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How To Jack Up A Vehicle Safely

Over the years, we've heard some real horror stories about what people do to raise vehicles high enough to work underneath. That's why the Parts-King is here to provide some safety tips for proper lifting procedures using jacks, ramps and chocks. 

 

 

Tools you'll need:

  • Bottle jack, scissor jack or a floor jack (depending on weight requirements and jack clearance)
  • A pair of jack stands that are capable of handling your car's weight
  • Wheel chocks to stop either forward or backward movement
  • Ramps (if you are lifting one end only)
  • Your vehicle's jack points shown in your operators manual


When taking parts apart, be organized. Keep similar parts together in a safe place where they won't get lost and layout parts in a way that will allow you to put them back in the same order.

 

 

Safety comes first

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs always follow the vehicle's owner's manual. 

Make sure you have all of your tools and supplies before you begin – the last thing you want to do is go shopping when you have the car on the jack. 

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. And watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace. Always wear your safety glasses, a dust mask and latex gloves. 

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance. 

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

 

 

  1. Getting what you need, we carry a large variety of jacks, stands and ramps to suit your needs. Contact the Parts-King to get more advice and help with choosing the right equipment for the job.
  2. Always position your vehicle on a level surface, preferably something solid like pavement or concrete. If that's not possible, try plywood under the jack and jack stands - this will help to eliminate movement.
  3. Position both wheel ramps so you can drive up with enough clearance or use jacks with the proper weight range for the job. When jacking, spot the jack at the recommended place on the cross member and lift one side at a time.
  4. Once the car is lifted to a good height, place a jack stand squarely under the frame and lower the vehicle slowly. Avoid using Jack stands if you're on sand or gravel unless you can place wood or another solid material down first to stop sinking or slipping. 


IMPORTANT: If you haven't already done so, remove the keys from the ignition.

  1. Repeat the procedure on the other side; take your time; do it right. Safety should be your #1 priority. 


IMPORTANT: If you plan to raise the vehicle off all four wheels, do front and back on one side at a time. This is only recommended when you are guaranteed to have solid ground for the duration of the job.

  1. If there are any wheels remaining on the ground, you must place wheel chocks or blocks behind them. 


IMPORTANT: Always use jacks and stands together, don't trust a jack alone.