Yes, you can safely put a car on 4 jack stands, but doing it correctly is critical for your safety. The process involves using a primary jack to lift one corner at a time, then immediately placing a sturdy jack stand under a secure lift point before moving to the next corner. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
The most important step happens before you even lift the car: parking on a solid, level surface like concrete, engaging the parking brake, and chocking the wheels opposite the end you're lifting. You'll need a hydraulic floor jack and four jack stands rated for your vehicle's weight. Always consult your owner's manual to identify the manufacturer's recommended lift points, which are typically reinforced sections of the frame or dedicated pinch welds along the side sills.
The safest lifting sequence is a diagonal pattern. For instance, lift the front passenger side, place a stand, then lift the rear driver's side, place a stand, and repeat for the remaining two corners. Before getting underneath, give the car a solid shake to test the stability of the stands. Using four stands provides stable access for tasks like oil changes, brake work, or exhaust repairs.
Here is a reference table for common vehicle types and appropriate jack stand ratings:
| Vehicle Type | Approximate Weight Range (lbs) | Minimum Recommended Jack Stand Rating (per pair) | Common Jack Stand Sizes (Ton Capacity) |
|---|
| Subcompact / Compact Car | 2,500 - 3,200 | 3 Tons | 3 Ton |
| Midsize Sedan / Small SUV | 3,300 - 4,500 | 3 Tons | 3 Ton |
| Full-Size Truck / Large SUV | 5,000 - 7,000 | 6 Tons | 6 Ton |
| Heavy-Duty 1-Ton Truck | 7,000+ | 12 Tons | 12 Ton |
