Car repairs like replacing brake pads, changing flat tires, and routine maintenance require lifting the vehicle off the ground. But lifting a car safely is not something you can do with just any tool. You need strong and stable equipment that’s built to support your vehicle’s weight without compromising your safety.
That’s where car jacks and jack stands come in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use a car jack and jack stand safely, step by step, so you can handle car repairs effectively without risking damage to your vehicle—or injury to yourself.
Key takeaways:
- A car jack is mechanical or hydraulic equipment used to raise vehicles off the ground
- Always use jack stands after lifting your car with a jack to keep the vehicle safely supported while you work underneath
- Only lift your car on level, solid ground, and use wheel chocks to prevent any movement during repairs
What is a car jack?
A car jack is mechanical or hydraulic equipment designed to lift a vehicle’s weight. It is used to raise vehicles off the ground when changing a tire or during other car maintenance processes. Car jacks are an essential component for car repairs, whether you work as a professional mechanic or you prefer to manage your own vehicle repairs.
Car jack vs jack stands
Car jacks and jack stands might work together, but they serve different purposes. A car jack is designed to lift your vehicle off the ground—it’s not built to hold it there while you work. That’s why jacks are ideal for quick jobs like changing a flat tire: lift the car, swap the wheel, and you’re done.
But if you’re planning to get underneath the vehicle or leave it raised for any length of time, you’ll need jack stands. After lifting the car with a jack, position your jack stands underneath to support the weight safely. They’re essential for tasks like oil changes, underbody inspections, and driveshaft repairs—any job where stability and safety are non-negotiable.
Types of car jacks
There are different brands, types, and sizes of car jacks. They include:
- Floor jacks: Allows people to lift a part of a vehicle using a hand lever
- Bottle jacks: Has an elongated, cylindrical body and elevate vehicles higher than a floor jack
- Scissor jacks: Operated with a hand crank and are more suitable for lifting lower-weight cars
How to safely jack up a car with a car jack or jack stand
Park and secure your car
Start by parking your car on a flat, paved surface. This will help prevent it from rolling or shifting and provide a stable base so the jack doesn’t tilt.
If you’re on a slight incline and cannot find level ground, then park as close as possible to a curb and turn the wheels inward. You should never use a car jack on surfaces such as dirt, grass, or gravel, as this can cause the jack to collapse or slip.
Once parked, engage the emergency brake firmly. For manual transmission cars, shift the car into first gear as well.
Chock the wheels
After securely parking the car, use chocks to secure the wheels or tires. If you’re lifting the front driver’s side, chock the rear passenger-side tire. If you’re lifting the back of the car, block the front wheels, and vice versa. This prevents the wheels from accidentally rolling while lifted.
If you don’t have a chock, you can use bricks or wood blocks that won’t crush under the car’s weight.
Place the car jack
Every vehicle has designated jack points, usually behind the front wheels, in front of the rear wheels, and at specific points along the car frame. Always place your jack on those marked points. Placing it under random parts can damage the car or cause the jack to slip.
Before using the car jack, ensure it has adequate weight capacity for your vehicle. The tool should be able to support at least 50 percent of the car’s weight. For example, a commercial truck weighing around 20,000 lbs needs a car jack with a capacity of 10,000 lbs. You can check the equipment’s manual to confirm its capacity.
Where you’ll place the car jack depends on the part of the car you need to lift:
- Choose a jack point at the center of the front if you need to lift the front of the car (the same applies to the rear)
- If you only need to raise one wheel, lift just that specific corner of the vehicle
Once you’ve located the jack point, slide the car jack under it and align the saddle. Make sure the car jack is stable and sitting flat on the ground.
Raise the car jack
When you’re sure the car jack is secure, begin raising the car. If you’re using a hydraulic jack, place the handle into the body of the jack and pump steadily until it connects with the designated jack point. If you’re using a scissor jack, insert the rod and turn it clockwise.
While lifting the car to your desired height or ground clearance, ensure to pay close attention to the vehicle’s stability. If it is leaning or shifting, stop immediately and reposition it.
Place the jack stands
Never go under a car if it’s not supported by jack stands. Locate reinforced points along the car frame and then place the jack stand. These are usually near the jack point, or you can “pinch weld” close to where you placed the jack.
