Knowing how to use the car jack is a fundamental skill every driver should have. Before lifting any vehicle, locating the manufacturer’s designated jack points is critical for safety. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure you can change a tire or perform basic maintenance safely and confidently.
How To Use The Car Jack
Using a car jack properly involves more than just lifting a corner of your vehicle. It requires preparation, the right equipment, and strict adherence to safety steps. A mistake can lead to serious injury or costly damage to your car. We will cover everything from the types of jacks to the final steps of lowering your vehicle.
Understanding The Different Types Of Car Jacks
Not all jacks are the same. Using the wrong type or one not rated for your vehicle’s weight is dangerous. Here are the most common types you will encounter.
Scissor Jacks
This is the standard jack included with most vehicles. It is compact, lightweight, and stores easily in your trunk. It operates by turning a long screw with the provided handle or a wrench, which closes the scissor mechanism to lift the car. They are designed for occasional emergency use, like changing a flat tire, and have a relatively low weight capacity.
Hydraulic Floor Jacks
Common in garages, these jacks use hydraulic fluid and a pump handle to lift vehicles quickly and with less effort. They have a large saddle and roll on wheels, making them easy to position. They are much more stable than scissor jacks and have a higher weight rating, but they are bulky and not meant for roadside storage.
Bottle Jacks
Bottle jacks are also hydraulic but have a vertical, cylindrical body. They offer a high lift capacity in a smaller footprint than a floor jack. They are sturdy but can be less stable on uneven ground. They are sometimes included with larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
Hi-Lift or Farm Jacks
These are heavy-duty, manual jacks used primarily for off-road vehicles. They can lift a vehicle from its bumper or frame and are versatile tools for recovery situations. They require significant skill and caution to operate safely and are not suitable for standard passenger cars on pavement.
Essential Safety Precautions Before You Begin
Safety is not an optional step. Rushing or skipping these precautions can have dire consequences. Always follow these rules without exception.
- Park on a Solid, Level Surface: Never jack up a car on a slope, soft ground like dirt or grass, or an uneven surface. Use firm, level pavement like concrete or solid asphalt.
- Engage the Parking Brake: This locks the wheels that remain on the ground, preventing the car from rolling.
- Place Wheel Chocks: Use chocks, large rocks, or a piece of wood to block the wheels diagonally opposite from the end you are lifting. For example, if lifting the front right, chock the rear left wheel.
- Check Your Jack’s Weight Rating: The jack must be rated to lift more than your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which you can find on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
- Never Go Under the Vehicle: A jack is for lifting only. It is not a support device. Once the car is lifted, you must immediately place jack stands under the vehicle’s secure frame points before getting underneath.
- Keep Passengers and Pets Clear: Ensure everyone is out of the vehicle and at a safe distance from the work area.
Step-By-Step Guide To Using A Scissor Jack
This process focuses on the scissor jack for a roadside tire change, the most common scenario for most drivers.
Step 1: Prepare The Vehicle And Locate Equipment
- Pull completely off the road to a safe, level spot. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Retrieve your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from the trunk. The owners manual will show their location if you are unsure.
- Engage the parking brake and place your wheel chocks.
Step 2: Find The Correct Jack Point
This is the most critical step. Never jack the car on body panels, the axle, or the suspension. The designated jack points are reinforced metal seams or tabs specifically designed to handle the pressure. Consult your owner’s manual for their exact location. They are typically a few inches inboard from the wheel well, often marked by a small notch or indent in the rocker panel.
Step 3: Loosen The Lug Nuts
Before lifting, use the lug wrench to break the torque on all the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise just enough to loosen them—about one-quarter to one-half turn. Do not remove them completely yet. This is crucial because once the wheel is off the ground, it will spin freely when you try to loosen the nuts.
Step 4: Position And Raise The Jack
- Place the scissor jack squarely under the designated jack point. Ensure the top of the jack (the saddle or groove) is centered on the metal seam.
- Begin turning the jack handle clockwise. Turn slowly and steadily. The car will start to rise. Ensure the jack remains vertical and does not slip or tilt.
- Lift the tire until it is about 2-3 inches clear of the ground. This gives you enough room to remove the flat and install the spare.
Step 5: Remove The Flat Tire And Install The Spare
- Now you can fully unscrew and remove the loosened lug nuts. Place them in a safe spot where they won’t roll away.
- Grip the tire with both hands and pull it straight toward you off the wheel studs. It may be heavy, so be prepared.
- Lift the spare tire and align the holes with the wheel studs. Push it on until it sits flush against the hub.
Step 6: Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts And Lower The Vehicle
- Put the lug nuts back on by hand, turning them clockwise until they are snug.
- Turn the jack handle counterclockwise very slowly to lower the car until the spare tire just touches the ground but is not supporting the full vehicle weight.
- Using the wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern. This ensures the tire is seated evenly. Apply as much force as you can safely manage.
- Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
Step 7: Final Tightening And Cleanup
Give the lug nuts one final tightening with the wrench now that the car is fully on the ground. Stow the flat tire, jack, wrench, and chocks back in your trunk. Have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible, as most spare tires are for temporary use only.
Using A Hydraulic Floor Jack And Jack Stands
For maintenance at home, like oil changes or brake work, a hydraulic floor jack paired with jack stands is the correct and safe method.
Positioning The Floor Jack
Locate the vehicle’s front central jack point (often a reinforced crossmember) or rear differential/axle, as specified in your manual. Carefully roll the floor jack so its saddle is centered under this point. Pump the handle smoothly to raise the entire front or rear of the car.
Placing Jack Stands
Once the car is high enough, place jack stands under the manufacturer’s recommended support points, usually on the frame rails near each wheel. Adjust the stands to the correct height and lock the pins in place. Slowly lower the hydraulic jack until the vehicle’s weight rests entirely on the sturdy jack stands. Gently shake the car to test stability before proceeding with any work.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Jacking on the Wrong Spot: This can crush body panels, damage brake lines, or cause the jack to slip.
- Using Bricks or Wood Blocks: These materials can split or crumble under weight. Only use purpose-built jack stands.
- Relying Solely on the Jack: Never trust a mechanical or hydraulic jack to hold the vehicle while you are under it. Jacks can fail.
- Overtightening Lug Nuts: While they need to be tight, using excessive force or an impact wrench can strip the threads or warp the brake rotor.
- Forgetting to Chock Wheels: This simple step prevents the car from rolling off the jack.
FAQ Section
Where is the jack point on my car?
The most reliable source is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Typically, jack points are located on the vehicle’s frame, just behind the front wheels or just infront of the rear wheels, often marked by a small notch or reinforced section of metal.
Can I use any jack for my car?
No. You must use a jack with a weight capacity exceeding your vehicle’s weight. The factory scissor jack is designed for your specific model. Using an undersized or incorrect jack type is extremely hazardous.
How do I safely lift my entire car?
To lift the entire car, you need a hydraulic floor jack and four jack stands. Lift one end at a time, place stands under both sides, and repeat for the other end. Ensure all four stands are on a level surface and securely positioned.
What should I do if my car jack breaks?
If a jack fails while you are changing a tire, the car will drop. This is why you should never have any body parts under the vehicle during a tire change. If it happens, call for roadside assistance. For garage work, always use backup jack stands to prevent this danger.
Is it safe to change a tire on the side of the road?
It can be done safely if you take all precautions: park as far from traffic as possible, use hazard lights, chock your wheels, and work efficiently. If you are on a busy highway or unsafe shoulder, it is often safer to call for professional help.