HOW TO JACK YOUR VEHICLE UP SAFELY!
Why you should jack your vehicle safely.
Jack safety is critically important to preventing serious injury or death when it is necessary to work beneath your vehicle. Failure to observe jack safety can result on the vehicle falling, pinning you or someone else beneath it. Proper jacking techniques and support stands are critical for your safety. Never skip safety requirements when raising a vehicle to work beneath it.
How to jack your vehicle safely, do-it-right!
Always position your vehicle on a level surface (preferably pavement or concrete*) before jacking.
1. Wheel ramps are a safe and easy way to raise one end of a vehicle
2. Always chock (block) any wheels remaining on the ground if only one end of the vehicle is raised.
-OR-
1. Position a floor jack under the frame, cross-member or manufacturer recommended jacking point when jacking. Once positioned, jack the vehicle up.
2. Position jack stands where they can't slip or allow the vehicle to slip or rock. Never use jack stands on dirt where they can sink.
3. Repeat jacking procedure for the other side of the vehicle, if required. Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands.
* Use plywood under jack stands or ramps if working on hot pavement to avoid damage to the surface and decrease the risk of tip over.
What you will need –
- A level surface
- Floor jacks, scissors jack, or bottle jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Your vehicle's jack points (in owner's manual)
Ramps or floor jacks are the best ways to raise a vehicle. A bottle jack or your vehicle's jack should never be relied upon for support if someone must work beneath a vehicle. Similarly, bottle jacks are unstable and can easily slip. Always position a floor jack beneath the vehicle frame, suspension, or at the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Once raised, use jack stands for supplemental support. Never use milk crates for support. Wheel chocks are also recommended for any wheels still on the ground. Super Cheap Auto carries a complete line of floor jacks, ramps and jack stands so that you can work on your vehicle safely.