Slide the jack stand under the car frame, adjust the height, and lock it in place with a screw, pin, or pall (depending on the type of jack). You can now slowly lower the car, letting it rest on the stand.
Once the vehicle is in place, you can remove the jack and gently push the car to ensure stability. You might hear a small creaking sound as the car transfers its weight, which is absolutely normal.
Lower the car safely
After completing your repair or maintenance, use the car jack to raise the vehicle higher by one or two inches, then remove the jack stands. Slowly turn the handle of your scissor jack counterclockwise or open the release valve of your hydraulic jack to lower the car. Then, remove the wheel chocks.
Tips on how to safely jack up a car
Use a QuickJack
One of the safest and most efficient alternatives to traditional car jacks is the QuickJack portable car lift.
Unlike manual jacks, which require you to precisely place the equipment and then slowly lift the car, a quick jack is portable and has a hydraulic system that raises your entire vehicle in seconds with the push of a button.
QuickJacks lift both sides of your car at the same time, distributing weight evenly and reducing the risk of the car moving. The equipment also automatically locks in place using mechanical safety bars.
Talk to an expert on using a QuickJack.
Avoid jacking your car on the side of the road
Never jack your car on the side of a busy road, especially an interstate road, freeway, or any major highway. You’re vulnerable while crouched beside or under your car. If an oncoming driver is distracted or doesn’t see you in time, it could result in a fatal accident.
If you have to work on your tires while on the road, put on your hazard lights and drive to the nearest exit. Then, find a safe place to work.
Never crawl under a car raised by a car jack
Do not crawl under a car that’s not supported by a jack stand or portable car lift. There’s always a risk that the car jack can fail or slip out from under the vehicle—and without a jack stand to catch the load, the car can come down fast, putting you in serious danger.
Always use jack stands to support the weight and ensure you’re working safely. And don’t cut corners on quality—invest in high-quality, ALI-certified car jacks and jack stands. That certification means the equipment has been tested to meet the highest safety and performance standards in the industry. When your life’s on the line, only the best will do.
Wear protective equipment
Depending on the type of repair you’re doing, it is important to wear protection:
- Wear gloves if you’re dealing with sharp metal pieces or parts, or reaching into a tight space.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves if you’re working with liquids, such as draining coolant, to protect your eyes from splashes and avoid skin irritation.
- Wear a face mask if you work with car parts that accumulate dust, such as brake pads. Masks ensure you don’t breathe in dust or contaminants that may cause respiratory issues.
Work when the car is cool
You may burn yourself if you attempt to work underneath a hot car or under its hood. Give the car enough time to cool off after it is brought into your auto shop or after its most recent usage. Only start working when the parts you need to repair are cool to the touch.
Find the perfect car jack for your vehicle
Never rely solely on a car jack to hold up a car if you’re working underneath it. A jack can fail, and jack stands are your real protection if something goes wrong. If you want an even safer, more efficient alternative to the average car jack, then buy a QuickJack.
QuickJacks are portable and automatic. They offer greater stability, faster lifting (without all the manual work), and built-in safety systems, making them a smart investment for car mechanics with years of experience or any car owner. Quickjack options include a crossbeam adapter, motorcycle adapter kit, an ATV adapter kit, stackable adapters, and more.
Visit Wrenchers to learn more.
FAQs on car jacks & jack stands
Where do I put the jack under my car?
There are designated spots under your car frame for putting a jack, usually located just behind the front wheels and just in front of the rear wheels along the car’s frame. You can check your car owner’s manual for exact locations.
How do you use a floor jack?
To use a floor jack:
- Park your car on a solid flat surface
- Place the floor jack under the correct jack point
- Turn the jack’s level slowly to lift the car until it is at your desired height
- Slide jack stands under the car for extra safety
- Turn the lever counterclockwise to lower the car onto the jack stand
Do cars come with car jacks?
Yes, most cars, especially older models, come with a basic scissor jack. The jacks are usually stored in the trunk or under a rear floor panel. However, some newer models of cars, such as electric vehicles, may not include one. You can check the owner’s manual to be sure.
Where is the safest place to put a car jack?
The safest place to put a car jack is on the jack points recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. These points are reinforced to support the car’s weight without moving or slipping. Any spot outside of that will damage your car or put you at serious risk.
