What type of hydraulic oil should be used for a jack?
2 Answers
Jacks can use No. 32 or No. 46 anti-wear hydraulic oil. Below are some relevant tips for using a jack: 1. Place on a flat surface: When positioning the jack, ensure it is placed on a flat and even ground, avoiding uneven or bumpy surfaces. Otherwise, it may bounce off during use, causing the vehicle to drop, which not only damages the car but also poses safety risks. 2. Support points: The jack should be placed directly under the vehicle's chassis support points, precisely aligned. Always engage the vehicle's handbrake during operation. 3. Repeated checks: While raising the jack, repeatedly check for any misalignment and confirm its stability before continuing to elevate the vehicle.
I've encountered this issue before and did some research. For regular household jacks, ISO VG32 anti-wear hydraulic oil works quite well. You can find this oil at auto repair shops or hardware stores. Remember not to use brake fluid or engine oil as substitutes - their viscosity is all wrong. When selecting hydraulic oil, consider the operating temperature: use VG32 at normal temperatures, and switch to thinner VG15 when temperatures drop below freezing. Last time I changed the oil, I made sure to clean the filler port thoroughly to prevent contaminants from getting in. Check the oil level every six months - if it appears black or has bubbles, it's time for a change. When not in use, it's best to store the jack in a toolbox and make sure the oil reservoir cap is tightly secured. Oh, and if you smell burning, it means the oil temperature is too high and you should stop immediately for inspection.
