If you need to change a flat tire, knowing where do you put a jack on a car is the most critical safety step. Correct jack placement is not universal; consult your vehicle’s manual to find the specific reinforced lift points. Lifting from the wrong spot can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s frame, body panels, or brake lines, and can lead to the car falling off the jack.
This guide will walk you through every step, from finding your lift points to safely lowering the vehicle. We will cover the different types of jacks, the parts of your car designed for lifting, and the common mistakes you must avoid.
Where Do You Put A Jack On A Car
The primary locations for jack placement are the vehicle’s designated jack points. These are reinforced sections of the frame or unibody specifically engineered to handle the concentrated weight of the car during lifting. They are not always obvious, so you need to know where to look.
For most modern cars, the standard jack points are along the side sills, or rocker panels. You will often find small notches or molded markings just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels. Some trucks and SUVs have central front and rear jack points on their axles or frame.
Never, ever jack up a car using a body panel, the engine oil pan, a suspension component (like a control arm), or the exhaust system. These areas cannot support the weight and will buckle or crack.
Consult Your Vehicle Owner’s Manual
Your car’s owner’s manual is the absolute best source of truth. It contains diagrams and descriptions of the exact jacking locations for your specific make, model, and year. Before an emergency happens, take five minutes to locate this section in your manual. If you’ve lost your physical manual, a digital version is almost always available on the manufacturer’s website.
Identifying Standard Jack Points
While you should always defer to your manual, here are the most common jack point locations you will encounter.
Side Sill Jack Points
This is the most common location for sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and many crossovers. Look along the bottom edge of the doors for a reinforced section of the metal sill. There is often a distinct notch, ridge, or a plastic trim piece that marks the spot. The jack or jack stand should contact this reinforced metal directly.
Front Crossmember or Central Jack Point
Some vehicles have a reinforced central point at the front, often behind the engine. This is typically used with a floor jack for lifting the entire front end at once. It is usually a solid metal beam or a marked section of the subframe. You must ensure your jack has enough reach to get to this point from the front of the car.
Rear Differential or Axle Housing
For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the solid rear differential or axle housing is a strong central jacking point. Place the jack saddle securely under the center of the differential pumpkin, avoiding the thin metal cover. This lifts both rear wheels off the ground. For independent rear suspension, look for a designated central point on the subframe.
Frame Rails
Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs have strong, longitudinal frame rails running under the vehicle. These are excellent jack points, but you must choose a flat, solid section of the rail, avoiding any brake lines, fuel lines, or wiring that may be routed along it. Avoid the very ends of the frame rails, as they can be weaker.
Types Of Jacks And Their Placement
The type of jack you are using influences the precise placement technique.
Scissor Jack (Common In-Trunk Jack)
The small scissor jack that comes with your car is designed specifically for the side sill jack points. Its top usually has a groove or slot that fits onto the sill’s reinforcement. Always ensure it is seated perfectly straight before cranking. These jacks are for emergency tire changes only and are not designed for prolonged work under the vehicle.
Hydraulic Floor Jack
A floor jack is more stable and has a larger saddle. It can be used at side points or central points. When using it on a side sill, you may need a jack pad adapter to prevent damage to the pinch weld. For central points, carefully position the saddle so the lift is balanced and the vehicle raises evenly.
Bottle Jack
Bottle jacks are compact and powerful, common with trucks. They work well on frame rails and axles. Ensure the jack is on a perfectly level and solid surface, as they can be prone to tipping if the base is not flat. The lifting post should contact a flat, solid part of the frame or axle.
Step-By-Step Guide To Safe Jack Placement
Follow these steps every time you need to lift your vehicle.
- Park on a Solid, Level Surface: Never jack on dirt, gravel, or an incline. Use paved concrete or asphalt. Engage the parking brake firmly. If you are changing a tire, place a wheel chock or large rock against the wheel diagonally opposite the one you are lifting.
- Locate the Correct Jack Point: Refer to your owner’s manual and visually identify the reinforced point. Clean away any mud or debris from the area.
- Position the Jack Correctly: For a scissor jack, fit the groove onto the sill. For a floor jack, center the saddle under the point. Double-check that no hoses, lines, or plastic panels are in contact with the jack head.
- Lift Slowly and Steadily: Begin pumping the jack handle or lever. Watch the vehicle as it rises. If you see any bending, twisting, or hear unusual noises, stop immediately and lower the car to reassess placement.
