How to Use Jack Stands
The tire-changing jack that comes with your car is safe only for changing tires - any under-the-car work requires the use of jack stands. Jack stands are easy to use, but it's imperative that they be placed in the correct position under the car.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Set the parking brake and put the car in gear.
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2
Jack up the car using a floor jack.
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3
Place the jack stands under the car. Your car's owner's manual may have illustrations indicating safe jack stand positioning.
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4
Lower the jack slowly until the car is resting on the jack stands.
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5
Note that if you don't have a floor jack, you can use the tire-changing jack by raising up one side of the car at a time, as you would if changing a tire, and placing a jack stand first on one side, then lowering and removing the jack, then repeating on the other side.
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6
Lean on the bumper and shake the car: If the jack stands aren't positioned properly, you want to find out now - not when you're under the car.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure both jack stands are raised to equal heights.
Never get under a car that's supported only by a jack - this is extremely dangerous.
Don't put the jack stands under the floorboards - they'll crash right through into the inside of the car.
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Comments
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Sep 12, 2006
Do not place the jack stands on a "live" suspension element. Any part of the suspension that moves is a bad jack stand support point. Consult your repair manual or the car manufacturer's documentation to find a suitable support point.
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Sep 12, 2006
Do not place the jack stands on a "live" suspension element. Any part of the suspension that moves is a bad jack stand support point. Consult your repair manual or the car manufacturer's documentation to find a suitable support point.
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Jun 30, 2006
When I have to do work that requires the car to be jacked up on jack stands, I usually put the tires under the car. In case something goes wrong, the car will land on the tires. I'd much rather replace a tire or two than an arm or a leg.
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Jun 30, 2006
When I have to do work that requires the car to be jacked up on jack stands, I usually put the tires under the car. In case something goes wrong, the car will land on the tires. I'd much rather replace a tire or two than an arm or a leg.
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Nov 22, 2005
don't foget to chock the tires. you can use simple blocks of scrap wood, cut to a good size. they should be about the same width of the tire, and you need to put them in front, and back of the tires. if you're changing a flat tire, then you need to chock the opposite tire. ie flat tire is front driver's side, chock the rear passenger side tire. always front and back of the tire.
