If the thought of using a car jack makes you want to break out in a sweat, not to worry! From changing a flat tyre to replacing your brake pads, using a car jack can help you safely lift your vehicle when maintenance is required.
Jacks are generally straightforward to use, provided you follow the correct safety precautions and use the right equipment. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use a car jack safely and confidently.
Find a Safe Place to Pull Over
If you’re on the road and need to use a jack due to a puncture or emergency repair, your first priority should always be safety.
Move your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible and find a firm, level surface where the vehicle can be safely lifted. A flat, solid area such as a layby, car park, or quiet roadside location is ideal.
Avoid soft ground, gravel, slopes, or uneven surfaces, as these can cause the jack to become unstable while supporting the vehicle.
Secure Your Vehicle
Before lifting the car, make sure it cannot move.
Park on a hard, flat surface and apply the handbrake firmly. If your vehicle has an automatic gearbox, place it in Park. For manual vehicles, leave the car in first gear.
Wheel chocks can provide additional security by preventing the vehicle from rolling.
If you’re changing a wheel, it’s often helpful to loosen the wheel nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle. The resistance from the tyre being in contact with the ground can make this easier.
For more tips and tricks on vehicle maintenance, check our our checklist here.
Locate the Correct Jacking Points
Before positioning the jack, locate the manufacturer’s recommended jacking points.
Most modern vehicles have clearly marked lifting points located underneath the vehicle near the sills. These reinforced areas are specifically designed to support the vehicle’s weight safely.
If you’re unsure where these points are located, consult your owner’s manual before proceeding.
Never place a jack directly under body panels or unsupported areas of the vehicle, as this can cause damage and create a serious safety risk.
Position the jack so that the lifting pad sits directly beneath the correct jacking point before beginning to raise the vehicle.
Raise the Vehicle
Once the jack is correctly positioned, begin raising the vehicle slowly.
The method will vary depending on the type of jack you are using:
- Scissor jacks require you to turn a handle or wheel brace to raise the vehicle.
- Hydraulic trolley jacks use a pumping action to lift the vehicle more quickly and with less effort.
Lift the vehicle only as high as necessary to complete the job.
If you are fitting a spare wheel, remember that a fully inflated replacement tyre will require slightly more clearance than the flat tyre you’re removing.
If you hear small creaks or slight movements as the vehicle settles onto the jack, this can be normal. However, stop immediately if anything appears unstable.
Use Jack Stands for Extra Safety
If any part of your body will be underneath the vehicle, always use jack stands.
Jack stands provide a secure secondary support system and should be positioned underneath the vehicle at approved support points.
Once the stands are in place, carefully lower the vehicle until its weight is resting securely on them.
A jack should never be relied upon as the sole means of support when working underneath a vehicle.
Lower the Vehicle
Once the work is complete, raise the vehicle slightly if necessary to remove the jack stands.
Slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack’s release mechanism.
When the tyres are fully back on the ground, remove the jack and any wheel chocks before driving away.
Take a moment to double-check that all wheel nuts are correctly tightened and that any tools have been removed from around the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re changing a wheel, inspecting brakes, or carrying out routine maintenance, knowing how to use a car jack safely is an essential skill for any driver.
Taking the time to position the jack correctly, work on stable ground, and use jack stands where necessary can help prevent accidents and protect both you and your vehicle.
Related Reading
You may also find these guides useful:
Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your vehicle, and you’ll find more practical advice, guides, and ownership tips in our maintenance guidance hub.
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