How to Use Jack Stands

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 01:10
While you can replace a tire just using a car jack, you should use jack stands when doing any work underneath your vehicle. Jack stands provide a sturdier base and support the weight of your vehicle easily. When using jack stands, make...
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While you can replace a tire just using a car jack, you should use jack stands when doing any work underneath your vehicle. Jack stands provide a sturdier base and support the weight of your vehicle easily. When using jack stands, make sure to place them at your vehicle's pinch points or on its frame to keep them from slipping. Once you're finished with your work, lift your vehicle up and slide the stands out from underneath, and you're set to drive!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Lifting Your Vehicle

  1. Step 1 Find a flat, level surface to park your vehicle.
    Work on a clean, paved area so your vehicle is on even ground. Avoid jacking your vehicle in a place that's bumpy, near heavy traffic, or covered in gravel. Make sure each side of your vehicle is level so the jack or jack stands can't slip out from underneath it.
    • Working in a garage or a flat driveway is the best place to lift your vehicle.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use Jack Stands
    Find the lever in your vehicle that controls your parking brake and pull it until it's activated. The parking brake will ensure your vehicle doesn't lurch forwards or backwards while you jack it.
    • Place chocks, or tire wedges, around each of your wheels if you're lifting up the back end of your car. If you don't have tire wedges, you can use 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards in front of and behind your wheels.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use Jack Stands
    Crank the handle up and down to lift your vehicle off of the ground. Continue lifting your vehicle until the tire or tires closest to your jack are completely off the ground.[5]
    • Don't lift your car higher than you need or else it could be unstable on the jack.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Placing the Jack Stands

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Use Jack Stands
    The pinch points are located on the sides of your vehicle behind your front tires or in front of your rear tires. Slide your jack stand in from the side of your vehicle. Line up the divot on your jack stand with the part of the pinch point that extends down.[6]
    • If your vehicle doesn't have pinch points, set the jack stands underneath the vehicle's frame.
    • Don't crawl underneath your vehicle while it's jacked until you have stands secured in place.

    Tip: Check the weight of your vehicle in the manual or online. Make sure your jack stands can support that amount of weight before using them.

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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Removing the Stands

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Warnings

  • Never go underneath your vehicle without jack stands. Car jacks could slip and the vehicle will fall on top of you.
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  • Make sure your parking brake is activated and your wheels are chocked so your vehicle doesn't roll away when you start jacking it.
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  • The information in this article is intended to provide general answers for frequently asked questions about this topic, and may not be applicable to all vehicles. Please refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for details about maintenance intervals and other vehicle specifications. If you are unsure about your ability to perform any repair, we recommend contacting a certified automotive technician to perform the necessary work.
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Things You'll Need

  • Floor jack
  • Jack stands

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