Lexus: How to Change a Tire
Replacing the tire is an easy process that every driver should know. Here is how to replace your own tire.
This article applies to the Lexus IS, ES, GS, and RX (2005-2013).
Changing a tire is a must have-know skill. It shouldn't matter if AAA is only a phone call away, there's always the chance of being stranded somewhere with a dead phone and a flat tire. The whole process is easy and fast. When changing a tire, always pull over to a safe area before attempting to raise the car. Always refer to your owner's manual and double check the jack points on your car.
Materials Needed
- Tire iron
- Jack (and jack stands if you are at home)
- Spare tire
- Wheel lock key (if equipped)
Pro Tips
It is always recommended that you place jack stands under the vehicle when you raise it. However, if you are in an emergency on the side of the road, you can use the spare tire.
Put the spare tire under the car in case it falls. When you are ready to switch the spare tire with the flat one, simply place the flat tire under the car, then pull the spare one out to install.
Step 1 - Loosen lug nuts
Loosen the lug nuts just a little using the tire iron before raising the car.
Pro Tip
Some people install their wheels with locking lug nuts. Always keep the wheel lock key in the glove box.
Step 2 - Raise your vehicle
Locate the jack points on your Lexus. There are four points for the spare tire jack on a Lexus. For the front tires, the jack points are right behind the wheels and along the side of the frame. You should see and feel a groove made specifically for the tire jack. As for the rear tires, the points are located right in front of them. You should also see and feel the grooves made for the jack.
Figure 2. Lift using a spare tire jack 
Figure 3. Four common jack points for road side emergency.
(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Lexus - ClubLexus.com
Step 3 - Remove the wheel
Remove the loosened lug nuts, then pull the wheel off. You might need to lift it up half an inch to get it to slide out. When you take it out, place it under your vehicle for safety in case the car falls.
Step 4 - Install the spare tire
Pull the spare tire from under the vehicle, then lift it up and align all 5 lug nut holes with the studs. Put the lug nuts on the studs, but don't tighten all the way.
Step 5 - Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts
Remove the flat tire from under the vehicle, then lower the car slowly. Rotate the handle counter clockwise to lower the vehicle. After the car is fully lowered on the ground, tighten the lug nuts in a star shape. After tightening one tighten the one on the opposite side.
Pro Tip
Throughout this whole process, make sure to not sit with your legs under the car. It's better to drive slowly on your flat tire and ruin it, than to change the tire in an unsafe environment.
Featured Video: How to Change a Tire on a Lexus
Related Discussion
Safe Jack Points - Clublexus.com
