How to Remove the Spare Tire From a Honda Accord
Need to remove the spare tire from your Honda Accord? In most Accord models equipped with a compact spare, it sits under the trunk floor with the tool case, jack, wheel nut wrench, jack handle bar, wing bolt, and spacer cone. The process is simple, but the safety details matter if you are removing it because of a flat tire.
Quick Answer
Open the trunk, lift the trunk floor lid, take out the tool case, then unscrew the wing bolt holding the spare. Remove the spacer cone and carefully lift the compact spare tire out of the well. Before driving on it, check that it is inflated to 60 psi and stay under 50 mph.
Key Takeaways
- The spare tire is usually under the trunk floor, secured by a wing bolt and spacer cone.
- Honda lists the compact spare pressure at 60 psi, and compact-spare driving should stay under 50 mph.
- If you are changing a flat tire, park on firm, level ground, set the parking brake, turn on hazards, and never get under a car supported only by a jack.
- Some Accord Hybrid models may use a tire repair kit instead of a compact spare, so check your trunk equipment and owner’s manual.
At a Glance
| Time Required | 2–5 minutes to remove the spare; longer if changing a tire |
| Difficulty | Easy for trunk access; moderate for a full tire change |
| Tools Needed | Jack, wheel nut wrench, jack handle bar, wheel block or rock, gloves, flashlight |
| Cost | $0 if the spare and tools are already in your vehicle |
Understanding Your Honda Accord’s Spare Tire
Most Honda Accord models that come with a compact spare store it beneath the trunk floor. Honda’s owner’s manual procedure says to open the trunk floor lid, take out the tool case, remove the jack and tire tools, then unscrew the wing bolt and remove the spacer cone before lifting out the compact spare tire.
A compact spare is smaller and lighter than a regular tire. It is meant for temporary use only, not long trips or normal daily driving. Honda specifies a compact spare tire pressure of 60 psi and says to keep vehicle speed under 50 mph when using it.
Note: Accord equipment can vary by model year, trim, market, and hybrid configuration. If your trunk has a tire repair kit instead of a spare tire, follow your owner’s manual for that kit and check your VIN for open recalls before using it.
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Before You Start: Safety First
If you are only checking or removing the spare from the trunk at home, park safely and make sure the trunk is clear. If you are removing the spare because a tire went flat on the road, take these steps first:
- Grip the steering wheel firmly and brake gradually if the tire goes flat while driving.
- Stop in a safe place away from traffic whenever possible.
- Park on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
- Shift to Park, apply the parking brake, and turn on the hazard lights.
- Set the power mode to vehicle off before using the jack or tools.
- Use a wheel block or a large rock in front of and behind the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
Warning: Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack. If the jack is damaged, the ground is soft, traffic is too close, or you do not feel safe, call roadside assistance or a towing service.
NHTSA reported 511 fatalities in tire-related crashes in 2024, which is why tire pressure, tire condition, and safe roadside setup should never be treated as afterthoughts.
Accessing Your Spare Tire From the Trunk
To access the spare tire in a Honda Accord, start in the trunk. Clear loose cargo first so nothing blocks the trunk floor lid or falls into the spare tire well.
- Open the trunk.
- Lift the trunk floor lid or floor panel.
- Remove the tool case from the trunk area.
- Take out the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack handle bar if you are changing a tire.
- Find the wing bolt and spacer cone holding the compact spare in the well.
Pro Tip: Check the spare and tools before you need them. A compact spare with low pressure or a missing wheel nut wrench can turn a simple flat tire into a tow.
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Step-by-Step: Removing the Spare Tire
Once the trunk floor is lifted and the spare tire well is visible, remove the Honda Accord spare tire this way:
- Hold the tire steady. This keeps it from shifting while you loosen the retainer.
- Turn the wing bolt counterclockwise. Unscrew it until it releases from the center of the spare tire.
- Remove the spacer cone. Set the spacer cone and wing bolt somewhere clean so they do not roll away.
- Lift the compact spare straight up. Use both hands and avoid scraping the tire against trim panels or tools.
- Place the spare safely. If you are changing a flat tire, Honda’s procedure places the compact spare wheel side up under the vehicle body near the tire being replaced until you are ready to mount it.
If you are installing the compact spare, wipe dirt from the wheel and hub mounting surfaces before putting the spare on. Tighten the wheel nuts gradually in a crisscross pattern. Honda lists wheel nut torque for the 2025 Accord at 80 lbf-ft, but you should always verify the torque specification in the owner’s manual for your exact model year.
Warning: Do not tighten lug nuts by standing on the wrench or adding a pipe for extra leverage. Over-tightening can damage studs or make the wheel harder to remove later.
How to Store Your Spare Tire for Easy Access
After checking or using the spare, put everything back securely. Loose wheels and tools can move around in the trunk during a hard stop or crash.
- Return the compact spare to the spare tire well the same way it was stored originally.
- Reinstall the spacer cone and wing bolt so the tire cannot shift.
