Where is the car jack located for changing tires?
3 Answers
Car jacks for changing tires are positioned on both sides of the vehicle. There are four support points in total—behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels—each capable of supporting one of the four wheels, located approximately 10 to 20 centimeters away from the tires. Look for the noticeably protruding sections of the chassis frame rails, as these areas can withstand significant pressure. Never place the jack directly on the chassis underbody protection panels or the lower suspension arms. Tires are crucial for the vehicle's driving stability and safety, and tire pressure is extremely important—it should neither be too high nor too low. Excessive pressure reduces the tire's contact area with the road, leading to decreased grip, while insufficient pressure can cause the tire to develop wave-like deformations at high speeds, accelerating tire wear. Since tires are made of rubber, they naturally degrade over time, so regular replacement is necessary.
When changing tires, I can always quickly locate the jack position thanks to years of driving experience. In most cars, the jack is hidden next to the spare tire in the trunk—just lift the cargo area mat or cover to find it. For sedans, it's usually in a small compartment at the bottom of the spare tire well, while SUVs may store it under the rear seats or on the spare tire mount. Before use, always check the marked jacking points on the vehicle's side rails; otherwise, lifting at the wrong spot could damage the chassis. Safe operation is crucial: choose a firm, level surface, turn off the engine, engage the parking brake, and avoid slopes or soft ground. Last time, I helped a neighbor fix a flat tire effortlessly in the parking lot—safely and efficiently. Make it a habit to check your spare tire and tools quarterly to avoid being caught off guard in emergencies.
As an average car owner, I always found the jack placement quite intuitive—right next to the spare tire in the trunk. During a recent trip when I had a flat, I panicked briefly, but upon lifting the trunk carpet, it was neatly tucked inside the tool bag beside the spare. Some cars, like compact Japanese models, hide it even more cleverly in sidewall compartments. When using it, remember to align it with the designated jacking points under the car—unlike my friend who tried jacking directly on muddy ground and nearly caused a slip. Now, whether in the city or on highways, I make sure to check the manual diagram for exact placement. Also, a friendly reminder: regularly inspect the spare tire compartment for dust buildup during routine maintenance to prevent tools from rusting or jamming.
