Almost every new vehicle sold comes with a jack as a standard tool for changing a tire. While these jacks are certainly up to the task of lifting the vehicle a few inches off the ground to change a tire, for more in-depth work a second jack or jack stands are required.
What is a jack stand for a car?
Jack Stands. Jack stands are tower or tripod shaped and are designed to support the weight of a raised vehicle. They should be placed under the vehicle axle or frame to provide additional support for an elevated car. Once a vehicle is jacked up the stands are put in place and the vehicle is lowered onto the stands.
Can you lift a car without a jack stand?
Without it there is no way to lift the vehicle off the ground. Jacks and jack stands are not just for changing a tire. They can also convert any space into an automotive workshop in no time at all, making it possible for users (and mechanics) to perform maintenance and vehicle repairs right in your own driveway.
Can you use a jack on a car over its rated capacity?
Never use a jack on a vehicle that is over its rated capacity. Jack stands are tower or tripod shaped and are designed to support the weight of a raised vehicle. They should be placed under the vehicle axle or frame to provide additional support for an elevated car.
How do you support a car with a Jack?
Support Your Car. Support the vehicle with jack stands. If supporting one corner of the vehicle, place the jack stand under the jacking point and adjust the height, locking it in place with the pin or pawl, as applicable. If supporting the whole front or rear of the vehicle, use jack stands in pairs, preferably set and locked to equal height.
Are jack Stands necessary?
Jack stands are an essential part of vehicle lifting. Jacks are designed to raise a load not hold it. They use hydraulics to lift and are susceptible to failure if left under constant pressure, especially if not properly maintained.
Should I keep jack stands in my car?
Jack stands do not lift vehicles. Instead, they provide a safe, fixed support for a raised vehicle. Use a pair of jack stands every time you lift a vehicle and you will vastly decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of a falling vehicle.
What do you do if you don't have a jack stand?
Jack Stand AlternativesMini ramps: Like jack stands, mini ramps are inexpensive. ... A commercial grade 2 post or 4 post lift: If you're going to buy a 2 post or 4 post lift, commercial grade is the way to go. ... The Kwik-Lift: Last, but certainly not least, there's the Kwik-Lift.
Can you jack a car without jack stands?
In a pinch, dense pieces of wood stacked lengthwise can be used to support weight in lieu of jack stands. Cinder blocks should NEVER be used, as they are not weight rated and could crumble without notice. Another emergency solution is setting the unused tire between the chassis and the ground as you change them out.
How long can a car sit on jack stands?
You can leave a vehicle on jack stands for as long as you need. Your car could sit on jack stands for days, weeks, months, or even years. It will be fine as long your vehicle is jacked on a flat surface.
Does every car come with a jack?
Today, most new cars and trucks still come with a jack and a spare, however, there are some models that do not in an attempt to save weight and increase fuel economy.
Do I need a jack stand for changing a tire?
Yes, one jack stand is probably enough to change a tire, but it's not great to flex the frame like that for long periods of time, especially not a unibody vehicle. Having two jack stands enables the home mechanic to also rotate tires and properly lift either side or end of a vehicle.
Are jack stands safe to work under?
For many wrenchers, two-post lifts and portable car lifts aren't yet in the picture, so jack stands are required for safe lifting. While stands are more of a pain to set up and use than hydraulic lifts, they're safe when used correctly.
Do you need a jack stand to change oil?
There are two ways to safely lift your vehicle in order to change your oil. You can either use two jacks positioned on either side of the front of your vehicle or you can use a set of ramps onto which you drive your vehicle.
How can I raise my car without a jack?
In an area where you can find elevated ramps or even the curbs of the footpaths in an urban area, you don't require a jack. Drive your car at an angle to the ramp so that one wheel of your car gets elevated and you achieve the necessary height to work under the car.
How do you raise a car safely?
1:434:06How To Completely Lift A Car On All Four Jack Stands - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFurther do so by incrementally lifting the front and rear to your desired lift height you simplyMoreFurther do so by incrementally lifting the front and rear to your desired lift height you simply want to be careful to ensure that the car doesn't cause the jack stands to tip.
Are jack stands required by OSHA?
