How High Can a Car Jack Lift?
2 Answers
Car jacks can lift over 70 centimeters, but such jacks are typically configured for off-road enthusiasts or professional racing. Below is relevant information about car jacks: 1. Load Capacity: The lifting capacity of jacks varies. Generally, it depends on the vehicle's weight to determine the appropriate jack capacity. Most passenger cars weigh between 1 to 2 tons, while trucks usually require 10-ton car jacks. 2. Precautions: When using a jack, ensure it is positioned on the vehicle's dedicated support points on the chassis. For household cars, these support points are usually located on the inner side of the side skirts, resembling two fins along the chassis, approximately 20 cm behind the front wheels and 20 cm in front of the rear wheels. These fins protrude from the chassis steel plate and can withstand significant pressure.
I often do my own car repairs and have used a jack to change tires many times. From experience, the height a jack can lift mainly depends on its type. Household scissor jacks typically lift 10 to 15 cm high, which is enough to remove the wheel—convenient and quick. Hydraulic jacks might lift over 20 cm, but they pose greater risks as the car can easily become unstable and tip over, so never aim too high. For safety, I always gently shake the car by hand after lifting to test stability and ensure I'm working on level ground. By the way, the maximum height of a jack is marked in the manual. I recommend choosing a reliable brand when buying to avoid issues with poor-quality products.
