How to Change a Flat Tire on the 2027 INFINITI QX65

A flat tire is never convenient, especially when you're away from paved roads. During a recent off road outing in the 2027 INFINITI QX65, our Glendale INFINITI team experienced exactly that situation and had to put the vehicle's spare tire equipment to use.

Whether you're dealing with a puncture on your daily commute or an unexpected flat during a weekend adventure, knowing where the QX65's spare tire is located and how to access it can make a stressful situation much easier.

Where Is the Spare Tire on the 2027 INFINITI QX65?

The 2027 INFINITI QX65 carries its temporary spare tire underneath the rear of the vehicle, rather than inside the cargo compartment.

To access it, open the liftgate and raise the cargo floor panel using the provided strap. Underneath, you'll find the vehicle's jack and tool kit. The spare tire lowering mechanism is located beneath a removable cover on the passenger side of the cargo area.

How to Lower the QX65 Spare Tire

1. Open the rear liftgate and lift the cargo floor panel.
2. Remove the jack and tool kit cover.
3. Release the straps securing the tool kit and remove the jack.
4. Locate the spare tire lowering mechanism on the passenger side of the cargo compartment and remove its cover.
5. Attach the supplied spare tire winch socket to the lowering mechanism.
6. Assemble the wheel nut wrench and jacking rod, then engage the rod with the winch socket.
7. Turn counterclockwise to lower the spare tire beneath the vehicle.
8. Once the tire is fully lowered, release the cable and retaining mechanism through the center of the wheel.
9. After removing the spare, turn the winch clockwise to retract and secure the cable.

How to Change a Flat Tire on the QX65

Before attempting to change a tire, move the vehicle to a firm, level surface away from traffic. Engage Park, apply the parking brake, turn off the engine, and activate the hazard lights. Keep passengers away from the vehicle and secure the wheel diagonally opposite the flat with suitable wheel chocks.

If you're on uneven terrain, soft dirt, or a steep incline, do not attempt to jack up the vehicle. Contact roadside assistance instead.

Once the vehicle is safely positioned:

1. Retrieve the spare tire, jack, and wheel nut wrench.
2. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly while the damaged tire is still touching the ground.
3. Position the jack at the designated lifting point shown in the QX65 owner's manual.
4. Carefully raise the vehicle until the damaged tire clears the ground.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and damaged tire.
6. Clean dirt and debris from the wheel mounting surface, then install the spare.
7. Hand tighten the wheel nuts before lowering the vehicle.
8. Tighten the wheel nuts evenly in the sequence specified by the owner's manual.
9. Once the vehicle is fully lowered, have the wheel nuts tightened to the specified torque of 83 lb-ft (113 N·m) using a torque wrench.

Never place any part of your body underneath a vehicle supported only by its emergency jack.

How Fast Can You Drive With the QX65 Spare Tire?

The QX65's temporary spare is intended for emergency use only. INFINITI specifies a maximum driving speed of 50 mph with the temporary spare installed.

The spare should be maintained at 60 PSI and replaced with a proper tire as soon as possible. Avoid aggressive cornering, abrupt braking, obstacles, and continued off road driving while using the temporary spare.

Because the temporary spare does not have the same tire pressure monitoring functionality as the original wheel, a tire pressure warning may remain illuminated until the original wheel is repaired or replaced.

What We Learned From Taking the QX65 Off Road

Our recent outing provided an unexpected opportunity to use the QX65's emergency tire equipment in a real world situation.

While the QX65 offers standard all wheel drive and selectable drive modes, it's important to remember that it's a luxury crossover, not a dedicated rock crawling vehicle. Tire condition, ground clearance, and terrain all matter when leaving the pavement.

Knowing how to access the spare tire and having the proper equipment available can make a significant difference when something goes wrong.

Need Tire Service for Your INFINITI?

If you've experienced a flat tire, damaged wheel, or persistent tire pressure warning, the service team at Glendale INFINITI can help inspect your tires and determine the appropriate repair or replacement.

Visit Glendale INFINITI in Glendale, California, to learn more about QX65 ownership, maintenance, and available service options.

Always consult the 2027 INFINITI QX65 Owner's Manual for complete safety instructions and vehicle specific procedures before attempting a tire change.