How To Do Just About Everything
Everyone should know how to use the jack that comes with his or her car. Try this at home so if you ever get a flat, you'll know where the jack is and how to use it.
Park the car on level ground and pull up the parking brake. Leave manual transmission cars in first gear or reverse and put automatics in park.
When the jack is in place, insert the handle according to the directions on the jack, and turn or ratchet the handle to make the jack rise. If it lowers or cannot turn, rotate the handle the other way, or flip the switch marked 'R' and 'L' (for 'raise' and 'lower').
Raise the jack high enough to either replace a flat tire or place the car on a jack stand (a sturdy temporary stand at a fixed height). If you're changing a flat, remember to leave extra room--the new tire will be full of air.
Lower the jack when you're finished. Be cautious and go slowly. If you've used a jack stand, before lowering the jack you will need to raise the car slightly to pull the stand from its place.
eHow Cars Editor
Comments
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on 6/30/2006 In addition to initially loosening on the ground; Since most people (including myself) don't carry a jack stand around with them, when you are jacking up the car, take the spare tire and stick it under the frame close to the jack. When you get the flat tire off, quickly switch them. Remove it when you go to lower the car.
The reason being is that most of these jacks are emergency jacks... not the safest nor most reliable things around. If the jack were to fail, or more likely slip off, the wheel under the car will keep the vehicle up high enough to hopefully be able to re jack the car and finish the job. Having a car fall is not what you want when you're in the middle of nowhere.
Just make sure the outside of the wheel is up so that you don't destroy those nice rims.
said
on 2/15/2006 I always leave the jack up, as well as the stands, as an added insurance to safety!
said
on 11/22/2005 Ensure that the jack stands are extended to a height that allows for working space. Ensure that the jack stand is placed under the vehicle frame to support the vehicle, not under a non-frame part that may be damaged by the weight of the vehicle. Always use two jack stands to equally support the vehicle.
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on 11/22/2005 Jack up your vehicle with a jack (or other lifting device), of adequate specifications and ratings for the vehicle weight. Once the vehicle is successfully lifted to the required height, which in most cases should be just high enough to get the job done or the wheel off, support the vehicle with a jack stand. This also should be of adequate specifications and ratings, and intended for vehicle supporting purposes. Never use a masonry or cinder block for this purpose! The vehicle should be on a solid, reinforced, and level surface (preferably concrete or steel).
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on 11/22/2005 The parking/emergency brake only works on the rear tires, so be careful!