2024+ 4th Gen Tacoma - How to Change a Flat Tire

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Flat tire on the side of the road? Your 4th Gen Tacoma comes equipped with everything you need to handle it: jack, tools, and spare tire.

Here's how to change a flat safely and get back on the road.

(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 585-594, 620)

Flat Tire, Tire Change, Jack Location, Spare Tire, Lug Nut Torque​

Don't drive on a flat tire. Even a short distance can damage the tire and wheel beyond repair, and potentially cause an accident. Once you notice a flat, find a safe place to stop.

What You Need (All Included)​

Tools Stored in Your Tacoma:

• Scissors jack
• Jack handle with extension
• Wheel nut wrench
• Tool bag
• Wheel lock key (if equipped with wheel locks)

Tool Storage Locations:

• Vehicles without rear seats: Jack and tool bag stored in compartment behind seats
• Vehicles with rear seats: Jack stored under rear seat, tool bag in same area

What You Should Add to Your Truck:

• Wheel chocks (or large rocks/wood blocks)
• Work gloves
• Flashlight (for low-light conditions)

The Procedure​

Step 1: Get to Safety​

When you discover a flat tire:

1. Find a safe location - Pull completely off the road onto a hard, flat surface. Avoid soft ground (dirt, gravel, grass) where the jack will sink. Avoid inclines where the vehicle may roll or slip off the jack.
   
2. Secure the vehicle
   • Set the parking brake firmly
   • Shift automatic transmission to P (Park)
   • Shift manual transmission to R (Reverse)
   • Turn off the engine
3. Turn on emergency flashers to increase visibility to other drivers
   
4. Exit vehicle carefully - Watch for passing traffic before opening doors

Step 2: Get Your Tools and Spare Tire​

For Vehicles WITHOUT Rear Seats:

1. Turn the storage compartment knob counterclockwise
2. Open the lid
3. Unhook the tightening strap and remove the tool bag
4. Unhook the tightening strap and remove the jack

For Vehicles WITH Rear Seats:

1. Fold the head restraint down
2. Pull the strap and fold down the seatback
3. Loosen and remove the jack (turn counterclockwise to loosen)
4. Unhook the tightening strap and remove the tool bag

Accessing the Spare Tire (stored under vehicle):

1. Assemble the jack handle extension (insert sections until they click)
2. Insert the end of the jack handle extension into the lowering screw (access from rear bumper area)
3. Turn the handle counterclockwise to lower the spare tire
4. After the tire reaches the ground completely, remove the holding bracket
5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle

Step 3: Chock the Wheels​

Before jacking, prevent the vehicle from rolling by chocking (blocking) the tire diagonal from the flat.

Wheel Chock Placement Guide:

• Front left-hand side tire flat → Chock behind the rear right-hand tire
• Front right-hand side tire flat → Chock behind the rear left-hand side tire
• Rear left-hand side tire flat → Chock in front of the front right-hand tire
• Rear right-hand side tire flat → Chock in front of the front left-hand tire

Use wheel chocks, large rocks, or wood blocks to prevent rolling.

Step 4: Loosen Wheel Nuts (Before Raising Vehicle)​

Do this step now. Before you raise the vehicle. It's easier and safer.

1. If equipped with wheel locks, use the wheel lock key:
   • Place wheel lock key on top of wheel lock nut
   • Turn until key and nut patterns engage (you'll feel it lock in)
   • Place wheel nut wrench on wheel lock key
   • Apply pressure on key while loosening
   • The wheel lock nut should always be the first one loosened
2. Loosen each wheel nut one turn counterclockwise. Don't remove them yet.

Note on impact wrenches: Don't use an impact wrench on wheel lock nuts. It can permanently damage the wheel lock nut and key.

Step 5: Position and Raise the Jack​

Assemble Jack Handle:

1. Assemble jack handle extension as shown in manual
2. Insert square head securely until you hear a click

Position Jack at Correct Jack Point:

The jack must contact the vehicle's reinforced jacking points. Using the wrong spot can bend body panels or cause the jack to slip.

• Front jack points: Locate the reinforced notch in the frame rail below the door
• Rear jack points: Position jack under rear axle housing. The groove on top of the jack fits with the rear axle housing.

Make sure the jack is on level, solid ground.

