Mastering the Art of Safely Jacking Up Your Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide
- Kalyca Ross
- Nov 18, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Whether you’re inspecting the undercarriage, changing a tire, or performing your own routine maintenance, knowing how to safely raise your vehicle is an essential skill for any driver. Using this guide can prevent accidents and save you hundreds of dollars. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to safely jack up your vehicle, what tools are needed and common mistakes to avoid, helping you take charge of vehicle ownership.
What you’ll need:
Hydraulic Floor Jack
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or a quick Google search can tell you how much your vehicle weighs. This information is important when choosing a floor jack, as jacks are rated by weight capacity and measured in tons.
As a general rule, choose a jack with a weight rating at least twice the weight being lifted, and when in doubt, size up. This provides a safety margin and improves stability while lifting your vehicle.
Quick Reference:
1 Ton = 2,000 lbs
2-Ton Jack = 4,000 lbs
3-Ton Jack = 6,000 lbs
4-Ton Jack = 8,000 lbs
Tip:
For small sedans or lowered cars, use a low-profile jack that fits under the car. For large SUVs and trucks, choose a larger jack with higher reach.
Jack Stands
Your jack lifts the vehicle, and the jack stands support the weight of the vehicle once raised. Like floor jacks, jack stands are also rated by tons; however, they are often rated per pair. For example, a 2-ton jack stand pair would be rated 1 ton per stand. When choosing jack stands, it’s a good idea to choose stands that are rated equal to or greater than your jack’s rating.
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks should be placed firmly behind and/or in front of the wheels of a vehicle to prevent it from rolling. Always chock the wheels of your vehicle before working underneath it. This will create an added level of safety when raising your vehicle.
Gloves
A good pair of work gloves can protect your hands from pinches, cuts and scrapes, keep them clean while you work, and improve your grip when handling tools or lifting parts.
Before You Get Started
Safety begins long before you lift the vehicle. Here are some steps to prepare for jacking up your vehicle.
Park your vehicle on a flat, level surface, such as a garage or driveway, away from traffic.
Ensure your work area is free of obstructions and clutter.
Engage the parking brake in your vehicle to keep it from rolling.
Tip:
Always use proper safety equipment, and if working alone, keep a phone nearby in case of emergencies.
Step-by-Step: Safely Raising Your Vehicle
1. Position the Wheel Chocks
If you're lifting the front of your car, place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Alternatively, if lifting the rear, place chocks in front of the front wheels. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling. For added safety, you can chock both the front and rear of the wheels.
2. Identify the Jacking Points
When it comes to locating the appropriate jacking points for your vehicle, it is crucial to refer to the owner’s manual for specific guidance tailored to your car make and model. The manual provides detailed instructions on where to place the jack safely and effectively. By following the manufacturer's guidelines, you can avoid damaging the vehicle and ensure a secure lifting process. Always prioritize safety and accuracy when identifying the jacking points, as proper positioning is essential for preventing accidents and maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle.
When the car's user manual is not available, the designated jacking points can typically be identified by examining specific areas:
Side of the Car: Search for small notches or markings along the car's body sides indicating where the jack should be positioned.
Undercarriage: Review the undercarriage for reinforced metal sections or grooves that serve as safe jacking points.
Front and Rear: Inspect both the front and rear of the vehicle for symmetrical jacking points, usually situated near the wheels.
It is essential to utilize the correct jacking points to prevent any damage to your vehicle. If uncertain, seek advice from a qualified mechanic.
Tip:
The rear differential can act as a convenient and sturdy flat jacking point in a pinch. This design feature provides a stable and secure location for lifting the vehicle, ensuring safety and ease of access to the underside components for placing your jack stands.
At the front of the vehicle, manufacturers often incorporate a reinforced cross-member that extends the width of the undercarriage. This strengthened frame portion plays a crucial role in enhancing the structural integrity of the vehicle and can be used to lift the vehicle while placing jack stands.
