October 10, 2022
Aside From Size, You Also Need to Know the Right Type of Jack for Your Vehicle
Knowing the size of your car jack is just as important as knowing the type of jack your auto needs. Since jacks come with different weight capacities, you got to be meticulous when buying one.
There’s no point in buying a jack that doesn’t match the size of your vehicle. You don’t want to end up spending your money for nothing.
Allow Veteran Car Donations to help you decide the right jack for your car.
4 Types of Car Jacks
Before we talk about size, let’s tackle the four different types of car jacks. Determining first the most suitable type of jack for your vehicle will make it easier for you to decide on the size later on. That said, here they are:
- Floor jacks
Also known as trolley jacks, garage jacks, or service jacks, floor jacks are designed for garage spaces or workshops. You can’t bring a floor jack wherever you go as it’s too heavy and big to fit in the back of your car.
- Bottle jacks
The bottle jack got its name due to its shape resembling a whiskey jug or bottle. It’s an easy-to-use jack that typically has a lift capacity of 50 tons, making it the perfect option for trucks and other heavier vehicles.
- High-lift jacks
If you own a farming or off-road vehicle, you should certainly go for a high-lift jack. Using it to lift your vehicle only requires pumping the mechanism. It’s that simple.
- Scissor jacks
Saving the most popular for last is the scissor jack. Scissor jacks are very small and lightweight, which means that you can always store one in your car trunk without any difficulty.
While a scissor jack is the most convenient choice, the only time you can use it is during a tire change. You can’t use it to check something under your automobile, as it’s not strong enough to hold a car for a long time.
So, What Size Jack Do You Need for Your Car?
Keep in mind that the size of the jack will solely depend on the type of car you have and its ground clearance. When picking a car jack, be sure to consider these things:
- The jack’s capacity
A good rule of thumb is to choose a jack with a capacity that matches your vehicle. Although recommendations vary, you need a jack rated for at least three-quarters of your car’s weight for an adequate safety margin. You can find your car’s gross weight in the owner’s manual.
- Height
The tallest jack that can fit your car will give you the most advantage. With floor jacks having a height of 5 cm, they can slide more quickly under unibody pinch welds and lower subframes. Bottle jacks, which stand at least 20 cm tall, are ideal for spring perches or frame rails.
To check your car’s clearance, measure the distance between the ground and your jack’s supporting point.
- Your car’s weight
Choosing the right jack involves understanding the weight of your vehicle. For instance, if you have a sedan, a car jack with a weight capacity of 4 tons will do. As most sedans weigh around 2 to 3 tons, getting a 4-ton jack is a good decision.
- Your car’s make and model
If you’re a sedan owner, floor jacks would be your best bet, especially if your car has a lowered suspension. For trucks, bottle jacks work excellently, and for off-roaders, the high-lift jack is their perfect match.
What if you own multiple vehicles? Of course, you’ll also have to invest in different jacks.
Got a Car You No Longer Drive?
Instead of leaving an unwanted car to rot in your garage or backyard, you can turn it into a powerful tool for uplifting the lives of the struggling veterans in your area. You can do that when you turn over that vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of former U.S. service members who have become impoverished and homeless, those who can’t find decent jobs, and those suffering from service-connected disabilities as well as serious illnesses, including mental health conditions.
Our charity partners use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with financial aid, housing assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, educational scholarships, and many other benefits.
Donating to us is not only stress-free but extremely rewarding as well. Your charitable contribution will entitle you to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.
You will also receive free professional towing service from us. Don’t worry if you’re not located in a major city — we can collect your donation wherever you are since our vehicle donation program covers the entire country.
Aside from the material rewards, nothing will beat the uplifting sense of fulfillment you’ll experience, knowing that your donation will help transform the lives of the suffering veterans and their families in your community.
We accept almost all vehicle types regardless of their age or condition. Whether you’re donating a car that still looks new or one that’s already rusty, we’ll be happy to accept it.
Our donation process is easy, quick, and convenient. All you have to do is contact us by phone or online. You’ll be done in just a few minutes and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
For more information regarding our organization and our quick and easy vehicle donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any concerns or inquiries, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or message us here.
Show Your Gratitude to Our Heroes Today!
Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License
Use your unwanted vehicle to help transform the lives of our nation’s courageous men and women. Show our nation’s heroes that you care for them with your car donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out this secure donation form now!
Last Updated: October 11th, 2023