Knowing where to place jack on car is a fundamental skill for any driver. It is the difference between a safe tire change and a dangerous situation that could damage your vehicle or cause injury. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for finding the correct jack points on any car, SUV, or truck.
The process starts before you even get the jack out. You must prepare the vehicle to ensure it is stable and secure. Rushing this step is a common mistake.
First, find a level, solid surface away from traffic. Concrete or asphalt is ideal. Never jack a car on dirt, gravel, or a slope.
Engage the parking brake firmly. If you are changing a front tire, place wheel chocks behind the rear tires. For a rear tire, chock the front tires.
If possible, remove the spare tire and tools from the trunk before you start. This gives you everything you need and prevents the car from being unbalanced when lifted.
Where To Place Jack On Car
The universal rule is to place the jack on a solid part of the vehicle’s frame or a designated pinch weld near the wheels. These are reinforced areas designed to handle the immense pressure of lifting. Placing a jack anywhere else, like on body panels, floorboards, or suspension parts, can lead to serious damage or collapse.
Manufacturers specify exact jacking points. You need to locate them for your specific vehicle. The owner’s manual is your best resource and will have diagrams showing their precise location.
Common jack points include reinforced metal pads just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels. Another common design is a pinch weld seam, which is a thick section of metal running along the side of the car’s underbody.
Locating Standard Jack Points
Most modern vehicles have clearly marked jack points. You may need to look closely or feel for them with your hand.
For unibody cars and crossovers, look for a small notch or arrow in the plastic side skirt. This often marks the spot. You might also see a section of the metal rocker panel that looks thicker or has a plastic cover.
On trucks and older body-on-frame SUVs, the jack points are typically on the solid frame rails. These are easy to identify as they are the main, thick metal beams running the length of the vehicle.
If you cannot find a marked point, look for these indicators:
- A section of the underbody seam that is visibly stronger or has a flat spot.
- A small plastic access panel that can be popped off.
- A reinforced metal pad with a groove or indentation.
Using Pinch Weld Jack Points
Many cars use the pinch weld seam as the primary jack point. This is the vertical seam where the car’s floor pan meets the side rocker panel. It is crucial to position the jack correctly here.
The top of the jack or the jack saddle must have a groove or slot that fits over the pinch weld. This prevents the jack from slipping sideways. Never let the jack contact only the thin metal of the rocker panel itself, as it will bend.
If your scissor jack doesn’t have a good groove, you can use a small block of wood with a notch cut into it as an adapter. This spreads the load and protects the car’s paint and metal.
How To Use A Scissor Jack Correctly
The scissor jack that comes with your car is for emergency use. It is compact but requires careful operation. Follow these numbered steps for safety.
- Locate the correct jack point near the flat tire, as described in your manual.
- Assemble the jack and the winding rod if necessary. Ensure the release valve is fully closed (turned clockwise).
- Position the jack so its saddle engages the jack point or pinch weld securely. The jack should be perpendicular to the ground.
- Begin winding the rod clockwise. Keep your body weight centered and use smooth, steady motions.
- Lift the car only until the flat tire clears the ground by about an inch. Do not lift higher than needed.
- Once the tire is changed, slowly wind the rod counter-clockwise to lower the vehicle evenly.
How To Use A Hydraulic Floor Jack
A hydraulic floor jack is safer and easier for garage use. It is more stable and lifts from a central point. The placement rules, however, are different.
You use a floor jack on a central lifting point, not the side jack points. This is often a reinforced section of the front subframe, the rear differential, or a dedicated center crossmember.
Always consult your owner’s manual for the approved central lifting points. Once the car is lifted on the floor jack, you must immediately support it with jack stands placed under the side jack points. Never work under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack.
Jacking Up A Truck Or SUV
Larger vehicles require extra caution due to their height and weight. The principles are the same, but the jack points are often more robust.
For body-on-frame trucks and SUVs, the only safe place for a jack is on the main frame rail. Look for a flat, solid section near the wheel you need to lift. Avoid the axle, suspension arms, or the truck’s bed.
