How to Use the Car Jack?
2 Answers
Here are the specific steps to use the car jack: 1. Take out the car jack from the vehicle. 2. Locate the jacking point under the side door panel of the car. 3. Place the jack at the jacking point, ensuring there are no debris underneath the jack. 4. Lift the jack straight without tilting it. 5. Use the handle to raise the jack; turning clockwise lifts the car, while turning counterclockwise lowers the jack. 6. When jacking under the chassis, you can lift the steel plate or frame, but be careful not to damage the fuel lines or wiring. Also, avoid lifting the car too high. 7. Improper jacking can damage the car's frame or even cause the car to fall. Do not keep the car jacked for too long; repair the issue quickly and lower the jack. If the car must remain jacked for an extended period, place the spare tire underneath to prevent the car from dropping.
As a seasoned driver, I fully understand that the key to using a car jack is safety and correct positioning. First, you must find a flat and solid ground to park, engage the handbrake, shift into P gear, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires to prevent the car from sliding. Then, open the trunk to locate the jack toolkit, which includes the handle and the main body. Identify the marked jacking points on the vehicle's chassis and position the jack steadily. Next, turn the handle slowly to raise the car—keep the movements steady, not fast—and stop when the tire is about one or two inches off the ground, avoiding lifting too high. At this point, only change the tire; never crawl under the car as it's extremely dangerous. After changing the tire, turn the handle in the opposite direction to gently lower the car, ensuring the wheel touches the ground before stowing the tools. It’s advisable to regularly check and lubricate the jack to prevent rust, and never use it on a slope or soft ground as it can easily tip over. The entire process takes about five minutes, but safety comes first—don’t force it if something goes wrong.