- Use Jack Stands Immediately: A jack is a lifting device, not a support device. Once the wheel is clear of the ground, slide a jack stand under a secure, reinforced point near the jack. The stand should be rated for your vehicle’s weight. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stand until it bears the full weight. Give the car a gentle shake to test stability.
- Perform Your Work: With the vehicle securely supported on jack stands, you can now remove the tire or perform other maintenance.
- Reverse the Process to Lower: To finish, jack the vehicle up slightly to remove the jack stands, then slowly lower the jack all the way. Remove the jack and retrieve your chocks.
Common Jack Placement Mistakes To Avoid
- Jacking on the Rocker Panel Itself: The painted, flat part of the rocker panel is not structural. It will crumple instantly.
- Using the Suspension or Control Arm: These parts are for mobility, not static weight support. You will damage bushings and ball joints.
- Lifting by the Engine Oil Pan or Transmission Pan: These are made of thin stamped metal and will crack, causing a major fluid leak and engine damage.
- Ignoring the Pinch Weld: On unibody cars, the pinch weld is the reinforced seam. A floor jack can bend it if used without a proper pad or adapter.
- Not Using Jack Stands: Hydraulic seals can fail. Relying solely on a jack is extremely dangerous and can result in fatal crushing injuries.
- Working on an Unsafe Surface: Grass or gravel can cause the jack to sink or shift. Always find a hard, level surface.
Special Considerations For Different Vehicles
Different vehicle designs require slight adjustments in your approach.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrids
EVs often have high-voltage battery packs mounted underneath. It is crucial to avoid placing a jack or stand anywhere near these packs. The owner’s manual will explicitly show safe zones. Sometimes, the jack points are slightly different to protect battery integrity.
Vehicles with Plastic Underbody Covers
Many modern cars have extensive plastic shielding. You may need to feel for the jack point through a access hole in the cover, or in some cases, you might need to temporarily remove a small section of the cover to access the metal jack point. Never jack directly on the plastic.
Lowered or Sport-Tuned Cars
Very low vehicles can be a challenge for floor jacks to fit under. You may need to drive onto low-profile ramps first to gain clearance, or use a special low-profile jack. Always check clearance carefully to avoid damaging the front bumper or side skirts.
Essential Safety Gear And Final Checks
Before you start, gather your equipment. You need heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands, and safety glasses are a good idea to keep debris out of your eyes. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. Have your wheel chocks, jack, and jack stands ready.
Perform a final visual check before lifting. Look under the car for any obstacles. Ensure all passengers, especially children and pets, are clear of the vehicle and at a safe distance. Communicate your actions if someone is with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should you not put a jack on a car?
You should never put a jack on any part of the car not specifically designed for lifting. This includes the plastic bumpers, the floor pan, the exhaust pipes, the engine or transmission oil pans, any suspension component (like the control arm or spring), and the actual body panels like the doors or fenders.
Can you jack up a car from the control arm?
No, you should not jack up a car from the control arm. While it may seem sturdy, it is designed for movement and supporting the wheel’s motion, not for holding the entire static weight of the vehicle. Jacking from the control arm can bend it or damage the ball joint and bushings, leading to expensive suspension repairs and unsafe handling.
What is the best place to put a jack on a truck?
The best place to put a jack on a truck is typically on its solid frame rail. Locate a flat, straight section of the frame near the wheel you need to lift. Alternatively, for lifting the entire front or rear, use the designated central points: the front crossmember or the solid rear differential/axle housing for the rear. Always confirm locations in the truck’s owner’s manual first.
How do you find the jack points on a car?
You find the jack points on a car by first checking the owner’s manual for the official diagram. Visually, look along the bottom edge of the doors for notches, ridges, or markings on the metal sill. Sometimes there are small arrows or labels molded into the plastic trim. If you are unsure, a quick online search for your specific car’s “jack points” will often yield helpful images or forum posts.
Is it safe to use the scissor jack that came with my car?
It is safe to use the provided scissor jack for its intended purpose: an emergency tire change on a level, solid surface. However, it is not safe for any other work. Never get under a vehicle supported only by a scissor jack. They are unstable and not meant for support. For any maintenance where you go under the car, you must use properly rated jack stands.
Knowing where do you put a jack on a car is a fundamental skill for any driver. Taking the time to learn the correct points for your specific vehicle, using the right equipment, and following safe procedures will protect you from injury and your car from costly damage. Remember, when in doubt, your owner’s manual is your best guide. Stay safe and take your time with every step.