- Store the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack handle bar back in the tool case.
- Make sure the tool case sits flat and does not interfere with the trunk floor panel.
- Close the trunk floor lid securely so it does not rattle while driving.
If you are storing the removed flat tire in the trunk, Honda’s procedure says to remove the center cap, place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well, flip the spacer cone on the wing bolt, and secure the flat tire with the wing bolt. Keep the center cap protected so it does not get scratched.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Spare Tire
A spare tire is only useful if it is ready before the flat happens. Add these checks to your regular tire maintenance routine:
- Check pressure regularly. A Honda compact spare should be set to 60 psi when cold.
- Inspect the tire. Look for cracks, bulges, punctures, dry rot, exposed cords, or tread wear indicator bars.
- Check the DOT date code. The last four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number show the week and year the tire was made. For example, 2524 means the 25th week of 2024.
- Do not rotate a compact spare into normal use. A compact spare is not a regular tire and should not be part of your normal tire rotation.
- Replace the regular tire quickly. Use the compact spare only long enough to get the damaged tire repaired or replaced.
- Avoid chains on the compact spare. Honda warns not to mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
Troubleshooting Common Spare Tire Problems
The Wing Bolt Won’t Turn
Press down gently on the tire to reduce tension, then try turning the wing bolt counterclockwise again. Do not use excessive force that could break the retainer. If it is corroded or jammed, a dealer or roadside technician can help remove it without damaging the trunk hardware.
The Jack or Wheel Nut Wrench Is Missing
Do not attempt a roadside tire change without the correct jack and wheel nut wrench. The jack must fit the Accord’s jacking points and support the vehicle properly. Call roadside assistance, a towing service, or your Honda dealer for the correct replacement tools.
The Spare Tire Is Flat or Damaged
Do not drive on a flat, cracked, bulging, or damaged spare tire. Inflate the compact spare to the specified pressure only if the tire is otherwise safe. If it cannot hold pressure, replace it or call for service.
The TPMS Light Comes On After Installing the Spare
On some Accord models, the low tire pressure or TPMS warning may appear after driving with the compact spare. Honda explains this can be normal while the compact spare is installed. Calibrate the TPMS after the regular tire is repaired or replaced and reinstalled.
Your Accord Hybrid Has a Tire Repair Kit Instead
Some newer Accord Hybrid vehicles may have a tire repair kit instead of a compact spare. Honda announced a recall for certain 2023–2026 Accord Hybrid tire repair kits because pressure may build inside the sealant bottle if the nozzle is not properly connected. Check your VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup or Honda’s recall tools before relying on the kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get the spare tire out of a Honda Accord?
Open the trunk, lift the trunk floor lid, remove the tool case, then unscrew the wing bolt. Take off the spacer cone and lift the compact spare tire out of the spare tire well with both hands.
Where is the spare tire in a Honda Accord?
In Accord models equipped with a compact spare, it is usually stored beneath the trunk floor panel. Lift the trunk floor lid to find the tire well, tool case, jack, wheel nut wrench, jack handle bar, wing bolt, and spacer cone.
What PSI should a Honda Accord compact spare tire have?
Honda specifies 60 psi for the compact spare tire. Check it when cold, and verify the pressure in your owner’s manual or on the tire sidewall before driving.
How fast can you drive on a Honda Accord spare tire?
Honda says to keep vehicle speed under 50 mph when driving with the compact spare tire. Replace it with a regular tire as soon as possible.
Can I use a compact spare tire from another Honda?
Do not assume another Honda spare will fit. Honda states that the compact spare tire and wheel are specifically for the vehicle model. Use only the spare size and wheel specified for your Accord.
Why did my TPMS light come on after I installed the spare?
The TPMS or low tire pressure warning may appear while the compact spare is installed. After the regular tire is repaired or replaced, reinstall it and calibrate the TPMS according to your owner’s manual.
Conclusion
Removing the spare tire from a Honda Accord is straightforward: lift the trunk floor, remove the tool case, unscrew the wing bolt, remove the spacer cone, and lift out the compact spare. The bigger priority is safety. Keep the spare at 60 psi, stay under 50 mph when using it, secure the tire and tools before driving, and replace the compact spare with a regular tire as soon as possible.
Sources
- Honda 2025 Accord Owner’s Manual: If a Tire Goes Flat — trunk access, tools, wing bolt, spacer cone, compact spare pressure, speed limit, TPMS behavior, wheel nut torque, and storage instructions.
- Honda Compact Spare Tire PDF — compact spare temporary-use limits, 60 psi pressure, 50 mph speed limit, and compact spare precautions.
- NHTSA TireWise — tire safety, maintenance, tire aging, recalls, and tire-related crash safety context.
- NHTSA Tire Buyers’ FAQ — DOT Tire Identification Number and tire manufacture date code guidance.
- Honda Newsroom: Tire Repair Kit Recall — 2023–2026 Accord Hybrid tire repair kit recall information.
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