You want to know how to use the car jack the right way. First, always park your car in a secure place. Make sure you secure the vehicle before anything else. Check that you understand how to use the car jack by reading your manual. Position the car jack correctly under the car. Lift only as much as you need. Never skip safety steps. Using a car jack can feel tricky, but you can do it if you stay calm and follow each step. Remember, safety comes first when you learn how to use the car jack.
Car Jack Types
When you need to lift your car, you have a few options. Not all car jacks work the same way. Let’s look at the main types you might use.
Scissors Jack
You probably have a scissors jack in your trunk right now. This car jack comes with many vehicles. It looks like two metal arms that open and close like scissors. You turn a handle to raise or lower your car. Using a scissor jack works best for quick tire changes. It is light and easy to store. You should only use it for small jobs, though. It does not lift as high or as smoothly as other jacks.
Hydraulic Jack
A hydraulic jack, also called a floor jack, uses oil and pressure to lift your car. You pump a long handle, and the floor jack raises your vehicle with less effort. Many people like using a floor jack because it feels stable and lifts cars faster. You can use a floor jack for bigger jobs, like brake work or oil changes. Floor jacks come in different sizes, so you can pick one that fits your car. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Jack Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Scissors Jack | Tire changes | Light, portable | Slow, less stable |
| Floor Jack | Repairs, upgrades | Fast, strong, stable | Heavy, needs storage |
Choosing the Right Car Jack
You want the right car jack for your vehicle. First, check your car’s weight. Look in your owner’s manual for the total weight. Pick a floor jack that can lift more than your car weighs. Never use a jack that is too small. If you drive a truck or SUV, you need a bigger floor jack. For small cars, a lighter floor jack works fine. Always read the instructions before using a floor jack or a scissor jack. The proper car jack keeps you safe and makes the job easier.
How to Use a Car Jack
Prepare and Secure the Vehicle
You want to start every job by making sure you secure the vehicle. Park your car on a level surface. Never try to lift a car on a hill or soft ground. If you have a flat tire, pull over to a safe spot away from traffic. Turn off the engine. Engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will stay on the ground. This keeps your car from rolling. Before you use a car jack, grab your tools and keep them close. Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire slightly. Do not remove them yet. This step makes changing a tire much easier later.
Locate Jack Points
Now you need to find the safe lift points on your car. These are also called jack points or jacking points. You can find them in your owner’s manual or look for small notches or reinforced spots under the car. Never place the car jack anywhere else.
If you use the wrong spot, you can damage your car or hurt yourself. So you need to know how to properly use a car jack. Most cars have four jack points—one behind each front wheel and one in front of each rear wheel. Trucks and SUVs may have different safe lift points. Always double-check before you jack up the car.
Use a Car Jack Safely
Place the car jack under the safe lift point closest to the flat tire. Make sure the jack sits flat on the ground. If you use a floor jack, pump the handle slowly. If you use a scissors jack, turn the handle or crank. Watch the car as it rises. Stop lifting once the flat tire is just off the ground.
Never crawl under the vehicle when using a car jack. Keep your hands and feet clear at all times to use a car jack to change a tire. To use a jack correctly, you need to stay focused and never rush. Here’s a short list of things to do with the car jack:
- Park on a flat surface and lock the car.
- Put chocks on the wheels and set the parking brake.
- Take the lug nuts off the flat tire.
- Find the safe places to lift or jack.
- Put the car jack in the right place.
- Raise the car until the tire is no longer on the ground.
Place Jack Stands
Once you lift a car, you need to use jack stands for extra safety. Slide the jack stand under the car near the jack point. Make sure the jack stand touches a solid part of the frame or the safe lift points. Lower the car slowly onto the jack stand. Check that the car sits steady and does not wobble. Using jack stands gives you a secure setup. Never work under a car supported only by a car jack. Jack stands keep you safe while you change a tire or do repairs.
Lower the Vehicle
After you finish changing a tyre or fixing the flat tire, you need to lower the car. First, remove the jack stand. Place the car jack back under the safe lift point. Raise the vehicle just enough to slide out the jack stand. Then, slowly turn the handle or release the pressure on the floor jack. Lower the car until all four wheels touch the ground. Tighten the lug nuts on the changed tire.
Remove the wheel chocks. Double-check that everything looks right before you drive away. You now know how to use the car jack and how to jack a car safely. By following these steps and using the correct jack points, you can safely lift your vehicle and complete the job. Remember, using a car jack the right way keeps you and your car safe every time.
Secure and Safety Tips
Avoid Common Mistakes
You want to stay safe every time you use a car jack. Many people make simple mistakes that can lead to trouble. So, you need to know how to safely use a car jack. Here are some things you should always avoid:
- Never jack up your car on soft ground. The jack can sink, and your vehicle may fall.
- Do not skip using wheel chocks. Your car can roll if you forget this step.
- Never work under a car that is only supported by a jack. Always use jack stands for extra safety.
- Do not rush. Take your time and check each step.
- Never ignore the weight limit of your jack. Using the wrong jack can damage your car or cause injury.
Important Things to Remember When Using a Car Jack
Whenever you lift your car, remember to follow some essential safety tips for jacks. These reminders help you keep your vehicle in good shape and avoid accidents.
- Always put jack stands under your car after you lift it. This is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe.
- Before you lift, make sure your jack is flat and stable.
- Put wheel chocks on the tires that stay on the ground.
- Follow the directions from the makers of your car and jack.
- Before you start lifting, make sure the jack points are correct.
- Don’t touch moving parts with your hands or feet.
- Never lift more than your jack can handle.
You want to remember some essential jack safety advice every time you lift your car. These reminders help you avoid accidents and keep your vehicle in good shape.
- Always use jack stands after lifting your car. This is one of the most essential safety measures.
- Check that your jack sits flat and stable before you lift.
- Use wheel chocks on the tires that stay on the ground.
- Follow the instructions from your car and jack manufacturers.
- Double-check the jack points before you start lifting.
- Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.
- Never exceed the lifting capacity of your jack.
Bottom Line
You now know how to use a car jack safely. Always park on level ground, use wheel chocks, and follow your manual. Never forget to double-check before starting the car repair. The setup should be strong; otherwise, your car can trip over something, which can cause injury or damage to the car. Make sure you have the essential safety tools. Keep a simple checklist or guide in your glove box for emergencies. The precautions and right tools allow you to complete your repair task safely.
FAQ
How can I tell if my car jack is strong enough?
Look in the owner’s manual to find out how much your car weighs. Check the label on the jack to see how much it can lift. Your jack should be able to lift more than the weight of your car. Don’t use a jack that feels too small or weak.
Can I use a car jack on grass or gravel?
Avoid using a car jack on soft ground, such as grass or gravel. Your car could fall if the jack sinks. Always pick a flat, hard surface like asphalt or concrete.
What do I do if my jack slips?
Don’t panic. Don’t try to get the car. Get away fast. Look for injuries. If you need help, call. Check your car and jack before you try again.
Do I have to use jack stands all the time?
If you plan to work under your car, you should always use jack stands. Jack stands give you more support. Don’t ever trust a jack to hold your car safely by itself.
How often should I look at my car jack?
Every few months, check your jack. Check for rust, leaks, or damage. Try it out before you need it. A jack that works keeps you safe in an emergency.
