Locating the spare tire on a 2019 Infiniti QX50 is a common concern for owners who find themselves dealing with a flat tire far from a service center. Understanding the specific storage location and the procedure for accessing it ensures you can handle roadside emergencies with confidence and minimize downtime.
Standard Storage Location Under the Vehicle
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is engineered with practicality in mind, and the full-size spare tire is stored in a dedicated compartment beneath the rear cargo area. This location keeps the tire secure and out of the passenger cabin while maintaining the vehicle's balanced weight distribution for optimal handling. Accessing it requires removing a heavy plastic cover panel to reveal the tire and its mounting hardware.
Accessing the Tire Compartment
To reach the spare tire, you must first open the rear hatch and locate the molded plastic cover secured with several bolts or screws. This cover is typically fastened with Torx head bolts, requiring a specific tool for removal. Once the cover is taken off, you will see the spare tire nestled in place, along with the jack and a set of locking wheel nuts necessary for the tire change procedure.
Tools Required for the Change
Retrieving the tire is only the first step; completing the change requires the correct equipment. The 2019 QX50 comes with a temporary use spare, which means driving speed and distance are limited. Ensure you have the included jack, a breaker bar for the locking lug nuts, and a tire pressure gauge to set the correct inflation once the temporary tire is installed.
Temporary Use Spare Specifications
It is critical to understand that the temporary spare on this model is not intended for high-speed driving or long distances. The vehicle's handling characteristics will change, and you should drive cautiously until you reach a service facility for a permanent replacement. Checking the tire pressure monthly is also recommended, as temporary spares can lose air over time.
Maintenance of the Spare Tire
Because the spare is stored outdoors under the vehicle, it is exposed to the elements and can degrade over time. Regular inspection of the tire's tread depth and overall condition is necessary to ensure it is ready for use when an emergency arises. Look for signs of cracking, dry rot, or significant loss of pressure that could render the tire unusable.
Replacing the Temporary Unit
When the time comes to replace the temporary spare, it is advisable to replace it with another temporary use tire if you do not plan to drive long distances regularly. However, if you require a more permanent solution, installing a standard full-size tire is an option, though it may require a system reset to recalibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to recognize the new wheel.
Locating the Tire pressure Monitoring System Sensor
In addition to the physical spare, the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that uses sensors mounted inside each wheel. While the physical spare does not have a sensor mounted on it, the system will alert you if any of the drive tires lose pressure, allowing you to address issues before they lead to a complete failure.
Storage Area Organization
To maintain the vehicle's organization, the compartment can also be used to store the wheel wedges and the tool kit that came with the vehicle. Keeping these items in the same location as the spare tire ensures that everything needed for a roadside repair is in one accessible spot, saving valuable time during a stressful situation.