What oil can be used as a substitute for a lack of oil in a jack?
4 Answers
A jack can use No. 32 or No. 46 anti-wear hydraulic oil. The following are related introductions about the jack: 1. Place on flat ground: When placing the jack, it should be placed on flat ground, not on uneven road surfaces. Otherwise, it may bounce open during use, causing the car to fall, which not only wears the car but also poses certain safety hazards. 2. Support points: The jack should be placed on the reserved support points of the car chassis and placed directly below the support points. During use, the car's handbrake should be engaged. 3. Repeated checks: When raising the jack, repeatedly check for any deviation and confirm multiple times before continuing to raise the jack.
Last time I repaired my car, the jack oil was insufficient, and I couldn't find the special oil at the moment, so I casually added some regular engine oil. At first, the lifting and lowering worked normally, but after a few days, I noticed leakage from the sealing ring, and the jack's movement became sluggish. This is because hydraulic jacks require hydraulic oil of a specific viscosity to lubricate the internal pistons and maintain the seals. Ordinary engine oil doesn't match the required viscosity, and prolonged use can lead to seal damage or internal corrosion. For temporary emergencies, you can use clean, lightweight engine oil as a substitute, but it carries significant risks. It's best to go to an auto parts store and buy a bottle of proper jack hydraulic oil, which only costs a few dozen yuan. During regular maintenance, remember to check the oil level monthly and use the specialized oil to extend the tool's lifespan and avoid issues during emergencies—safety comes first. Never use cooking oil or similar substitutes, as they can deteriorate and clog the system, leading to more harm than good.
As a DIY enthusiast, I often tinker with tools. When my jack runs low on oil, I've tried various substitutes. For example, adding automatic transmission fluid or WD-40 lubricant can serve as temporary fixes, but they're not long-term solutions. WD-40 is too thin, while hydraulic oil is too thick and can damage the seals, leading to unstable lifting or oil leaks. Eventually, I discovered that dedicated hydraulic oil is the best choice—it prevents foaming and corrosion, ensuring system efficiency. Using mineral oil as an emergency measure is acceptable, but it must be replaced quickly. Otherwise, the jack can easily seize up, leading to higher repair costs. In daily use, I regularly clean the jack's oil nozzle to prevent dust buildup and maintain adequate oil levels. These DIY habits save a lot of trouble. Well-maintained tools make car repairs smoother and more enjoyable.
Don't randomly add substitutes when the jack is low on oil—safety is crucial. Hydraulic oil is designed to withstand high pressure and maintain seals. Using regular engine oil or gear oil as substitutes may cause leaks, leading to accidents like heavy object drops. Prioritize replacing it with professional hydraulic oil. In emergencies, clean engine oil can be used as a temporary top-up solution, but this is only a short-term fix—replace it with the correct oil as soon as possible. Always check the oil level and appearance before operation; if the oil appears black or contains impurities, address it immediately. Remember, tools can be repaired, but personal safety is priceless. Regular maintenance can prevent most issues.
