How to Maintain a Floor Jack

A floor jack is used to lift a car to change a tire.

A floor jack uses hydraulics to lift and lower personal use vehicles, such as cars and trucks. A floor jack is easy to use. Simply place the lift on the floor, under the vehicle and pump the long arm that extends from the jack's body to begin lifting the vehicle. A floor jack is commonly used to lift a car to replace tires, check brake systems and perform maintenance underneath the vehicle. A floor jack is simple to maintain; however, it must be routinely cleaned in order to prevent rust from forming.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Grease lubricant

Instructions

1. Visually inspect the jack prior to storing or using. Look for any cracked or damaged parts, loose screws or bolts and leaking hydraulic fluid. Tighten any loose screws or bolts. If the jack is damaged, cracked or has leaking fluid, a professional will have to repair the floor jack.

2. Wipe down the floor jack with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.

3. Add grease lubricant to a soft cloth. Rub the lubricant into the movable parts on a floor jack. Alternatively, spray a can of grease lubricant directly on any movable parts to keep the floor jack well greased.

4. Pull back the piston and pump rod so they are fully retracted when the floor jack is not in use. Store the jack flat on its base. Place it in an area where the jack will not be exposed to corrosive vapors, abrasive dust, snow, rain, sand or grit.

References

• Voyageur Web: Hydraulic Jack