If you have a lifted truck, your factory jack may not be tall enough. You will need a taller, high-lift jack or a quality floor jack with a greater range. Always use extra large, rated jack stands for support.
Remember that the center of gravity is higher. Use extreme care to prevent the vehicle from tipping. Double-check that the jack is perfectly vertical before lifting.
Common Jack Placement Mistakes To Avoid
Many DIY repairs go wrong because of simple jack placement errors. Avoid these dangerous mistakes.
- Jacking on the oil pan, exhaust pipe, or any suspension component. This will cause expensive damage.
- Using the jack on a plastic bumper, side skirt, or floorboard. These parts will crumple instantly.
- Not using a flat piece of wood on soft ground. The jack can sink and tilt.
- Lifting the car too high with the emergency jack. It becomes unstable.
- Forgetting to set the parking brake or use wheel chocks. The car can roll off the jack.
Essential Safety Tips When Using A Car Jack
Your safety is the most important thing. These tips are non-negotiable every single time you lift a vehicle.
Never get under a car supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands placed on solid jack points. The jack is for lifting; the stands are for holding.
Before you start any work, give the car a gentle rock after it’s lifted and on stands. It should feel completely solid. If it moves, lower it and reposition the stands.
Keep children and pets far away from the work area. Do not allow anyone to sit in or shake the car while it is jacked up.
When lowering the car, ensure no tools or your feet are under it. Lower it slowly and smoothly, watching for any shifts.
Step-By-Step Guide To Changing A Flat Tire
Now that you know where to place the jack, here is the complete process for changing a tire safely.
- Pull over to a safe, level location and turn on your hazard lights.
- Apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the opposite end of the car from the flat.
- Remove the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from the trunk.
- Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire (turn counter-clockwise). Do not remove them fully yet.
- Locate the correct jack point near the flat tire and position the jack securely.
- Lift the car until the flat tire is about an inch off the ground.
- Now fully remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
- Place the spare tire onto the wheel studs and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the car until the spare just touches the ground, then use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Fully lower the car, remove the jack, and do a final tightning of the lug nuts.
Check the spare tire’s pressure as soon as possible. Remember that most compact spares are for temporary use only and have a speed and distance limit.
Tools You Should Have In Your Car
Beyond the factory jack, a few extra tools can make the job safer and easier. Consider keeping these in your vehicle.
- A sturdy pair of work gloves to protect your hands.
- A flashlight with fresh batteries.
- A small piece of 2×6 wood to use as a jack base on soft ground.
- A proper lug wrench or a breaker bar, as the factory tool is often weak.
- A portable tire inflator that plugs into your 12V outlet.
- A reflective warning triangle to increase your visibility.
FAQ Section
Where Is The Jack Point On A Car?
The jack point is a reinforced section of the vehicle’s frame or underbody, typically located just behind the front wheels or ahead of the rear wheels. It is often marked by a notch in the plastic trim or a visible metal pad. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact location on your model.
Can You Jack Up A Car From The Side?
Yes, you can jack up one side of a car using the designated side jack points. However, you must use jack stands to support the vehicle before working on it. A floor jack can be placed under a central front or rear lifting point to raise both wheels on one axle at once.
Where Do You Put The Jack Under A Car To Change A Tire?
To change a tire, place the jack under the specific jack point closest to the flat tire. This is almost always on the side of the vehicle, not in the center. Using the correct point prevents damage to the brake lines, fuel lines, and body panels that run underneath.
Is It Safe To Use The Jack That Comes With The Car?
The factory scissor jack is safe for changing a tire in an emergency when used correctly at the designated jack points. It is not designed for prolonged holding or for you to work under the vehicle. For any repair that requires going underneath, you must use jack stands.
What Should You Never Do When Jacking Up A Car?
Never jack a car on unstable ground like dirt or a slope. Never place the jack on a body panel, the exhaust, or any suspension part. Never get under a car supported only by a jack. Never use bricks or cinder blocks as jack stands—they can fracture without warning.