The spare tire on a 2013 Honda Pilot is stored under the rear cargo floor; you access it by lifting the floor panel and removing the center retaining bolt to pull the tire into the cargo area.
Location and storage
In the 2013 Pilot, the spare is a compact donut-style tire tucked in a wheel well beneath the rear cargo floor. Access is gained from the cargo area by removing the floor cover. The jack and lug wrench are typically stored in the same area, either with the spare or in a nearby organizer on the cargo floor side.
How to access the spare tire
Before you start the removal process, ensure the vehicle is on level ground, the parking brake is engaged, and the rear hatch is open. The following steps will guide you to the spare.
- Open the rear hatch and remove any cargo mat or carpeting to expose the floor panel.
- Lift the floor panel to reveal the spare tire well beneath.
- Loosen and remove the center retaining bolt or wing bolt using the provided tool or a suitable breaker bar.
- Carefully slide the spare tire out of the wheel well and place it on the cargo floor.
- Retrieve the jack and lug wrench from their storage location in the same area if needed for a tire change.
With the spare free, you’re ready to proceed with a tire change or to re-secure the cargo area after removing the tire.
Important considerations
Drive cautiously with a spare tire and follow Honda’s guidance for use. A compact spare is intended for short trips and lower speeds; it’s not a replacement for a full-size tire and should be swapped for a proper tire as soon as possible.
Summary
The spare tire on a 2013 Honda Pilot is located under the rear cargo floor in a wheel well. Access is gained by lifting the floor panel and removing the center bolt to pull the tire into the cargo area, with the jack and lug wrench stored nearby. Use the spare for short-distance driving until you can install a regular tire.