The spare tire on a Dodge Durango is located under the rear of the vehicle. You need a tire jack and removal tools to access it. Use the jack to lower the spare tire from its compartment. After removal, follow the assembly process to replace a flat tire. Remember to store all tools safely after use.
To remove the spare tire, first, unscrew the hold-down bolt using a wrench or the provided tools. Once the bolt is free, lift the spare tire out and set it aside. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components during this process.
Installation of the spare tire is straightforward. Position the spare tire in the compartment, align it with the hold-down system, and secure it by tightening the bolt. Ensure it is snug to avoid any rattling while driving.
Knowing how to access, remove, and install the spare tire on a Dodge Durango is essential for any driver. Now, it is crucial to understand how to properly use the tire-changing tools provided with your vehicle. This knowledge will further aid you in emergency situations on the road.
Where is the Spare Tire Located on a Dodge Durango?
The spare tire on a Dodge Durango is located beneath the vehicle. You can find it mounted on a metal carrier, which is secured under the rear. To access the spare tire, you need to release the carrier by using the tools stored in the vehicle. These tools often include a jack and a wrench. Once you remove the protective cover and loosen the carrier, you can lower the spare tire to the ground. This process allows you to retrieve the spare tire for use if needed.
How Do You Access the Spare Tire on a Dodge Durango?
You access the spare tire on a Dodge Durango by locating the spare tire compartment underneath the vehicle and using a special tool to lower it.
To reach the spare tire effectively, follow these detailed steps:
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Locate the Compartment: The spare tire is stored underneath the rear of the Dodge Durango. Look beneath the vehicle at the back, near the bumper.
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Identify the Access Mechanism: You will find an access hole covered by a plastic cover or a cap. This cover protects the spare tire lowering mechanism.
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Use the Tools Provided: Inside the vehicle, usually in the trunk area, you will find a jack and a tool kit. This kit often contains a crank or wrench designed specifically to lower the spare tire.
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Insert the Tool: Insert the tool into the access hole. Turn the tool clockwise to lower the spare tire. This action releases the tire from its mounting bracket.
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Lower the Spare Tire: Continue turning until the spare tire reaches the ground. Ensure that the tire drops completely to allow for easy removal.
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Remove the Tire: Once the spare tire is fully lowered, you can pull it out from the compartment. It may be secured by a retaining strap or hook that needs to be undone.
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Replace the Spare Tire: After using the spare tire, reverse the steps to return it to its compartment. Secure it using the appropriate tool to avoid loss while driving.
Following these steps will help you efficiently access and handle the spare tire in a Dodge Durango.
What Tools Are Required to Remove the Spare Tire on a Dodge Durango?
To remove the spare tire on a Dodge Durango, you will need specific tools.
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Spare tire release tool
- Safety gloves
To effectively change a tire, understanding the necessary tools is crucial. Each tool serves a specific purpose in the process of safely and efficiently removing the spare tire.
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Jack: The jack lifts the vehicle off the ground. It enables access to the wheel where the flat tire is located. For a Dodge Durango, a hydraulic floor jack is often preferred due to its stability and weight capacity. The instruction manual provides placement points specific to the Durango for optimal safety.
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Jack Stands: Jack stands provide additional support after lifting the vehicle. They ensure stability while a tire change is being performed. It is essential not to rely solely on the jack, as it can fail, leading to dangerous situations.
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Lug Wrench: The lug wrench is used to loosen and tighten the wheel nuts. Its design, often in a cross shape, provides leverage to turn stubborn nuts. Using the right size is important to avoid stripping the nuts.
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Spare Tire Release Tool: This tool is necessary to lower the spare tire from its storage location beneath the vehicle. Depending on the model, it may be a simple rod or have a more complex design.
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Safety Gloves: Using safety gloves protects your hands from sharp edges and dirt while changing a tire. They also provide better grip on tools, enhancing safety during the process.
Proper knowledge of these tools and their uses will make changing a tire on a Dodge Durango a more straightforward and safer experience.
How Can You Safely Remove the Spare Tire from a Dodge Durango?
To safely remove the spare tire from a Dodge Durango, follow these steps: gather the necessary tools, locate the spare tire, lower it from the vehicle, and ensure proper storage.
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Gather necessary tools: You will need a spare tire winch tool or a similar device. The owner’s manual will specify the exact tool required for your Dodge Durango model.
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Locate the spare tire: The spare tire is typically stored under the rear of the vehicle. Inspect the rear bumper area for access points. In most models, you might need to slide a plastic cover or access a slot in the rear panel.
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Lower the spare tire: Insert the winch tool into the access hole. Turn the tool in the appropriate direction to lower the tire. Ensure you are turning it until the spare tire is within reach.
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Ensure proper storage: Once the spare tire is removed, store it in a safe place to avoid damage. When reinstalling it later, make sure to check the tire pressure and condition before use.
Following these steps will ensure you safely and effectively remove the spare tire from your Dodge Durango.
What Are the Steps to Install the Spare Tire on a Dodge Durango?
To install the spare tire on a Dodge Durango, follow these specific steps:
- Find the spare tire and tools.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire.
- Use the jack to lift the vehicle.