Raise the Vehicle:

1. Turn jack handle clockwise to raise
2. Raise until tire is slightly raised off the ground (about 1-2 inches clearance)
3. Don't raise higher than necessary

Safety reminder: Never put any part of your body under the vehicle while it's supported by the jack. Don't start the engine or drive while jacked up. Make sure no one is in the vehicle while raising it.

Step 6: Remove Flat Tire​

1. Remove all wheel nuts completely. Set aside in a safe place.
2. Pull tire straight off the wheel studs
3. Lay tire flat on ground with wheel design facing UP (prevents scratching the wheel face)

Brake temperature warning: Don't touch the disc wheels or area around the brakes immediately after driving. After the vehicle has been driven, these areas will be extremely hot and can cause burns.

Step 7: Install Spare Tire​

1. Clean the wheel mounting surface - Remove any dirt or foreign matter from the wheel hub. If dirt remains, wheel nuts can loosen while driving.
   
2. Lift spare tire onto wheel studs - Align holes in wheel with studs. Push tire fully onto hub.
   
3. Hand-tighten all wheel nuts
   
   Important - Seating Varies by Wheel Type:
   
   • Steel wheel to steel wheel (including compact spare): Tighten until tapered portion comes into loose contact with disc wheel seat
   • Aluminum wheel to spare aluminum wheel: Tighten until washer of the nut comes into loose contact with disc wheel
4. Tighten each nut by about the same amount (prevents tilting wheel on hub)

Critical: Install wheel nuts with the tapered ends facing inward. Never use oil or grease on wheel bolts or nuts. It can cause them to be over-tightened and damage the wheel or bolts.

Step 8: Lower Vehicle and Apply Final Torque​

1. Lower the vehicle completely - Turn jack handle counterclockwise until tire contacts ground and vehicle weight is off jack
   
2. Remove the jack from under vehicle
   
3. Securely tighten wheel nuts in correct pattern
   
   Critical Tightening Pattern: For 5-lug wheels, use star pattern (1-3-5-2-4). Tighten each nut 2-3 times in sequence until fully tight.
   
4. Apply final torque with wheel nut wrench

Step 9: Stow Flat Tire Under Vehicle​

Stowing Procedure:

1. Remove the center wheel ornament (if applicable) by pushing from the reverse side
2. Lay the flat tire down with valve stem facing UP
3. Install the holding bracket onto the wheel
4. Turn jack handle extension clockwise to raise tire into position. Take up slack in the chain gradually.
5. Center the holding bracket in wheel hub. Verify alignment.
6. Continue raising carefully. Ensure tire goes straight up without catching on surrounding parts.
7. Tighten to specification: 34.7 ft·lbf (46.6 N·m, 4.8 kgf·m)
8. Verify secure installation:
   • Push and pull the tire. Should have zero movement.
   • Try rotating. Should not rotate if properly secured.
   • Visually check tire is not hung on surrounding parts
9. If looseness exists, repeat the raising and tightening process

Tip: The spare tire valve stem should point OUT from under the vehicle. If you can't see the valve stem when the spare is stowed, the tire is mounted backwards and won't be properly secured.

Step 10: Stow Jack and Tools​

1. Return jack and tools to storage compartment
2. Secure with tightening straps in reverse order of removal
3. For vehicles with rear seats, return seatback to upright position

Specifications​

Wheel Nut Torque:

• Steel wheels: 154 ft·lbf (209 N·m, 21.3 kgf·m)
• Aluminum wheels: 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m)

Why different torque specs? Steel wheels use higher torque because steel is stronger and has different contact geometry. Aluminum wheels use lower torque to prevent warping of softer aluminum material and damage to wheel stud threads. Using steel wheel torque on aluminum wheels can crack the wheel.

CRITICAL: Retighten wheel nuts within 100 miles (160 km) of driving. Nuts can settle after initial installation.

Tire Pressure (Recommended Cold Pressure):

17-inch tires (type A):

• Regular tires: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm² or bar)
• Temporary spare: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm² or bar)

17-inch tires (type B):

• Regular tires: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm² or bar)
• Full-size spare: 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm² or bar)

17-inch tires (type C):

• Regular tires: 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm² or bar)
• Full-size spare: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm² or bar)

Why temporary spare uses 60 PSI: The high pressure compensates for smaller diameter and narrower width, maintaining load-carrying capacity with less tire volume. Don't reduce it to match regular tire pressure. The spare will fail.

About Temporary Spare Tires​

Your temporary spare tire is identified by "TEMPORARY USE ONLY" marking on the wheel or tire sidewall.

