Auto repair: use a jack safely
Before proceeding with the engine oil change or undertaking various repairs, learning the right way to lift and support a car or truck with a jack is crucial to your safety. Support points vary by vehicle; start by reading the manual for your car or truck.
You can save a tidy sum by lifting your car or truck with a jack and doing the repairs and maintenance of your vehicle yourself. But if you want to live long enough to take advantage of all this money saved, it is your job (for yourself and your family) to learn how to use a best jack stand safely.
Start parking your car or truck on a flat concrete surface. Trucks and most SUVs have steel frames that support the entire vehicle. Most cars, on the other hand, have a "monocoque" construction, that is, they do not have a separate chassis to ensure rigidity. Each type of vehicle therefore needs to rely on different support points for placement of the jack and candles. When working on an asphalt surface, place the candles on plywood support plates.
Consult a repair manual to locate the recommended lifting points and support points for your vehicle. You can find repair manuals at auto parts stores or online. Before lifting, operate the parking brake and chock the rear wheels to immobilize the vehicle. Start by lifting the front of the vehicle first. The front end of four-wheel drive trucks can be raised by placing the jack under the differential. For two-wheel drive trucks, place the jack below the jack stabilizer under the engine.
Place the jack so that the cross member or differential is aligned with the recessed portion of the jack head. Slowly operate the jack handle until the front wheels are off the ground. Then stop lifting and check the jack layout a second time. Look at the front of the vehicle to make sure it does not lean to one side. If so, lower it and replace the jack in the center. Otherwise, continue to lift until the vehicle reaches the desired height.
To support the front of a truck, place the candles directly under the frame. Support the back of the truck with a candle under each axle. Twist the handle very slowly until the vehicle starts to go down. If you release it quickly, you risk a sudden and catastrophic fall. Lower the car or truck until the vehicle touches the head of the candle. Then adjust the alignment one last time before lowering the entire vehicle weight on the candle. Remove the jack from the ground and bring it to the rear of the vehicle. Locate the recommended lifting point for the rear and repeat the lifting procedure for the rear of the vehicle. Place the two candles at the back at the appropriate support points, then lower the back on these candles.
Once the vehicle is up on the four candles, gently shake the vehicle from left to right and from top to bottom. This ensures that the vehicle rests directly on the candles and that the candle heads are in full contact with the support points. If the vehicle oscillates, stop the operation immediately and reposition the problematic candle before sliding under the vehicle.
Tip: If you plan to remove your tires, loosen the wheel nuts slightly while the car is still on the ground. This will prevent the wheels from turning when you start using the wheel lift after the car is lifted.
1. Lift and support a car with a jack safely
The cars have a monocoque construction, and each model has different support points for the jacks. For most cars, the recommended front lift point is the engine transom. Place the recessed portion of the jack head directly under the engine transom.
. Raise and support a car with a jack safely
Place the candle under the point of support. Raise the head of the candle and make sure it is securely fastened to the proper place.
Lift and support the front of the car first. (If you start from the back, the front end could be so bent that you will not be able to slip a jack below.) Position the jack so that the crossbar aligns with the recessed portion of the jack head. Support points for candles
3. Raise and support a car with a jack safely
Place the jack on the ground so that it is in contact with the rear lifting point and raises the vehicle.
Rear lifting and supporting points
Position the jack head directly under the differential at the rear.
For two-wheel-drive trucks, place the jack below the jack stabilizer, under the engine at the front and under the differential at the rear.
For four-wheel drive trucks, place the jack under the differential at the front. Always place the forward candles directly under the chassis for all types of trucks. Support the back of the truck with candles under each axle.