The Toyota RAV4 spare tire is a lifesaver for a lot of drivers. This little backup plan has the potential to save you from the headache of being helplessly stuck on the roadside. And, since a dreaded flat can happen without issuing a notice in advance, it’s better to learn about using the extra tire before the dice starts rolling.
If you are already caught in such a situation, don’t worry as I am covering everything you need to know about finding, using, and maintaining your spare tire. Stick with me till the end to always be ready when a flat tire shows up uninvited!
What is the RAV4’s spare tire?
Imagine you have an urgent meeting on a tight schedule and just when you are about to reach the office, one of your tires goes flat. Sounds bad doesn’t it? But, why sit waiting for a tow truck when the spare tire has your back?
The spare tire is an extra tire that Toyota generously adds to the rear of your RAV4. It is exactly for dreaded situations like the one I just described. The spare tire comes in two different sizes depending on the model year of your RAV4.
Full-size Spare Tire
This tire is the equivalent of the original tires of your RAV4 and gives the same reliability and performance as its OEM counterparts.
Compact/Temporary Spare Tire
This is a comparatively smaller tire in comparison to the full-fledged one. This is why it is also called the donut tire. It is not for regular use and should only be used to drive to the mechanic’s shop for a replacement. Also, these size differences can lead to some constraints on balance thus reducing the speed (<55 mph) and towing capacity (<1800 lbs.).
Regardless of the type your SUV model comes from, its ready availability offsets a lot of other bigger tensions.
Where is the Spare Tire Located?
Now that we know what types of spare tires are available, let’s look into the million-dollar question: where are these rainy-day rescuers located in the vehicle? Again, the answer lies in the birth year of your RAV4.
The upgrade started with the introduction of the 4th generation of the RAV4 in 2013. This was the time when Toyota changed the location of the spare tire by bringing it under the rear floor panel. It has been so since then.
4th & 5th Generation
For models 2013-2025, the RAV4 you can find the spare tire neatly tucked underneath the rear cargo area. This location makes it almost unsuspecting for anyone looking at the cargo. But if you simply lift the floor panel with the help of the fabric handle, and voilà! The spare tire is now in your immediate access.
1st, 2nd & 3rd Generation
For models 1994-2012, the tire is simply mounted on the door at your RAV4’s back. It is generally contained in a secure cover. To take it out of this location, unlock the latch at the bottom of the cover. Next, close the rear door and remove the cover. Then, loosen the wheel nuts to take the tire out.
Knowing the exact location of the spare tire is a must. This is your best bet against the odds of getting inconveniently stuck in a pitch.
Step-by-step Guide: How to Replace a Flat Tire
Found your spare tire yet? Good. Now, let’s move to the real deal AKA how you can use it to replace the flat tire. So without further ado, let’s delve right in!
Gathering Essentials
Start by ensuring you have the necessary tools to get the job done. All of these are provided by Toyota as discussed later in the article. The items include the following:
- Jack (with spindle)
- Tire iron/lug wrench (21mm socket)
- Spare tire
- RAV4’s manual (For reference of instructions)
Proper Parking
And of course, don’t forget, safety first! Engaging the parking brakes is a necessary step before you change the tires. Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat, stable surface so you can move towards changing the tire.
Tire Replacement Guide
Now that you have gathered the tools and securely parked your SUV, let me spill the tea on a seamless replacement of the flat tire. Here is the guide:
Loosen the Lug Nuts
With the help of your lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Notice I didn’t say remove. Simply use the wrench to make them less stiff.
Jack up the Vehicle
Find the jacking point to place the jack under the side of the flat tire. If you are using the jack from Toyota’s tool kit rotate it clockwise to lift the car. Use the picture shown below or use the owner’s manual as a reference. Now start lifting the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
Remove the Flat Tire
After you have used the jack to mightily lift the car, finish removing the lug nuts and pull off the flat tire.
Install the Spare Tire
Place the spare tire into the wheel hub such that it exactly aligns as the previous one. Then, use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts back to the wheel.
Remove the Jack
Slowly bring down your car until the jack no longer touches the vehicle. It can take a minute to do this. If you are using the Toyota’s jack, spin the spindle counterclockwise.
Tighten the Lug Nuts
Lastly, tighten the lug nuts as stiffly as possible. I repeat you need to tighten the lug nuts as stiffly as possible because you don’t want these to be falling out along with the rest of the tire while you’re driving on the highway 6 months down the road.
When Should I Replace the Tire vs. Repair it?
You may take the vehicle to a mechanic. If they believe that the flat tire can be repaired, that’s good. It means your spare tire doesn’t need to be used.
The thread depth of the tire is also a relevant marker for telling how much life is left on the tire before one may opt for replacement.
