A spare wheel lift mechanism is provided for a motor vehicle. That spare wheel lift mechanism includes a holder for receiving and holding the spare wheel and a support for the holder. The support is displaceable between a wheel storage position within a storage compartment of the motor vehicle and an access position wherein the spare wheel projects at least partially outside the body of the motor vehicle for easy access. A method of assisting an individual with access to a spare wheel stored in a storage compartment of a motor vehicle is also provided.