April 26, 2022
8 Steps to Safely Lifting and Supporting Your Vehicle
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While you can always use a car jack to replace a tire, jack stands provide you with more safety and convenience when you’re working under your automobile. That’s because jack stands have a sturdier base, which means easier weight support for your car.
However, you need to be extra careful when using a car jack and jack stands. Lifting and supporting your vehicle might get confusing, especially if it’s your first time using a car jack. Jacking up in the wrong place can damage certain auto parts and cause you injuries as well.
So, how can you properly use a car jack and car stands? What should you do and not do to ensure that you’re securely placing your stands in the right places? Veteran Car Donations tells you everything you need to know:
- Park on a flat, level surface.
Since jacks and jack stands only function vertically, the same gravity that’s keeping your vehicle planted firmly on the pavement can just as quickly pull your car off your jack or jack stand if your car is parked on a slope.
A garage or flat driveway is the best place to jack your car. Avoid bumpy areas, gravel roads, or areas where there is heavy traffic. Also, see to it that both sides of your car are level so the jack or jack stands won’t slip out.
- Read the owner’s manual.
Each car has its own recommended jack points, as well as frame and solid suspension points. Before you start the jacking process, go through the manuals for both your car and your lifting and supporting equipment. Follow the capacity limits and safety instructions. Ideally, you want to use a jack and jack stands with a capacity of at least 50% of your car’s weight.
- Assemble your lifting and supporting gear.
Depending on the task at hand, you might need to lift just one wheel, the front or back end, or the whole car. If it’s just one end, use two jack stands. If it’s the entire vehicle you’re lifting, be sure to use four. In case you’re working on soft earth, like grass or asphalt, you can place thick plywood to prevent the jack stands from sinking.
- Chock the wheels.
With the transmission in gear or park mode, chock the wheel opposite where you’re lifting. Place two chocks in front and behind the wheel to keep your vehicle from moving. Go for metal, wooden, plastic, or rubber chocks.
- Raise your car.
Now, it’s time to jack up your vehicle. Use a solid jacking point to leave enough room for the jack stand to provide support. If you’re lifting a single wheel only, just lift that corner. If you’re lifting the entire rear or front, choose a jack point in the frame’s front or rear suspension.
- Support your car.
Once you’ve properly lifted your vehicle, support it with your jack stands. If you’re supporting just one corner, the stand should be under the jacking point. Adjust the height and lock it in place with the pawl or pin.
If the whole rear or front end requires support, use jack stands in pairs. As much as possible, set and lock them to equal height. Slowly lower the jack until the full weight of the car rests on the stands.
If you’re lifting the whole automobile, work on the front first. Make sure that you raise it to the maximum height that your jack and jack stands will allow. Proceed to the rear of the vehicle using the second pair of stands.
- Check each jack stand.
See if all the jack stands can support your car. If you notice wiggling, jack up that corner again and move the jack stand up a notch. Then, check if all jack stand locks are set correctly.
- Shake your vehicle.
To ensure that your car is finally secure, shake it gently. All jack stands should be planted flat on the ground, and there shouldn’t be any movement. Once your vehicle passes the shake test, you may now work on your car safely.
Give Your Old Car a New and Worthy Purpose
Did you know that you can use that old sedan that you’re not using anymore to help uplift the lives of the suffering veterans and their families in your area? All you have to do is donate that car to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll place your vehicle up for auction and use the proceeds to help fund the life improvement programs for veterans of our charity partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping former U.S. service members who are homeless, unable to find employment, and suffering from disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental disorders.
Our charity partners use the funding they get from us to provide deserving veterans with free medical treatment, psychotherapy services, financial aid, family support, housing assistance, educational scholarships, employment opportunities, and many other benefits.
To return the favor, our team will pick up and tow your vehicle for free anywhere in the country. We’ll also promptly send you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your car via mail soon after its sale. You can use the receipt to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.
However, the best reward you’ll get for making a charitable contribution to us is the joy of knowing that you’re giving back to the brave men and women who risked their lives to serve our nation.
We accept nearly all types of vehicles, including those that aren’t in their best shape anymore.
Want to learn more about our vehicle donation program? Go visit our FAQs page. If you have any questions for us, call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822. You may also write to us here and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can.
Support Our Hurting Heroes Today!
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Without a doubt, your car donation will touch the hearts of the suffering veterans in your area. It will make a difference in their lives. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: May 8th, 2023