If the tire is worn out or has too many punctures, you must bite the bullet and replace it. But, now you know how to do it so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
How to Keep Your Toyota RAV4 Spare Tire in Top Shape
It’s one thing to have the know-how of using the spare tire, but do you know how to keep it in tip-top condition? Regular maintenance is the key ingredient to prevent such problems from occurring in the future. So, here are some guidelines for taking care of your spare tire (and others) like a pro:
1. Keep an Eye out for Pressure
Just like the usual tires, the spare tires can lose their precious air over time making them sluggish. To maintain tire health, you must know how to set the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Also, keep an eye out for the dashboard tire pressure indicator. Alternatively, you may pay monthly visits to a local mechanic. This is usually a cheap service but can save you the hassle of a flat tire.
2. Inspect for Damage/Aging
The spare tires can start to wear out over time with manifest signs of cracks, brittleness, or bulging. These need to be quickly identified and responded to accordingly. For this reason, I recommend you inspect your tires every 6-12 months.
3. Rotate All Tires
To ensure that all your tires are equally used, you can swap them around a bit. I like the idea of swapping them diagonally. This means the front left tire changes position with the rear right tire and the front right tire changes position with the rear left. This ensures fair usage on all tires extending their lifespans.
4. Driver’s Habits & Conditions
The driver’s habits are integral to maintain the health of the tires as aggressive drive or drifting etc. can cause wearing out of the tires much sooner. Also, driving in extreme temperatures can lead to a steady decline in your tire health. So, in cold winters or scorching desert heat, make sure you use a car cover to protect your car from damage.
Toyota Tool Kit
There is a list of tools that Toyota offers along with the spare tire so you may use them whenever the need arises.
- Jack with spindle
- Tire iron/lug wrench (21mm socket)
- Towing eye (irrelevant for tire replacement)
In addition to these tools, I would also recommend you carry a portable air compressor for inflating a flat tire. You may keep this in the cargo of your RAV4.
Spare Tires Size
It’s important to understand the size of your spare tire, especially if you need to replace it.
RAV4 spare tire sizes may vary. Older models with rear door attachments typically have a full-size spare. However, newer RAV4s tend to come with compact temporary spares.
Here are the replacement tire sizes you can find for the Toyota RAV4:
For 2013-2023 Toyota RAV4s
The spare tire size can slightly differ depending on the RAV4’s wheel size. The common sizes are as follows:
- T165/80R17 104M
- T165/80D17 104M
- T165/90D18 107M
For 1994-2012 Toyota RAV4s
The spare wheel fits the vehicle’s standard tire size. Consult your owner’s manual for more information on specific spare tire dimensions. This information can be found in the manual’s section labeled “specifications.”
Common Problems & Their Solutions
There can be a few problems with spare tires that you need to keep an eye out for. I am mentioning these below along with their solutions as follows:
1. Flat or Deflated Spare Tire
Before going out for long trips or off-road adventures, check your tire for air pressure. If it is flat, simply inflate it with the help of a portable air compressor. If this doesn’t work, say goodbye to it and replace it with a new one.
2. Damaged or Worn-Out Tire
A damaged spare tire can be a counterproductive solution so ensure it is free from cracks, hardening, or bulging. If you can spot any of these signs, replace it immediately.
3. Missing Spare Tire
If your spare tire is missing or has been the target of thieves, make sure to purchase a new one so you always have something to count on. Try not to delay this.
Spare Tire Cover
The spare tire is covered by a cover that is made to be weather-resistant and durable. This cover helps keep the cover securely fastened and protects the tires from debris and harsh weather conditions.
Since the spare wheel cover is only found in older RAV4s, I’m guessing the condition of the cover may have declined with time. If you need to buy a new tire cover, you may find one on Amazon for a cost of about $20. Not bad right?
FAQs
Does the 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid have a spare tire?
Yes, all RAV4 siblings including the Plug-In Hybrid have the spare tire under the cargo area of the vehicle.
Does the 2024 RAV4 contain a spare tire?
Yes, the 2024 RAV4 has a spare tire. This can be located in the bottom of the cargo area ready for emergency use. You may check the sizes of the spare tire here.
Where is the spare tire on a 2025 Toyota RAV4?
The 2025 RAV4 has a spare tire in the cargo area beneath the floor panel. The panel can be lifted to adjust the clear visibility of the tire. You can use the fabric handle to do so.
Sources
If you want more information on the article, you may check the following sources for more information:
Conclusion
The spare tire of your RAV4 is an unsung hero of your vehicle when it comes to dealing with the challenge of handling a stubborn flat tire. The newer models (2013 and after) of the SUV come with compact tires adjusted in the cargo area of the rear. Conversely, the older ones (1994-2012) came with a rear cover for the spare tire.
Before using the tire make sure it is properly inflated and hasn’t been damaged in any way. Some inspection will help keep the tire in check so you don’t have to be worried of being left stranded on the roadside.
If you have ever been saved by a spare tire, mention in the comment section below!