How to Rotate the Tires on Your 2025 Toyota Highlander

Keeping your tires in top shape is essential for the performance and longevity of your 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Regular tire rotation helps ensure even wear, improves handling, and extends the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.

Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Anaheim or cruising along the coast in Huntington Beach, maintaining your Highlander’s wheels is key to a smooth and safe ride.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to rotate the tires on your 2025 Toyota Highlander with a simple, step-by-step process.

If you prefer expert service, the team at Beach Cities Toyota Westminster is here to help. Visit Beach Cities Toyota Westminster or give us a call to schedule a professional tire rotation and keep your Highlander performing at its best.

Essential Tools for a DIY Tire Rotation on Your Highlander

Rotating your tires at home is a great way to extend their lifespan and maintain even tread wear.

With the right tools and a little patience, you can complete a Toyota Highlander tire rotation safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re tackling this job in your driveway in Anaheim or your garage in Huntington Beach, being prepared is key.

Before getting started, make sure you have all the essential tools on hand.

Must-Have Tools for a Safe and Effective Tire Rotation

Each tool plays a vital role in ensuring that your DIY rotation on your Highlander goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Car Jack - Lifts your Highlander so you can remove the tires
• Jack Stands - Provides stability and prevents the vehicle from shifting
• Lug Wrench - Loosens and tightens the lug nuts
• Torque Wrench - Ensures lug nuts are secured to the proper torque setting
• Wheel Chocks - Keeps the vehicle from rolling while lifted

Why These Tools Are Essential

• Car Jack & Jack Stands – A high-quality jack is necessary for lifting your 2025 Toyota Highlander safely. Always place jack stands under the vehicle before starting to work. Never rely on just the jack to hold up the car.
• Lug Wrench – Standard lug wrenches work, but a cross wrench or impact wrench can make the job easier by providing extra leverage.
• Torque Wrench – It’s important to tighten your lug nuts to the correct torque specification. If they are too loose, the wheels can come off. If they are too tight, they can damage the wheel studs. Always check your owner’s manual for the correct settings.
• Wheel Chocks – These simple but effective tools prevent the car from rolling while you work. Place them behind the wheels that remain on the ground to add an extra layer of safety.

Additional Items to Consider

While the tools above are the main necessities, a few extra items can make the job even easier:

• Work Gloves – Protect your hands from dirt and sharp edges.
• Flashlight or Work Light – Helps improve visibility, especially if working in a dim garage.
• Tire Pressure Gauge – After rotating your tires, it’s always a good idea to check and adjust the air pressure.
• Anti-Seize Lubricant – Helps prevent lug nuts from seizing up, making future rotations easier.

Taking the time to gather the proper tools ensures that your Highlander wheel care routine is safe and effective.

Whether you're handling a DIY rotation on your Highlander or having it done at a dealership, using the right equipment helps protect your tires and your vehicle.

Proper maintenance means smoother drives, better fuel efficiency, and a longer-lasting set of tires.

Step 1: Prepare Your Highlander for Tire Rotation

Before lifting your vehicle, it’s important to set up a safe workspace. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare will make your Toyota Highlander tire rotation easier and safer.

Find a Safe and Level Work Area

Choose a flat, level surface for your DIY rotation on your Highlander. A paved driveway or garage is best. Avoid sloped areas, as they can make the car unstable when lifted.

Engage Safety Measures

Before starting, follow these steps to prevent the vehicle from rolling or shifting:

1. Park the vehicle – Turn off the engine and remove the key.
2. Engage the parking brake – This keeps the car in place while you work.
3. Use wheel chocks – Place them behind the rear wheels if lifting the front. If lifting the rear, place them in front of the front wheels.

Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Lifting

Lug nuts can be tough to remove once the wheels are off the ground. Loosening them while the tires are still touching the pavement prevents unnecessary movement.

• Use a lug wrench to turn each lug nut counterclockwise.
• Do not remove them completely yet—just loosen them enough so they can be unscrewed by hand later.
• A cross wrench or breaker bar can provide extra leverage for stuck lug nuts.

Position the Jack and Lift the Vehicle

With safety measures in place, it’s time to lift your 2025 Toyota Highlander.

1. Locate Jack Points - Check the owner’s manual to find the safest spots to place the jack.
2. Lift the Vehicle - Use a car jack to slowly raise one side of the vehicle.
3. Secure with Jack Stands - Once lifted, place jack stands under the frame for extra support.

Never rely on the jack alone to hold the vehicle up. Jack stands provide stability and help prevent accidents.

By taking these steps, you ensure that your Highlander wheel care routine is off to a safe and smooth start. With your vehicle secure, you’re ready for the next step—removing and rotating the tires.

Step 2: Lift the Highlander and Secure It with Jack Stands

Once your vehicle is prepared, it’s time to lift it safely. Proper lifting is key to Highlander wheel care and a smooth tire rotation.

Position the Jack Correctly

Using the right lifting points helps prevent damage to your 2025 Toyota Highlander.

1. Check your owner’s manual for the correct jack points.
2. Place the jack under the recommended spot, making sure it sits flat on the ground.
3. If using a hydraulic jack, pump the handle until the tire is just off the ground.

Use Jack Stands for Safety

A jack alone should never support the vehicle for an extended time. Jack stands add stability, reducing the risk of shifting or slipping.

1. Select the Right Jack Stands - Use stands rated for your vehicle’s weight.
2. Position the Stands - Place them under the frame near the jack points.
3. Lower the Vehicle onto the Stands - Slowly release the jack so the weight rests on the stands.

Double-Check Stability

Before moving forward with your Toyota Highlander tire rotation, make sure everything is secure.

1. Gently push the vehicle to test for movement.
2. Ensure all four jack stands are firmly in place.
3. If the vehicle wobbles, adjust the stands and try again.

