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

Things You'll Need:

• Jack Stands

1. Set the parking brake and put the car in gear.

2. 

   Jack up the car using a floor jack.

3. 

   Place the jack stands under the car. Your car's owner's manual may have illustrations indicating safe jack stand positioning.

4. 

   Lower the jack slowly until the car is resting on the jack stands.

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.

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.

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.

Who Can Help Sponsored

on 9/12/2006 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.

on 6/30/2006 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.

on 11/22/2005 You may want to place the wheel assembly under the front of the car after removing it. If the car does fall off the jack stands, it's better for it to land on the wheel than on you.

on 11/22/2005 Inspect the jack, the jack stands and the area where the jack stands will rest before starting. The jack should not be leaking oil or have any breaks or cracks. The same goes for the jack stands. They should be free of cracks and breaks and not badly rusted. They should operate easily and lock securely. The ground where the jack stands are placed should be level, firm and free of debris.

on 11/22/2005 After you place the jack stand, rock the vehicle as much as you can from side to side and from the front and back to make sure it is stable enough. You don't want to have it collapse on you when you're loosening a nut underneath.