How to change lexus es 350 tire?
Quick answer: You’ll typically lift the car on the correct jack point, loosen and remove the lug nuts, swap in a spare tire or use a tire repair kit if no spare is available, then tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque spec. Always engage the parking brake, place wheel chocks, and consult your owner’s manual for exact jack points and torque values.
Tire changes on the Lexus ES 350 can vary by model year and trim. Some ES 350s carry a full-size or donut spare in the trunk, others use a Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) or, in newer builds, may omit a spare altogether. This guide lays out the general process, notes year-to-year differences, and highlights safety steps to take if you find yourself stranded on the roadside.
What you’ll need
Gathering the right tools and materials helps ensure a safe, efficient tire change. The exact contents can vary by year and trim, but most ES 350 models include a wheel jack and lug wrench, with a spare or TMK stored in the trunk. If your car doesn’t have a spare, you’ll rely on the TMK instructions and/ or roadside assistance.
- Spare tire (full size or donut) or Tire Mobility Kit, depending on your model year
- 3–4 car wheel chocks or heavy objects to block the opposite wheels
- Wheel lug wrench and a car jack compatible with the ES 350’s jacking points
- Gloves and a flashlight for visibility
- Owner’s manual or vehicle information card for torque specs and jack points
With the right tools on hand, you’ll be prepared to handle a tire change efficiently and more safely.
Safety basics and jack points
Before lifting the vehicle, review critical safety steps and locate the official jacking points. The Lexus ES 350 uses pinch-weld jack points along the rocker panels and a central front crossmember for the jack. Always apply the parking brake, place wheel chocks on the opposite wheel, and perform the change on a flat, stable surface away from traffic. If you’re on a busy road or cannot find a safe shoulder, call roadside assistance.
Step-by-step tire change
The following steps describe a standard tire change when a spare is available. If you’re using a Tire Mobility Kit or no spare is present, adapt the steps accordingly and follow the kit instructions or contact assistance as needed.
- Pull over to a safe, flat location and turn on hazard lights. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the wheels opposite the flat.
- Locate your spare or TMK and the lug wrench. If you have a full-size spare, you’ll use the same lug nuts; with a donut, follow the donut’s specific guidelines.
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the car is still on the ground. Do not remove them yet.
- Position the floor jack or scissor jack at the correct jacking point (the pinch weld near the wheel you’re changing) and raise the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
- Mount the spare wheel onto the hub, tightening the lug nuts by hand first to hold the wheel in place.
- Lower the car until the wheel is resting on the ground, then tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque.
- Fully lower the car, remove the jack, and perform a final lug-nut check. If you used a spare donut, observe any speed or distance limitations and replace it with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
- Stow the old wheel, jack, and tools securely in the trunk. If you used the TMK, follow the kit’s sealant and inflation steps and drive to a repair facility if needed.
Aftercare matters: recheck lug-nut torque after a short drive (usually within 50–100 miles) and store everything properly. If you replaced a flat with a temporary donut, plan for a permanent repair or replacement at your earliest convenience.
Model-year variations and what to expect
Not every Lexus ES 350 has the same tire setup. Here are common scenarios and how they affect the process:
- Early ES 350 models often included a spare tire and jack kit in the trunk.
- Many recent ES 350 models may ship with a Tire Mobility Kit instead of a full spare; in these cases you won’t swap a wheel, you’ll seal and inflate the punctured tire per TMK instructions.
- Some newer trims may omit a spare entirely; roadside assistance or a temporary repair solution is typically recommended until you can arrange a full tire replacement.
Always verify the contents in your trunk and consult the owner’s manual for the exact procedure, recommended torque values, and any model-year-specific cautions. If you’re unsure, contacting a Lexus dealer or roadside assistance is a prudent option.
Aftercare and maintenance tips
Once the tire change is complete, take a moment to confirm everything is secure and ready for the road. Check the inflation pressure of the spare (if applicable) and ensure the lug nuts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specification. Remember that driving on a spare tire can affect handling, braking, and fuel economy, so replace it with a proper tire as soon as possible. Regularly inspect tires for wear and keep a well-stocked jack kit in your vehicle for emergencies.
Summary
Changing a tire on a Lexus ES 350 follows a familiar, safety-first sequence: prepare, loosen, lift, swap, and secure. The exact approach depends on whether your model carries a spare or a TMK, so always check the trunk contents and owner’s manual for year-specific guidance. With the right tools and precautions, you can handle a roadside tire change effectively and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
By staying informed about your ES 350’s tire setup and following the outlined steps, you’ll be prepared to react calmly and correctly if you encounter a flat tire in the future.
