Before you jack up a Wrangler

The manual lists these preparations:

1. Park on a firm, level surface, avoiding ice or slippery areas, and well away from moving traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P), or a manual transmission into REVERSE (R).
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if you are changing the driver's front wheel, block the passenger's rear wheel.

Passengers should not stay in the vehicle while it is being raised. The manual warns never to put any part of your body under a vehicle that is on a jack; if you need to get under it, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift. The jack is designed for changing tires only, not for lifting the vehicle for service.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Jacking The Vehicle And Wheel Changing; Preparations For Jacking), read November 5, 2026.

Where the jack is on a Wrangler

The jack and lug wrench are in the rear cargo area. The manual lists these steps to get them out:

1. Lift the load floor in the cargo area. It can be removed for easier access by pulling the load floor handle up and straight back.
2. Remove the hardware storage cover by pinching the latch on the left side and pulling up.
3. Turn the plastic wing nut counterclockwise to loosen the jack from the storage bin.
4. Remove the tool kit and assemble the tools.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Jack Location), read November 5, 2026.

Getting the spare tire off the carrier

The spare rides on the carrier on the back of the Wrangler. The manual says to remove the tire cover if equipped, then remove the rear camera cover by turning the lock bolt counterclockwise with the #T40 Torx head driver and ratchet from the supplied tool kit, and then remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench, turning them counterclockwise. If your Wrangler has a locking lug nut, the lock key is in the glove box.

When you stow a spare, flat or inflated, the manual says it must go on with the valve stem facing the ground.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Spare Tire Removal), read November 5, 2026.

Wrangler jacking points and tire change steps

The manual shows a front lifting point and a rear lifting point, both under the axle tube, and cautions not to raise the vehicle by jacking anywhere other than the locations indicated. If your Wrangler came with factory 35-inch (88.9 cm) tires, a jack lift block is provided in the rear cargo area for more ground clearance; make sure the bottom of the jack fits securely inside the raised edges of the block. The steps:

1. Take the spare tire, jack and tools out of their stored locations.
2. With the wheel still on the ground, loosen the wheel lug nuts one turn to the left, but do not remove them.
3. Assemble the jack and jacking tools: connect the jack handle driver to the extension, then to the lug wrench.
4. Operate the jack from the front or the rear of the vehicle, with the jack under the axle tube. Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure the jack is fully engaged.
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise, only until the tire just clears the surface and there is enough room to install the spare.
6. Remove the lug nuts and wheel, and mount the spare on the axle.
7. Install the lug nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel and lightly tighten them clockwise. Do not tighten them fully until the vehicle has been lowered.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw counterclockwise, and remove the jack.

The manual warns that raising the vehicle higher than necessary makes it less stable, and that keeping the jack and tools aligned while raising the vehicle helps prevent tool damage.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Jacking Instructions), read November 5, 2026.

Lug nuts and after the change

Finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern until each one has been tightened twice, pushing down on the end of the wrench handle for more leverage. If you are unsure about the tightness, the manual suggests having them checked with a torque wrench by an authorized dealer or a service station, and it says to check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench after 25 miles (40 km). See our Jeep Wrangler lug nut torque guide for the specification.

Then remove the jack and wheel blocks, secure the jack and tools in their places, secure the damaged wheel and tire on the spare tire carrier with the lug nuts and locking lug nut tightened down, and lock and reinstall the camera cover. The manual warns that a loose tire or jack can be thrown forward in a collision or hard stop, so always stow them in the places provided.

From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler owner's manual (Jacking Instructions), read November 5, 2026.

Jeep tire service at Elgin CDJR

Got a flat or a damaged tire? Visit our Jeep tire service or Jeep service center, check our Jeep Wrangler tire pressure guide, read how to make tires last longer, or see the new Jeep Wrangler. Schedule service or see our service specials.

Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.