- Remove the flat tire.
- Mount the spare tire.
- Tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Store the flat tire and tools.
These steps provide a straightforward process. It is important to highlight potential variations in procedures based on the model year and user’s familiarity with tire changes. Some users may prefer using a repair service, while others may choose to use a different type of spare tire depending on their needs.
1. Find the Spare Tire and Tools:
Finding the spare tire and tools involves locating the spare tire, jack, and wrench in your Dodge Durango. The spare tire is typically stored under the vehicle or in the cargo area, while the tools are usually located alongside it. Refer to the owner’s manual for exact locations, as they may differ by model year.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts on the Flat Tire:
Loosening the lug nuts involves using the wrench to turn each nut counterclockwise. This step is crucial to make the tire easier to remove later. It is recommended to do this while the vehicle is still on the ground for stability.
3. Use the Jack to Lift the Vehicle:
Using the jack means positioning it under the appropriate part of the vehicle’s frame, as indicated in the manual. Carefully pumping the jack will lift the vehicle to create space for tire removal. Ensure the ground is level to maintain safety during this step.
4. Remove the Flat Tire:
Removing the flat tire consists of completely unscrewing the loosened lug nuts and taking off the tire. Store the lug nuts in a safe place to avoid losing them. Handling the tire can be heavy; ensure you lift with proper technique.
5. Mount the Spare Tire:
Mounting the spare tire involves aligning it with the wheel hub and placing it onto the studs. Once in position, hand-tighten the lug nuts initially to secure it. This method ensures a proper fit for safe driving.
6. Tighten the Lug Nuts:
Tightening the lug nuts should be done in a star pattern for even pressure distribution. This will help secure the spare tire effectively. Refer to the manual for the specific torque specifications for the lug nuts.
7. Lower the Vehicle:
Lowering the vehicle involves carefully releasing the jack’s pressure to bring the vehicle back to the ground. Once fully lowered, double-check the tightness of the lug nuts to ensure safety before driving.
8. Store the Flat Tire and Tools:
Storing the flat tire and tools requires placing them where they were originally located. Ensure everything is secured and will not shift during driving. Regular maintenance checks can help avoid this situation in the future.
Following these steps carefully ensures that you can change a tire safely and effectively. Always refer to your Dodge Durango’s owner manual for specific details and variations in procedure based on the model year.
Where Is the Best Place to Store the Spare Tire After Installation on a Dodge Durango?
The best place to store the spare tire after installation on a Dodge Durango is under the vehicle in its designated storage compartment. This location is secure and designed specifically for the spare tire. First, ensure the spare tire is properly secured in its compartment to prevent movement. Next, check that the access mechanism functions correctly. This ensures you can retrieve the spare tire easily when needed. By following these steps, you keep the spare tire safe and accessible in the case of a flat tire.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Handling a Spare Tire on a Dodge Durango?
To avoid common mistakes when handling a spare tire on a Dodge Durango, follow best practices.
Common mistakes to avoid include:
1. Not checking spare tire pressure before use
2. Using a spare tire that is not compatible with the vehicle
3. Failing to secure the spare tire properly after use
4. Neglecting to read the owner’s manual for specifications
5. Not practicing changing the tire in advance
Understanding these mistakes can significantly enhance your preparedness and safety. Here are detailed explanations for each point.
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Not Checking Spare Tire Pressure Before Use:
Not checking spare tire pressure before use can lead to unsafe driving conditions. Spare tires typically require a higher pressure than regular tires. For the Dodge Durango, the recommended pressure is usually around 60 PSI. A low-pressure spare can reduce handling and increase the risk of blowouts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under-inflated tires contribute to approximately 80 fatalities annually in the U.S. -
Using a Spare Tire That Is Not Compatible With the Vehicle:
Using a spare tire that is not compatible with the Dodge Durango can lead to severe issues. It’s essential to ensure that the spare matches the bolt pattern and tire size of the vehicle. The Durango often uses a specific size which can vary between trims. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the compatibility before attempting to use a spare tire on your vehicle. -
Failing to Secure the Spare Tire Properly After Use:
Failing to secure the spare tire properly after use can result in the spare rolling away or causing damage in transit. Loose items can shift during driving and might even become projectiles in a collision. Therefore, always ensure that the spare tire is securely stowed in its designated compartment after changing tires. -
Neglecting to Read the Owner’s Manual for Specifications:
Neglecting to read the owner’s manual for specifications can lead to misinformation during emergencies. The manual contains vital information regarding tire pressure, size, and type of spare. Familiarizing oneself with this information ahead of time helps avoid mistakes. For Dodge Durango owners, this can ensure compliance with safety standards and vehicle performance. -
Not Practicing Changing the Tire in Advance:
Not practicing changing the tire in advance can be a critical oversight. Many drivers wait until a flat tire occurs to familiarize themselves with the process. Practicing at home allows drivers to learn the correct procedure and locate tools easily, which can save time and reduce stress in emergency situations. Studies show that hands-on practice improves confidence and performance during real-life situations.
In summary, being proactive about these common mistakes can enhance safety and ensure efficient handling of a spare tire on a Dodge Durango.
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