Where is the spare tyre on a Toyota?
Typically, the spare tyre is stored in the trunk area under the cargo floor or in a wheel-well beneath the vehicle, but the exact location varies by model and year. Many newer Toyotas replace a full-size spare with a compact spare or a tire repair kit, so always consult the owner's manual for your specific model.
Common spare tire locations by model
Here's a quick guide to where you’ll find the spare on popular Toyota passenger cars, SUVs, and hybrids. Note that trim and year can change the setup.
- Passenger cars and hatchbacks (Corolla, Camry, Prius, etc.): The spare is usually stored under the rear cargo floor in a recessed storage well. Access is gained by lifting a panel, with the jack and tools typically stowed nearby in a side compartment or under the floor.
- SUVs and crossovers (RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, etc.): Many trims keep a compact spare either under the cargo floor in a dedicated cradle or mounted beneath the vehicle near the rear axle. Some finishes use a tire repair kit instead of a spare.
- Hybrids and special models (Prius and other hybrids): Some hybrids rely on a tire repair kit or a smaller spare, with location varying by year and trim. The location is often still in the trunk area, but configurations can differ.
Always verify with the owner's manual or a dealer for your exact year and trim, as Toyota's configurations can differ significantly even within the same model line.
Model-year and trim notes
In recent years, Toyota has shifted many trims away from a full-size spare in favor of a compact spare or a tire-sealant kit and inflator. This trend is especially common on hybrids and some higher-efficiency models. If your vehicle has a spare, it will usually be in the same general area described above, but the exact location and contents can vary by year and trim.
How to locate the spare on your specific Toyota
Use this quick checklist if you’re unsure of your exact car's setup.
- Open the trunk and inspect the main cargo floor. Look for a lifting handle or a removable panel that reveals a storage well.
- Check any side compartments or bins in the cargo area; some models store wheels and tools in a side tray or under a removable cover.
- Examine the area under the vehicle for an undercarriage spare or a spare mounted near the rear axle, which may require lowering a cradle or using a winch.
- Consult the owner’s manual or contact a Toyota dealer to confirm the exact location for your VIN/year, especially if you don’t see a spare in the common places.
Knowing the exact location is crucial for a quick, safe tire change or roadside assistance.
What to do if you can’t locate the spare
If you can’t find a spare, you may be riding a tire-sealant kit instead. In that case, you’ll need to fit the repair kit and inflate the tire to drive to a shop or call roadside assistance. Always carry the necessary tools and ensure you are prepared for a breakdown scenario.
Summary
Spare tyre placement on Toyota vehicles varies by model and year. Most passenger cars place a spare under the trunk floor, while many SUVs store a spare in the cargo area or beneath the vehicle. Some trims use a tire repair kit rather than a spare. Always check the owner’s manual for your exact configuration, and keep the correct tools accessible in case of a flat. When in doubt, contact a Toyota dealer or roadside assistance for guidance.
Why are new cars coming without a spare tire?
New cars don't come with a spare tire to reduce weight for better fuel economy, save manufacturing costs, and create more space for other features like batteries or cargo. Many vehicles now include alternatives to a spare, such as tire repair kits or run-flat tires.
Reasons for removing spare tires
- Weight and efficiency: Removing the spare tire and jack saves 30 to 50 pounds, which improves the car's fuel efficiency and helps manufacturers meet EPA guidelines.
- Cost savings: Eliminating the spare tire and the components needed to mount it saves the manufacturer money on materials and production.
- More space: Removing the spare tire creates extra space, which can be used for larger batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, increased cargo room, or other features.
- Alternative solutions: Many cars now come with a tire repair kit, which includes sealant and an air pump for temporary fixes. Luxury or performance models may feature run-flat tires, which can be driven for a limited distance after a puncture.
What this means for drivers
- Check before you buy: Don't assume a new car has a spare. Check the vehicle's specifications to see if it includes one or a repair kit.
- Be prepared: If your car has a tire repair kit instead of a spare, familiarize yourself with how to use it. It's a temporary solution meant to get you to a repair shop.
- Consider roadside assistance: With the elimination of spare tires, many drivers rely on roadside assistance for flat tires.
Do Toyotas have a spare tire?
Your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire. The flat tire can be replaced with the spare tire. For details about tires: Tires Warning: If you have a flat tire Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Where is my spare tire on my Toyota Corolla?
The spare tire for a Toyota Corolla is located in the trunk, underneath a carpeted mat and a removable panel that may be made of foam or a hard tray. To access it, open the trunk, lift the mat, and then remove the tool tray to reveal the spare tire, which is secured with a fastener.
This video shows how to find the spare tire in the trunk of a 2021 Toyota Corolla: 41sI-5 ToyotaYouTube · Apr 20, 2021
Step-by-step guide
- Open the trunk: Use the key fob to pop the trunk, or use the release lever inside the car.
- Lift the floor cover: Lift up the carpeted mat or all-weather mat at the bottom of the trunk.
- Remove the tool tray: Take out the foam or plastic tray that holds the jack and other tools. This tray often has sides that fold up to make it easier to remove.
- Unsecure the spare tire: Unscrew the fastener or wing nut in the center of the spare tire to release it.
- Remove the spare tire: Lift the spare tire out of the well.
What to do if I have a flat tire and no spare?
If you have a flat tire and no spare, your best options are to call for professional roadside assistance or use a tire repair kit. You can also try to temporarily inflate the tire with a portable compressor if the damage is minor, which may allow you to drive slowly to a repair shop.
Immediate actions
- Pull over to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, place warning triangles or cones behind your vehicle to alert other drivers.
- Assess the damage. Look to see if it's a simple puncture or more severe damage, and note if there is any air left in the tire.
Options for a flat tire with no spare
- Use a tire repair kit. Many newer cars come with a kit instead of a spare tire. This typically includes a can of sealant and a portable air compressor to inflate the tire.
- Follow the kit's instructions to inject sealant into the tire and then inflate it to a temporary pressure. This is a temporary fix to get you to a repair shop.
- Call roadside assistance. Contact your insurance provider or a service like AAA for help. They can tow your vehicle to a nearby mechanic or provide on-site repair if possible.
- Try inflating with a portable compressor. If the tire has air but is low, use a portable compressor (plugs into the car's cigarette lighter) to inflate it enough to drive to a shop. Do not drive if the tire is completely flat, as this can cause permanent damage.
- Take the wheel to a shop. If you have the tools but no spare, you can remove the flat wheel, take it to a tire shop for repair or replacement, and then bring the new or repaired wheel back to your car.
What to do after the immediate fix
- Visit a professional. Whether you used a repair kit or inflated the tire, your next step should be to get to a tire shop for a proper repair or new tire as soon as possible.
- Inform the mechanic. If you used a sealant, let the shop know so they can be prepared when they take the tire off the rim.