Response: OSHA's Powered industrial trucks standard, at 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(3), states that "[f]ixed jacks may be necessary to support a semi-trailer and prevent upending during loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor." OSHA's standard does not specify a particular type of jack, nor the number ...
When should you use jack stands?
Any time you lift a vehicle—any time you lift a vehicle off the ground—there must be safety equipment in place that properly rated for the weight of the vehicle. For many wrenchers, two-post lifts and portable car lifts aren't yet in the picture, so jack stands are required for safe lifting.
Should I put my car on jack stands for the winter?
Forget the blocks-use jack stands All tires “flat-spot” during storage (see “Flat Spots Are Real” below), so jack up your vehicle and set it on jack stands as shown. Then lower the tire pressure to 25 psi or so for the winter.
Where should jack stands be placed?
Slide your jack stand(s) into place near the jack, beneath a secure area of the vehicle's frame. If you are raising both front or both rear wheels, place your jack stands to either side of the jack, near the wheels. The purpose of the jack is to raise the vehicle, but the jack stand holds the vehicle in place.
Should I use 4 jack stands?
If lifting just one end of your car, you'll need two jack stands. If you're lifting the entire car, use four jack stands. On soft earth, such as asphalt or grass, thick plywood can prevent them from sinking.
How to lift a car with a jack and jack stands?
Then lift and support the rear of the vehicle, using a second pair of jack stands.
How to support a car with a jack?
If supporting one corner of the vehicle, place the jack stand under the jacking point and adjust the height, locking it in place with the pin or pawl, as applicable. If supporting the whole front or rear of the vehicle, use jack stands in pairs, preferably set and locked to equal height. Do not use wood blocks to gain more height, as a wood block may slip or split – buy taller jack stands. Lower the jack slowly until the full weight of the car rests on the jack stands.
How to lift a car?
Depending on the job at hand, you might need to lift just one wheel, the front end or back end, or the entire car. Assemble your lifting and supporting gear. Lift your car with a quality jack. If lifting just one end of your car, you’ll need two jack stands.
What is the best way to jack up a car?
Always Use a Safe Lifting Point to Jack Up the Car.
How to keep a car from moving forward?
Chock the Wheels. Put the transmission in gear or in park, and chock the wheel opposite where you are lifting. Use two wheel chocks, in front and behind the wheel, to keep the car from moving forward or backward. Plastic, metal, rubber, or wooden chocks are all good choices.
How to check if jack stand is moving?
Check that each jack stand is supporting the vehicle – it shouldn’t move if you wiggle it. If there is movement, jack up that corner again and move the jack stand up a notch. Double-check that all jack stand locks are set properly.
How much weight can a jack and jack stand hold?
A good rule of thumb to follow is to use a jack and jack stands with a capacity of at least 50% the weight of your car.
What is a Car Jack?
First, the basics. A car jack is any mechanical device used for lifting a vehicle partially or entirely off the ground.
What are the two types of car jacks?
There are two basic types of car jack: mechanical and hydraulic. Here’s a quick overview of both.
What is the most common type of hydraulic jack?
The most common type of hydraulic jacks are bottle jacks and floor jacks.
How big is a bottle jack?
Typically, hydraulic bottle jacks are fairly compact, and they come in a vast range of lift capacities. The usual sizes for automotive use range between 2-12 tons. If you think you need it, you can also find them in “jumbo” sizes like 20-, 50, and even 100-tons.
How does a scissor jack work?
Turning the screw either opens or closes the two scissor joints thereby raising or lowering the saddle. Between uses, a scissor jack folds up nice and compact, and they’re a piece of cake to store. They’re incredibly lightweight, and you can cart one about in your trunk or storage box with ease.
What type of jack is used for a spare tire?
This is the simplest type of jack, and also one of the oldest styles. Many vehicles come with a basic scissor jack included with the spare tire. (Before buying a new one, you may want to check to see if you already own one!)
What is a wide base jack used for?
Many of the best models have a wide base for extra stability. Most will even function on their sides. (You’ll never lift a car this way, but it can be useful for pushing heavy items or even bending metal bars. A must-have for any prison break!) You’ll often see this type of jack used on construction sites for supporting foundations or floor joists.