3. Position the Jack
Once you’ve identified the correct jacking points, parked your vehicle on a level surface and chocked your wheels, place the hydraulic floor jack under the designated jacking point, ensuring it’s centred. To lock the jack, turn the handle clockwise until secure.
4. Raise the Vehicle to Desired Height
Once the jack is in position and locked, lower the jack arm and pump the handle slowly to raise the vehicle. Keep pumping until the vehicle reaches the desired height. While raising your vehicle, watch to ensure there is no shifting and avoid overextending the jack, as this can lead to instability and accidents.
5. Secure with Jack Stands
After the vehicle has been raised using a jack, the next step is to place jack stands strategically under the recommended support points. If the owner’s manual isn’t available, locate the frame rails which run parallel to each other, along the sides of the car. These support points are designed to bear the weight of the vehicle safely. By positioning the jack stands at these points, you are ensuring that the vehicle is adequately supported and secure.
Ensure that the jack stands are placed on a stable and level surface and, if your stands are equipped with them, that the safety locks are in place before lowering the vehicle onto them. This will prevent any instability or tipping once the weight of the vehicle is transferred to the stands. Additionally, make sure that the jack stands are adjusted to the correct height to provide ample clearance for any work that needs to be done underneath the vehicle. Don't forget to check that your jack stands are set to the same height to ensure your car is level once lowered onto them.
Using jack stands for the first time? Read our guide here.
6. Lower the Jack
Slowly lower the hydraulic jack until the vehicle rests securely on the jack stands. To lower the jack, slowly turn the handle counterclockwise. This is a crucial step; the hydraulic jack should only be a temporary lifting tool. Ensure the jack stands are centred securely on the jack points and that the jack locks are engaged. Then, lower all of the car’s weight onto them.
7. Check Stability
Before proceeding with any maintenance or repairs, give the vehicle a gentle shake to confirm that the jack stands are securely in place. This simple yet vital step can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. Remember, the safety of both yourself and the vehicle should always be the top priority when performing any tasks that involve lifting or working underneath a vehicle. If it wobbles or feels unsteady, reassess your setup and adjust appropriately. You’re now ready to safely work on your vehicle!
Step-by-Step: Safely Lowering Your Vehicle
1. Raise the Vehicle off Jack Stands
When you’re ready to lower the vehicle, ensure all tools and other items have been cleared from under the car. Use the hydraulic jack to raise it slightly so the weight is no longer resting on the jack stands. Pump the jack slowly until the stands can be removed safely.
Tip:
When raising your vehicle off of jack stands, be sure to give yourself a few inches of extra room to disengage the lock on your jack stands for removal.
2. Remove Jack Stands
With the vehicle supported by the hydraulic jack, disengage the safety locks on the jack stands and lower them completely. Once the stands are fully lowered, carefully remove them from under the vehicle.
3. Lowering the Vehicle
You are now ready to lower the vehicle. Slowly turn the jack handle counterclockwise to release the pressure. Once all four wheels are resting on the ground, carefully remove the jack from under the vehicle.
4. Remove Wheel Chocks
Once the vehicle is fully on the ground, it is safe to remove the wheel chocks from under the tires.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Rushing the Process: Take your time to complete each step thoroughly and safely.
Relying Solely on the Jack: Never depend on a jack alone to support a vehicle while you work. In emergency situations, you can place the rim of a flat tire under the car near the jack point for extra safety—but only as a last resort.
Overlooking Safety Gear: Always wear gloves and consider other protective equipment during maintenance.
Wrapping Up
Jacking up your vehicle can be a straightforward task when you follow the proper steps. By using the appropriate tools and prioritizing safety, you can confidently perform maintenance or inspections while minimizing the risk of accidents.
Being informed and prepared is key to safely lifting your vehicle. This guide equips you with the knowledge needed to make your automotive tasks both safe and effective. Always remember—safety comes first. Ensure the vehicle is properly secured before working underneath it.
Master these skills to help keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
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