The jack is usually in the trunk near the spare tire, but its exact location depends on the car model and year. This guide helps you find it quickly and safely across common layouts.
Common storage locations in most passenger cars
Many vehicles place the jack with the spare tire or in nearby tool storage. Here are the spots you’re most likely to encounter.
- Trunk floor panel or cargo mat: Lift the floor panel or carpeting to reveal the spare tire and a small toolbox or jack mounted nearby.
- Spare-tire well: In many sedans and hatchbacks, the jack is stored in a pocket or bracket inside the spare-tire well, often with a lug wrench.
- Side compartments in the trunk: Some cars hide the jack in shallow bins or nets along the left or right side of the trunk interior.
- Under the rear seat: A few models place the jack (and sometimes the lug wrench) beneath the rear seat cushion or in a storage pocket behind the seat.
- Front-seat or glovebox area (rare): A handful of compact cars tuck the toolkit in the front passenger area or behind trim panels; this is less common.
- Special cases for SUVs/wagons: In larger vehicles, the jack may be mounted on a side panel in the cargo area or tied to the spare wheel.
If you’re unsure after checking these spots, consult your owner’s manual or contact the dealership for the exact layout for your model year.
How to locate it quickly and safely
Use a systematic approach to avoid missing any storage spots and to ensure you can change a tire without delay.
- Check the trunk first: Open the trunk, remove the cargo floor panel or mat, and look for a jack either in a bag, on a bracket, or integrated with the spare.
- Inspect side and corner storage areas: Look along the left and right sides of the trunk for shallow bins or panels that lift away to reveal tools.
- Look under rear seating if applicable: If your car has fold-down rear seats, check beneath the seat cushion or behind panels accessible from the cargo area.
- Check the glovebox or front-seat area if nothing is found: Some models place tools in less obvious places; verify by inspecting trim panels.
- Verify against the manual for your exact model: If you still can’t locate it, the owner’s manual will include the precise location and tool kit contents.
In newer vehicles, note that some trims may not include a traditional spare tire or a jack at all. If your car ships with a repair kit or inflator instead of a spare, you may not have a jack to locate.
Special cases: no spare or no traditional jack
Some modern cars—especially certain economy models and electric vehicles—may skip the conventional spare tire and jack. They might provide a tire repair kit or run-flat tires instead. Always check the owner’s manual to confirm what tools are included and how to use them in the event of a flat.
What to do if you still can’t find the jack
When the jack remains elusive, take these steps to avoid unnecessary rummaging or damage.
- Review the owner’s manual index under “Tools” or “Spare tire.”
- Inspect any included tool bag or foam insert that might be tucked away inside the trunk or under the spare wheel.
- Check behind interior trim or under seating areas if the model allows access from those locations.
- Call the dealership or roadside assistance for model-specific guidance.
By confirming the exact layout for your vehicle, you’ll be prepared to handle a tire change with the right tool readily available.
Summary
Most cars keep the jack near the spare tire in the trunk, often in a bag or mounted on a bracket inside the spare-well, or tucked into side compartments. Some models place tools under the rear seat or in the front area, and a growing number of newer vehicles may omit a traditional jack entirely. If you’re unsure, your best resource is the owner’s manual, which outlines the precise location and how to use the jack safely. Being familiar with your car’s layout ahead of time makes roadside emergencies quicker and safer.