There are plenty of reasons to raise your car: changing oil, rotating tires and bleeding brakes. Not only can this save money on repairs in the future but also allows you quality time to get to know your car. However, it is super important to know to jack up a car safely before working on it. In this guide on how to jack up your car, we will show you all the things to look out for and what you need to do to lift up your car with confidence.
One of the most important things to consider when working on your car is safety. With a jack, you can raise it from below and safely position yourself underneath of its weight while also ensuring that there’s no shifting or movement so as not to damage any components beneath it such as axles, CV joints, etc.
Before you work on your car, consider the different types, and points needed for jack placement. For example, most trucks and SUVs have steel frames that support them so they can be jacked up by simply jacking them on the frame. While cars have a “unibody” construction, which means each type of car requires different points for jack placement.
First Step – Locate The Jacking Points
To jack up a car, one should consult their manual or an online resource to locate the recommended points for lifting. Most cars should have these manuals when they were bought. However, if you don’t have one, then don’t worry. Auto parts stores usually carry these types of books and they’re easy to find online.
Second Step – Ensure The Car Will Not Move
Make sure that your e brake or in order models handbrake is engaged. Also but some blocks or bricks behind the back wheels just in case.
Third Step – Start Jacking
Start jacking from the front of your vehicle. The jack will help raise and support its weight to allow you more room for work, so make sure it’s level or propped up with blocks before getting started.
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 beneath the jacking pad under the engine.
Place the jack so that it lines up with a recessed area on its saddle. Slowly pump until both front tires leave the ground, then stop and double-check placement. Look at the vehicle from all angles to ensure there aren’t any issues such as leaning too far forward or backwards while jacking. Once confirmed, continue applying pressure until wheels are raised securely off ground.
Fourth Step – Place the Car On Jack Stands
Support the front of your truck by placing jack stands directly under its frame. Support each front wheel with a stand and make sure they’re all at least as high as you want to climb underneath with easy access. Refer to the manual on where you can put your jack stands for your car. Repeat the same process by placing the jack stands in the recommended areas.
Turn the handle slowly and make only minor adjustments before lowering the full weight onto the stand. A quick-release may cause a sudden drop that could cause an accident or harm the vehicle. Then make final alignment adjustments before lowering the full weight onto the stand.
Now you can safely work underneath your car and enjoy doing it with confidence. We hope you find this guide helpful. Feel free to reach out about any car-related topics, we would love to help.
