Knowing how to change a flat tire is a vital skill for any driver. If you’re asking yourself, “Where do you put the jack on a Honda Civic?” you’re in the right place. Using the jack in the wrong spot can cause serious damage to your car’s underbody or lead to a dangerous collapse. This guide gives you clear, step-by-step instructions to safely lift your Civic and get back on the road.
We’ll cover everything from finding your jack kit to lowering the car safely. Whether you have a brand-new model or an older classic, the fundamental principles remain the same.
Where Do You Put The Jack On A Honda Civic?
The jack must always be placed on the dedicated vehicle jack points. These are reinforced metal sections of the frame designed to handle the immense pressure of lifting the car. For a Honda Civic, you will typically use the side sill jack points for emergency tire changes and the central front and rear points if using a garage floor jack.
Never jack the car on plastic body panels, the floor pan, suspension components, or the exhaust system. Doing so will almost certainly cause costly damage and is extremely unsafe.
Locating Your Civic’s Jack and Tools
First, you need to find your car’s emergency jack kit. In most modern Honda Civics, it’s stored in a compartment under the trunk floor. Lift up the trunk carpet to reveal the spare tire (or tire repair kit) and the tools.
Your kit should include:
* A scissor jack or compact hydraulic jack.
* A lug nut wrench, often with a handle for turning the jack.
* The spare tire (a compact “donut” spare) or a tire sealant/inflator kit.
* A wingnut or center holder to secure the spare tire in place.
If you have an older Civic, the spare and jack might be mounted in the trunk well or even under the rear of the car. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure—it’s the best resource for your specific year and model.
Identifying the Correct Side Sill Jack Points
For changing a tire roadside with the included jack, you will use the side sill jack points. These are located along the bottom edge of the car, just behind the front wheels and just infront of the rear wheels.
Look for a small notch or arrow molded into the plastic rocker panel. Sometimes there’s a slight indent in the metal sill itself. On many Civics, there is a distinct, hard plastic tab or a section of exposed metal seam that’s different from the surrounding area.
Here’s how to confirm you’ve found it:
1. Run your hand along the sill (the ridged metal section below the doors).
2. You will feel a solid, flat section that feels more substantial.
3. Visually, it’s often right in line with the front or rear door seams.
This reinforced point is where the top of your jack needs to contact. The jack’s saddle (the top part that touches the car) should be centered on this point as much as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Jacking Up Your Honda Civic
Safety is the absolute priority. Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Pull over to a level, solid, and safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Apply the parking brake firmly. If you have wheel chocks or blocks, place them against the tire diagonally opposite the one you’re changing. A rock or piece of wood can work in a pinch.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before lifting the car, use the lug wrench to break the lug nuts loose. Turn them counterclockwise, but do not remove them yet. They might be on very tight, so you may need to use your foot or body weight on the wrench. The goal is just to break their grip while the wheel is still firmly on the ground.
Step 3: Position the Jack
Take out the scissor jack and extend it by turning the crank handle. Position it directly under the side sill jack point you identified. Ensure the jack is perpendicular to the ground and that its saddle is centered on the reinforced metal. Double-check that the jack is on solid pavement, not dirt or gravel.
Step 4: Lift the Vehicle
Slowly begin cranking the jack handle clockwise. The car will start to rise. Continue cranking until the flat tire is about 2-3 inches clear of the ground. You need enough room to put on the spare, which will be fully inflated. Never put any part of your body under a vehicle supported only by the emergency jack.
Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire and Install the Spare
Now you can fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts. Place them in a safe spot where they won’t roll away. Pull the flat tire straight off the wheel studs and set it aside. Lift the spare tire onto the hub, aligning the holes with the studs. Push it on until it sits flush against the hub.
Step 6: Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts and Lower the Car
Put the lug nuts back on and tighten them by hand as much as you can. Then, slowly lower the car by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Once the tire is touching the ground but the car’s full weight is not yet on it, use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern. This ensures the tire is seated evenly.
Step 7: Final Tightening and Clean-Up
Fully lower the car and remove the jack. Now do a final, very tight pass on the lug nuts with the wrench, again using the star pattern. Stow the flat tire, jack, and all tools back in the trunk. Remember, your compact spare has a strict speed limit (usually 50 mph) and distance limit. Drive to a tire shop as soon as possible.
Using a Floor Jack on a Honda Civic
If you’re working in a garage, a floor jack and jack stands are safer and more stable. The jacking points are different.
* Front Jack Point: Look under the front center of the engine bay. You’ll find a reinforced crossmember or a specific pad directly behind the engine. This is the only safe place to put a floor jack to lift the entire front of the car.
* Rear Jack Point: For the rear, locate the differential (on older models) or a reinforced central crossmember under the rear suspension. On newer unibody Civics, there is often a marked central point.
You use the floor jack on these central points to lift one end of the car, then immediately place jack stands under the side sill jack points for support. Never work under a car held up only by a jack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Jacking on Plastic or Weak Metal: This is the most common and dangerous error. It will crush the bodywork.
* Not Using the Parking Brake: The car can roll.
* Overtightening or Uneven Tightening of Lug Nuts: This can warp the brake rotor. Always use a star pattern.
* Forgetting the Spare Tire Limits: That donut spare is for emergencies only.
* Rushing: Take your time to ensure each step is done correctly. A mistake can have serious consequences.
FAQ Section
Q: Where is the jack point on a Honda Civic for the front tire?
A: For the included emergency jack, use the side sill jack point located just behind the front wheel. Look for the notch in the plastic or the reinforced metal section.
Q: Can I jack up my Civic from the side?
A: Yes, but only at the specific side sill jack points near each wheel. Do not place the jack anywhere else along the side sill, as it will damage the vehicle.
Q: What is the proper way to jack up a Honda Civic?
A: The proper way is to use the dedicated jack points: the side sill points for the emergency scissor jack when changing a tire, and the central front/rear points for a floor jack in a garage setting.
Q: How do I find the jacking points on my Honda Civic?
A: Check your owner’s manual first. Visually, look for notches in the plastic rocker molding or feel for a solid, flat section of the metal sill behind the front wheels or infront of the rear wheels.
Q: Is it safe to use the Honda Civic jack on other parts of the frame?
A: No, it is not safe. The emergency jack is designed only for the reinforced side sill points. Using it elsewhere risks damaging your car and causing the jack to slip, which could lead to injury.
Knowing where to put the jack on your Honda Civic gives you confidence and ensures your safety during a tire change. Always prioritize a level surface, use the correct reinforced points, and follow a methodical process. Keep your owner’s manual in the glove box for quick reference, and consider practicing in your driveway so you’re prepared if a flat tire happens on the road. With this knowledge, you can handle a common roadside emergency quickly and safely.