The spare tire on a 2012 Honda Pilot is stored in a recessed well under the rear cargo floor, typically as a temporary donut spare. Access it by lifting the cargo floor panel in the back to retrieve the tire along with the jack and lug wrench from the tool kit.
Location and how to access
The spare is located in a storage well beneath the floor of the cargo area at the rear of the vehicle. To reach it, open the rear hatch, lift the cargo floor panel to reveal the spare well, and remove the spare tire along with the accompanying tools from their cradle. The spare is secured by a retaining bolt or nut that you loosen with the provided tool before pulling the tire out.
Step-by-step to retrieve the spare
Follow these steps to access and remove the spare tire for use in a flat tire situation.
- Park safely, apply the parking brake, and turn on hazard lights if you’re on the roadside.
- Open the rear hatch and locate the floor panel in the cargo area.
- Lift the panel by its handle to reveal the spare tire well and the tool kit.
- Loosen and remove the retainer bolt or nut that holds the spare in place (use the lug wrench or the supplied tool).
- Slide the spare out and ensure you have the jack and lug wrench with it; close the floor panel and return tools to their storage spot when finished.
Remember to inspect the spare’s inflation and replace it with a proper tire as soon as possible. Keep the tools and spare securely stowed when not in use.
What’s in the storage area
In the 2012 Pilot, the spare tire sits in the same cargo floor compartment as a basic tool kit. The kit typically includes the jack, lug wrench, and a small tray to keep everything organized.
- Compact donut spare tire
- Jack (type may vary by trim)
- Lug wrench or wheel nut tool
- Storage tray and retaining hardware
Note that Honda generally equips the Pilot with a temporary spare designed for short-term use at reduced speeds. If your specific vehicle has a full-size spare, the removal process is similar but verify details in the owner’s manual for your trim.
Safety tips and reminders
Changing a tire requires careful adherence to safety guidelines. Here are key reminders for a safer tire change.
- Only perform the change on a flat, stable surface away from traffic if possible.
- Engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks if available.
- Use the correct lug wrench and follow the manual’s torque specifications when tightening lug nuts.
- Inspect the spare’s condition and replace it with a proper tire as soon as possible.
If you’re unsure about any step, contact roadside assistance for help. Driving on a spare for longer distances or at high speeds can be dangerous.
Summary
The spare tire on a 2012 Honda Pilot is stored under the rear cargo floor in a well, secured with a retaining bolt and accompanied by the jack and lug wrench. Access it by lifting the cargo floor panel, removing the retainer, and extracting the spare and tools for use. Most pilots use a temporary donut spare, intended for short-term use at reduced speeds until a proper tire can be installed.