By lifting and securing your vehicle the right way, your DIY rotation on your Highlander will be safer and easier. Now, you’re ready to remove the tires and begin rotating them.

Step 3: Remove and Rotate the Tires Following the Correct Pattern

With your vehicle safely lifted, it's time to remove the tires and switch their positions. Following the right pattern is key to Highlander wheel care and long-lasting tires.

Remove the Tires

Before switching tire positions, take them off carefully.

1. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts while the tires are still touching the ground.
2. Once the vehicle is lifted, fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts.
3. Gently pull each tire off and set it aside.

Follow the Correct Rotation Pattern

The rotation pattern depends on your drivetrain. Follow these guidelines for a Toyota Highlander tire rotation:

Drivetrain	Rotation Pattern
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)	Front tires move to the back. Rear tires move to the front, switching sides.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)	Rear tires move to the front. Front tires move to the back, switching sides.

Rotating tires the right way helps with even tread wear. This keeps your 2025 Toyota Highlander riding smoothly and safely.

Inspect the Tires Before Reinstalling

Before putting the tires back on, check them for:

• Uneven wear
• Punctures or cracks
• Proper tread depth

If a tire looks worn or damaged, it may need replacing.

By following these steps, your DIY rotation on your Highlander will be done the right way. Next, it’s time to secure the tires back in place.

Step 4: Reinstall the Tires and Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts

Now that the tires are in their new positions, it’s time to put them back on. Taking your time with this step ensures a safe and smooth ride.

Reinstall Each Tire

Follow these steps to secure your tires properly:

1. Line up the holes on the wheel with the lug bolts on the hub.
2. Slide the tire onto the hub carefully.
3. Hold the tire in place and start threading the lug nuts by hand.

Hand-tightening first helps avoid cross-threading, which can damage the lug nuts or bolts.

Tighten in a Star Pattern

When securing the lug nuts, always use a star pattern. This ensures even pressure on the wheel.

1. Start with one lug nut and tighten it by hand.
2. Move to the lug nut opposite from the first and tighten it.
3. Repeat this process until all lug nuts are snug.

Using this pattern keeps the wheel balanced and secure.

Once all four tires are back on, you’re ready for the final step—lowering the vehicle and fully tightening the lug nuts. Proper Highlander wheel care helps extend tire life and ensures a safe drive.

Step 5: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

With the tires back in place, the next step is to lower your vehicle and fully secure the lug nuts. Proper tightening is key to safe driving and even tire wear.

Lower the Vehicle Safely

Follow these steps to bring your vehicle back to the ground:

• Use the jack to carefully lower the vehicle until the tires touch the ground.
• Do not lower it all the way yet. Keep some weight on the tires, but make sure the full weight is not resting on them.

This slight pressure helps stabilize the wheels before final tightening.

Torque the Lug Nuts Properly

Now, use a torque wrench to tighten each lug nut to the correct level. Follow these steps for best results:

• Set the torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
• Tighten each lug nut in a star pattern.
• Make sure each lug nut is secure but not overtightened.

Using the correct torque prevents damage to the wheel studs and ensures a snug fit.

Once all lug nuts are tightened, lower the vehicle completely. Double-check each lug nut to confirm everything is secure.

Regular Toyota Highlander tire rotation and proper tightening help extend the life of your tires. Keeping up with routine Highlander wheel care ensures a safe and smooth ride.

Step 6: Check Tire Pressure and Final Adjustments

After rotating your tires, it’s important to check the air pressure and make any final adjustments. Proper tire pressure ensures a smooth ride, better fuel efficiency, and even wear.

Check Tire Pressure

Use a reliable tire gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the valve cap and press the gauge onto the valve stem.
2. Read the pressure and compare it to the recommended PSI found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door frame.
3. Add or release air as needed to match the correct PSI.

Each tire should have the right pressure for safe handling and long-lasting performance.

Final Adjustments

Before finishing up, do a few quick checks:

1. Inspect the tires – Look for any visible damage or uneven wear.
2. Test the lug nuts – Ensure they are tight and secure.
3. Reset the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) – If needed, follow the vehicle’s instructions to recalibrate it.

A DIY rotation is a great way to stay on top of Highlander wheel care and keep your tires in top shape. A well-maintained set of tires provides a safer, more efficient driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Rotation for the 2025 Toyota Highlander

How does the larger size and weight of the 2025 Toyota Highlander affect tire rotation intervals?

The added size and weight put more stress on the tires, which may lead to faster wear. It is best to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.

Do different trims (e.g., Hybrid, AWD) require different rotation sequences?

Yes, different trims may have unique rotation needs. Front-wheel drive (FWD) models typically follow a forward cross pattern, while all-wheel drive (AWD) models use an X-pattern or rearward cross pattern to ensure balanced wear. Always check the owner’s manual for the recommended pattern.

Should I inspect the brake components when rotating tires on the Highlander?

Yes, tire rotation is a good time to check brake pads, rotors, and calipers for wear or damage. Catching issues early can help prevent costly repairs and keep the vehicle safe.

By staying on top of tire rotation and brake inspections, you can improve your Highlander's performance and longevity. Proper care ensures a smoother ride and better handling for years to come.

Keep Your Highlander in Top Shape – Visit Beach Cities Toyota Westminster

If you want to keep your SUV in top shape, regular tire rotation is a must. It helps with traction, even wear, and long-term performance.

If you have questions or need expert help, the team at Beach Cities Toyota Westminster is ready to assist.

Drivers in Huntington Beach, CA, and Anaheim, CA, can explore our wide selection of vehicles, including the 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Visit Beach Cities Toyota Westminster or Contact us to find the perfect fit for your needs.

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