Comments on: How to Use Jack Stands

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.

on 11/22/2005 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.