When it comes to working on your car, safety should always be your top priority. Jack stands are a crucial tool for many maintenance tasks, and knowing how to use them properly is essential. This tutorial will walk you through the process of raising a car on jack stands safely, along with some tips and recommended products.
What You’ll Need:
A hydraulic floor jack
Jack stands (ensure they are rated for your car’s weight)
Wheel chocks
Safety glasses and gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Your Workspace: Choose a flat surface to work on, free of debris. Ensure you have enough lighting.
Secure Your Car: Before raising the car, engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent any movement.
Position the Jack: Place the floor jack under the vehicle’s designated lift points (check your owner’s manual). Lift the car until it’s at the desired height but do not exceed what’s necessary.
Install the Jack Stands: Once the car is raised, carefully position the jack stands under the appropriate support points. These can usually be found at the frame or designated areas indicated in the manual.
Lower the Car onto the Jack Stands: Gradually lower the car onto the stands. Make sure it sits securely on the stands before removing the floor jack.
Double Check Stability: Give the car a slight push to ensure it’s stable before working underneath.
Safety Tips:
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
Always use jack stands rated for your vehicle’s weight.
Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself.
Recommended Jack Stands:
Prolift F-767 Grey - Known for its durability and safety features.
Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands - A great choice for a solid grip and stability.
Using jack stands can make your DIY car maintenance tasks easier and safer. Feel free to share your experiences or ask for more tips below!
Using jack stands for car maintenance is crucial for safety! Always ensure you’re on a flat, stable surface before starting. Also, give the stands a shake to confirm they’re secure after placing the car on them.
It’s wise to never rely solely on a jack for support. Always use your jack stands! They’re designed for that extra safety when working underneath the vehicle.
Speaking of safety, always make sure to block the wheels that remain on the ground as an extra precaution against rolling. That’s a tip I learned the hard way!
Remember, it’s not just about how you set up the jack stands but also about how you work underneath the car. Always have a clear exit route in case of emergency.
I would advise against that. Jack stands should always be on a level and stable surface to function correctly. Using planks can create an unstable situation.
When choosing jack stands, consider their load capacity. Most come rated from 2 tons to 3 tons. For standard sedans, 2-ton is usually sufficient, but bigger SUVs may need 3-ton stands.
There are three main types of jack stands: pin-type, ratchet-type, and screw-type. Different tasks may require different types, especially for stability.