Temporary Spare Limitations:

• The temporary spare has no tire pressure warning valve/transmitter, so low pressure won't trigger a TPMS warning
• After installing the temporary spare, the tire pressure warning light will remain on (this is normal)
• The temporary spare is specifically designed for your vehicle. Don't use it on other vehicles.
• Don't use more than one temporary spare at the same time
• Replace with a standard tire as soon as possible

Driving with Temporary Spare:

• Avoid sudden acceleration
• Avoid abrupt steering
• Avoid sudden braking
• Avoid shifting operations that cause sudden engine braking

System Impact: Multiple safety systems may not operate correctly with the temporary spare installed: ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, AUTO LSD, PCS, AHB, LTA, LDA, dynamic radar cruise control, cruise control, EPS, trailer sway control, TPMS, BSM, RSA, panoramic view monitor, multi-terrain monitor, parking assist, PKSB, and RCTA.

Special Procedure for Flat Rear Tire on Snow/Ice:

If the rear tire is flat and roads are snow/ice covered:

1. Replace a front tire with temporary spare
2. Replace flat rear tire with tire removed from front
3. Fit tire chains to rear tires

This maintains traction on drive wheels (rear) while using the temporary spare safely.

After Completing Tire Change​

Required Actions:

1. Reset Tire Pressure Warning System (TPMS) - See owner's manual page 537 for initialization procedure
2. Check spare tire pressure as soon as possible using specifications above
3. Retighten wheel nuts within 100 miles - Verify torque specifications are met
4. Have flat tire repaired or replaced at earliest opportunity
5. Inspect wheel studs/nuts for damage - if cracks or deformations found, visit Toyota dealer

Common Questions​

Q: How long does a flat tire change take?

A: First-time tire change: 30-45 minutes. Experienced: 15-20 minutes in good conditions. Challenging conditions (rain, dark, traffic, stuck nuts): 45+ minutes. If changing a tire in an unsafe location (highway shoulder), prioritize speed and getting to a safer location over perfection.

Q: What should I do if lug nuts are stuck?

A: Lug nuts over-torqued by an impact wrench may require a breaker bar. If wheel studs are damaged, continuing risks wheel separation. Call for professional help.

Q: Can I drive extended distances on the temporary spare?

A: No. The temporary spare is not designed for normal driving speeds or distances. Multiple safety systems will malfunction with the temporary spare installed. Get the flat repaired or replaced ASAP.

Q: Do I need to practice changing a tire before a road trip?

A: Yes. Practice in your driveway so you're not learning roadside. Also verify spare tire pressure (often neglected for years) and check spare tire condition (rubber degrades even without use).

Q: What if I lose my wheel lock key?

A: Keep the wheel lock key in the glove box (factory storage location). Replacement wheel lock keys are dealer-specific and hard to obtain. Consider photographing the wheel lock pattern for dealer identification if the key is lost.

Tips from the Community​

Off-Road Flat Tire Decision:

When changing a tire off-road, assess the damage first before committing to a full tire change in a difficult location:

1. If the damage is a small puncture that's not on the sidewall, consider using a tire plug kit as a temporary fix
2. If possible, carefully drive to a flatter, more stable surface before changing (if the tire will hold minimal air)
3. Only change the tire in the rocky/uneven location if absolutely necessary. It's significantly more dangerous.

Jack Point Visual Confirmation:

Before lifting, look for the small notch or mark near the wheel that indicates the proper jack point. On the 4th Gen Tacoma, these are visible reinforcements in the frame rail (front) and the shaped jack contact area on the rear axle housing. Many owners report jacking from unsafe points because they rushed the setup. Using the wrong jack point can bend body panels, cause the jack to slip, or damage the frame rail.

Don't Forget to Clean the Wheel Hub:

While the manual mentions this, owners often skip cleaning the wheel contact surface or don't understand why it matters. Foreign matter on the wheel contact surface creates an uneven mounting plane. As the vehicle drives and vibrates, the wheel nuts can gradually loosen. In extreme cases, the tire can separate from the vehicle while driving.

Manual Reference​

See attached pages-reference.pdf for the original manual pages.

Source Attribution​

Owner's Manual: Pages 585-594, 620, 537

Additional Sources:

• 4thgentacoma.com
• Yotatech.com

Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04041U) with supplementary information from the Tacoma owner community. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only.