledge to lift the car just enough so the inflated spare tire just touches the ground.
- Crank the car up slowly.
- Once the car is lifted, torque down the lug nuts in a star pattern (alternating sides) until they are very tight. This ensures the wheel seats evenly.
- Lower the vehicle until the weight is mostly off the jack.
- Finish tightening the lug nuts with maximum safe force.
Raising the Spare Tire Winch
This is the reverse of lowering spare tire. You will crank the winch mechanism clockwise until the spare tire is pulled up tightly against the vehicle frame.
- Re-engaging the Tool: Use your improvised tool again. Turn clockwise. This part can be stiff because you are fighting gravity and the weight of the spare tire.
- Securing the Winch: Keep cranking until the tire is snug and cannot be pulled down by hand. It must be secure for driving.
Final Safety Checks
Before driving off, check the following:
- Is the flat tire stored securely (if you managed to get it down)?
- Are all your tools put away?
- Is the jack location clear of debris?
If you used a makeshift tool, inspect it. If it’s bent or damaged, discard it for safety reasons. You should replace your flat tire kit immediately.
Why Some Cars Don’t Need a Tool for Lowering
Some newer vehicles have electric or remote controls for lowering spare tire mechanisms. These cars often have the spare tire mounted inside the trunk, under the carpet, rather than beneath the chassis.
If your car has an electric release:
- Check the Trunk: Look for a button or switch near the rear liftgate opening or under the carpet of the trunk floor.
- Battery Dependency: Electric systems rely on battery power. If your car battery is dead, the electric release will not work. In this case, manufacturers usually include a manual override switch located near the undercarriage access point, which requires a tool to activate. This brings you back to needing a strong rod.
The Importance of Proper Tools and Roadside Assistance
While this tire change guide explains how to improvise, relying on luck in an emergency is risky.
Why the Factory Tool Matters
The tool included in the flat tire kit is specifically engineered for the winch mechanism. It is the perfect length and shape, reducing the risk of stripping the internal threads.
When to Call for Help
If you are struggling for more than 15 minutes, or if your improvised tool breaks, stop. Your safety is worth more than the time saved. This is the moment to contact roadside assistance. They are equipped with the right tools and experience for this specific task. They can often arrive quickly, especially if you are near a main road.
Fathoming Vehicle Jack Limitations
The emergency jack procedure is designed for a quick swap on flat, stable ground. Never attempt to use the vehicle jack usage points on soft dirt, sand, or steep inclines. If the ground gives way, the car will fall, leading to injury or severe vehicle damage. If the ground is soft, use wide, flat boards (if available) under the jack base to distribute the weight.
FAQ Section
Q: What if the spare tire winch is rusted completely shut?
If the winch is heavily rusted and will not turn even with strong pressure, stop applying force. Continued force will break the internal gearing or snap the cable. Your best option here is to call roadside assistance. They may use specialized hydraulic tools or cutting gear to remove the tire assembly safely.
Q: Can I use my car’s power outlet to lower an electric spare?
If your vehicle has an electronic release but your main car battery is dead, check if the system has a separate backup power input. Some vehicles allow you to connect a 12V source directly to the release mechanism housing to power the motor momentarily for lowering spare tire. Check your manual for this specific feature.
Q: How tight should the lug nuts be after the change?
Lug nuts must be tightened to the manufacturer’s specific torque setting. This is usually between 80 and 100 ft-lbs. Since you likely don’t have a torque wrench when using an improvised method, tighten them as securely as you can using the star pattern. Crucially, visit a service station immediately to have the torque checked professionally. Incorrect tightness can cause the wheel to wobble or even fall off.
Q: Where exactly is the spare tire release mechanism usually hidden?
For most SUVs and trucks, the spare tire release mechanism is near the rear bumper, often behind a small plastic cover you can pry off, or in a hole on a beam under the rear chassis. For sedans where the spare is inside the trunk, there is usually a small knob or cable pull inside the trunk well itself.
Q: Is it safe to drive long distances on a spare tire?
No. Spare tires, especially “donut” spares, are designed for temporary, low-speed use only. They usually have speed restrictions (often 50 mph or less) and mileage limits. Get your original tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.