How to Raise a Vehicle With a Car Jack

Jack a vehicle from approved lifting locations.

Changing a flat tire or gaining access to the underside of your vehicle requires lifting a portion of your vehicle off the ground. A car jack lifts the vehicle to an adequate height while keeping you away from the vehicle. Every vehicle has reinforced jacking points on its frame, or the underside of the body, that allow you to use a car jack without causing damage to the vehicle. Placing the jack in the proper location and securing the vehicle from moving while lifted will ensure your safety and protect the vehicle from damage.

Things You'll Need

• Wheel chocks
• Jack Stands

Instructions

1. Open the trunk of your vehicle. Look for a placard in the trunk showing the recommended lifting locations for your vehicle. If you cannot find a placard, look under the vehicle for four reinforced lifting points.

2. Apply the vehicle's parking brake. Place one wheel chock under each of the the two tires located at the end of the vehicle you are not lifting.

3. Locate the car jack under an approved lifting location.

4. Turn the knob located on a hydraulic car jack at the handle attachment point clockwise. Pump the jack handle to raise the corner of the vehicle off the ground. Place a jack stand under the vehicle's frame to stabilize it.

5. Lower and move the car jack to another approved lifting location if you need to raise more than one side of the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• Failing to secure the vehicle can result in serious injury or death.

• Lifting a vehicle from unapproved lifting locations can damage the vehicle and/or cause you serious injury.

• Inspect the car jack for damaged components before lifting your vehicle.

• Wear safety glasses while lifting a vehicle with a car jack.

References

• Drive Green: Raising a Car
• Cars Direct: How to Find Your Car's Jack Points
• Advanced Auto Parts: Jack Safety