How to Use a Car Jack

When it’s time for vehicle maintenance or time to change a flat tire, knowing how to use a jack for a car can be quite beneficial. Learning how to use a car jack properly ensures your safety and helps you get the job done right quickly. In the guide below from the team at Don Hattan Dealerships, you can explore the proper way to use a car jack and jack stands. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us for details. 

How to Use a Jack for a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide 

If you are not sure how to use a car jack or jack stands, you are certainly not alone. We show you how to use a jack for a car below. 

• Park your vehicle on level ground. If you can park on pavement, it is best to do so. For safety reasons, you should not use a car jack on grass or dirt. 
• Place wheel wedges, wooden blocks, or bricks behind the tires that will stay on the ground. 
• Put the car in “Park,” then engage the emergency brake. If you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission around Wichita, put the car in first gear while you engage the parking brake. 
• Take a look at your owner’s manual to see where the jack should be placed under your particular make and model. 
• Determine whether you have scissor or hydraulic jacks. If you have a scissor jack, insert the rod and crank. If you have a hydraulic jack, insert the handle into the jack’s body and pump the handle. Lift the car to the height needed to perform the required maintenance task. 
• Place the jack stand under the frame of the vehicle. Place it at the “pinch weld.” This is a reinforced point on the frame of the car. 
• Adjust the height of the stand before securely locking it into place. Use the jack to slowly lower the car until it’s resting on the jack stand. 
• Once securely in place, you can remove the jack. Carefully push the car to make sure it won’t move. 
• Perform the necessary maintenance on your vehicle. When this is complete, use the jack to lift the car a few inches. Remove the jack stand. 
• Lower the car gently and remove the jack. 
• Pick up any wheel blocks that were used. 

Ask Us About Car Care Today

Now that you know how to use a car jack, you may have questions about how to perform DIY car care. We can help. Check out our service tips and tricks, or contact us with your questions. We want to ensure that your vehicle is safe and ready for the roads of Andover and Maize.