How to Use a Car Jack Safely and Effectively

Ever gotten a flat tire on the side of the road? Knowing how to use a car jack can be a lifesaver in such situations. It allows you to change the flat tire yourself and get back on the road quickly. However, using a car jack incorrectly can be dangerous. This guide will walk you through the safe and effective use of a car jack, ensuring a smooth tire change experience.

Understanding Different Types of Car Jacks

There are two main types of car jacks you’ll encounter: scissor jacks and hydraulic floor jacks.

• Scissor Jacks: These are the standard jacks that typically come with your car. They’re compact and lightweight, making them easy to store in your trunk. However, they require manual cranking to lift the vehicle and can be slow and tiring to use.

• Hydraulic Floor Jacks: These jacks are more powerful and easier to use than scissor jacks. They use hydraulics to lift the vehicle with a pump handle, making the process much faster and less labor-intensive. However, they’re larger and heavier than scissor jacks and may not always fit comfortably in your trunk.

There are also bottle jacks and ram jacks, but these are less common and typically used for specific purposes by mechanics.

Safety First: Essential Preparations Before Using a Car Jack

Before you even think about jacking up your car, prioritize safety. Here are some crucial steps to take:

1. Park on a Flat, Stable Surface: Never attempt to jack up your car on an uneven or soft surface like gravel or dirt. Find a level, paved area to ensure the car remains stable when lifted.

2. Engage the Parking Brake and Wheel Chocks: Put your car in park (for automatics) or first gear (for manuals) and firmly engage the parking brake. Use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling, placing them behind the tires that are diagonally opposite the flat tire.

3. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Every car has designated jack points specifically designed to handle the weight of the vehicle. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate these jack points, which are usually reinforced areas on the car’s frame. Using the wrong spot could damage your car or cause it to slip off the jack.

4. Gather Necessary Tools: In addition to the jack, you’ll likely need a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on your flat tire. Some scissor jacks come with a lug wrench attachment. A flashlight can also be helpful, especially if you’re changing a tire at night.

How to Use a Scissor Jack

1. Locate the Jack Point and Position the Jack: Find the designated jack point closest to the flat tire as directed by your owner’s manual. Carefully position the jack’s base under the jack point, ensuring it sits squarely and securely.

2. Raise the Jack Slowly and Steadily: Insert the jack handle (or use the lug wrench if it fits) into the designated slot on the scissor jack. Begin cranking the handle clockwise to raise the jack gradually. Keep an eye on the car as it lifts and stop cranking when the flat tire is slightly off the ground.

3. Use Jack Stands for Stability (Highly Recommended): While scissor jacks can lift your car, they’re not designed for long-term support. For safety reasons, it’s highly recommended to use jack stands to stabilize the car once the flat tire is off the ground. Place the jack stands on the designated frame points mentioned in your owner’s manual, typically located near the jack points. Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands until they bear the weight of the vehicle. Once secure, you can remove the scissor jack.

How to Use a Hydraulic Floor Jack

1. Position the Jack Under the Designated Jack Point: Similar to the scissor jack, locate the correct jack point and carefully position the base of the hydraulic floor jack underneath it. Ensure the jack sits level and secure.

2. Pump the Handle to Raise the Vehicle: Most hydraulic floor jacks come with a long handle. Pump the handle up and down smoothly to raise the jack. The car will rise as the jack extends. Keep pumping until the flat tire is slightly off the ground.

3. Use Jack Stands for Safety: Just like with the scissor jack, prioritize safety by using jack stands. Place them on the designated frame points according to your owner’s manual and lower the car onto them. Once secure, remove the hydraulic floor jack.

Changing Your Flat Tire and Lowering the Car

Now that your car is safely raised and supported by the jack stands (if you used them), you can proceed with changing the flat tire. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on loosening the lug nuts, removing the flat tire, mounting the spare tire, and tightening the lug nuts.

Lowering the Car Safely

Once you’ve replaced the flat tire, it’s time to lower your car back down. Here’s how:

1. Remove the Lug Wrench: Double-check that the lug nuts on the spare tire are securely tightened following the recommended torque specifications (refer to your owner’s manual). Remove the lug wrench from the spare tire.

2. Lower the Car Using the Jack: If you used a scissor jack, slowly crank the handle counter-clockwise until the car descends completely. If you used a hydraulic floor jack, slowly lower the handle, allowing the car to settle back onto the ground.

3. Remove the Jack Stands: Once the car is fully lowered and resting on all four tires, remove the jack stands. Store them securely in your trunk.

4. Store the Flat Tire: Place the flat tire back in your trunk and secure it properly.

5. Final Safety Check: Before driving off, perform a final safety check. Ensure all the lug nuts on the spare tire are tightened securely, and check that the tire pressure is inflated to the recommended level (refer to the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb). Test your brakes by gently applying pressure before pulling off.

Important Tips for Using a Car Jack Safely

• Never get under a car supported only by a jack. It’s incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious injuries if the jack fails.
• Always use jack stands in conjunction with a car jack for additional stability, especially if you’re planning on spending any time underneath the car.
• If you’re unsure about any step of the process, consult your owner’s manual or seek help from a professional.
• Invest in a good quality car jack and jack stands with a weight capacity exceeding your car’s weight.
• Inspect your car jack and jack stands regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Replace them if necessary.

When to Call for Help

While changing a flat tire yourself can be empowering, there are situations where calling for roadside assistance might be a better option. Here are some scenarios to consider:

• If you’re feeling uncomfortable or unsure about any step of the process. There’s no shame in prioritizing safety and calling a professional for help.
• If it’s nighttime or there’s bad weather. Changing a tire in low visibility or harsh weather conditions can be risky.
• If you have a disability or physical limitations that prevent you from safely using a car jack.
• If your car is severely damaged or the flat tire is not accessible.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Knowing how to use a car jack safely can be a valuable skill for any driver. By following the steps outlined above and prioritizing safety, you can change a flat tire and get back on the road quickly. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to call for help.

Feeling prepared for a flat tire? Having the right tools readily available can make all the difference. Check out our selection of high-quality car jacks, jack stands, and lug wrenches to keep your trunk stocked for any roadside emergency!