What oil can be used as a substitute for a jack?
3 Answers
A jack can temporarily use hydraulic oil as a substitute, but it should be replaced promptly. Flat base: When using a hydraulic jack, place a flat, sturdy, and oil-free wooden board underneath to expand the pressure-bearing surface and ensure safety. Do not use an iron plate instead of a wooden board to prevent slipping. Smooth start: Lift smoothly. After slightly raising the load, check for any abnormalities. If there are no issues, continue lifting. Do not arbitrarily lengthen the handle or operate too forcefully. Avoid overloading or exceeding height limits. When the piston rod shows a red line, it indicates that the rated height has been reached, and lifting should stop.
I just researched this, hydraulic jacks must use dedicated hydraulic oil! Regular engine oil is too thin and prone to leakage, while gear oil is too thick and affects lifting speed. A friend tried using brake fluid which corroded the seals, rendering the jack useless. I recommend purchasing anti-wear hydraulic oil—check the manual for the required specification. In emergencies, ATF transmission fluid can temporarily substitute, but it should be drained and replaced as soon as possible. Remember to thoroughly clean the cylinder before refilling; mixing oils can clog the valves. Last time I serviced my scissor jack, I found metal shavings in the oil. After draining, I refilled with ISO VG32 hydraulic oil, and now the lifting action is much smoother.
An experienced mechanic at the auto repair shop said that a jack is like a human joint—it requires the right lubricant. Don't randomly add engine oil or grease; hydraulic systems need low-viscosity, anti-emulsification specialized oil. Commonly used options are L-HM32 or AW46 anti-wear hydraulic oil, suitable for both winter and summer. The hydraulic oil should cover two-thirds of the piston rod—too little and there's insufficient pressure, too much and it may spray out. Once, a neighbor used peanut oil as a substitute, and the piston seized up and rusted directly. The oil change interval depends on usage frequency—once a year for household cars, but every quarter for repair shops. If there's an oil leak, check the sealing ring first; a worn-out oil seal is more critical than low oil levels.
