How To Jack Up A Vehicle Safely

From avoiding catastrophic car collapses to mastering the fine art of finding that perfect jack point, the King has your back (and your undercarriage) covered when it comes to jacking up a vehicle safely.

Here's What 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. We also recommend laying out parts in a way that will allow you to put them back in the same order.

Words of Wisdom From The King: 

• Every vehicle is different. Always follow the owner’s manual when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
• Safety should be your number one priority. Don’t smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.
• 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 capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a professional mechanic or installer.

Steps For Jacking Up a Car

1. Getting what you need, we carry a large variety of jacks, stands and ramps to suit your needs. Get in touch with the 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 up a vehicle, 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.