Where should the jack be placed when changing a car tire?
3 Answers
On both sides of the vehicle chassis near the wheels, there are designated support points for the jack to make contact. Function of tires: Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface. Together with the car suspension, they help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving performance. They also provide excellent traction between the wheels and the road, improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities. Additionally, they bear the weight of the car, and the critical role tires play in vehicle performance is increasingly being recognized. Classification of tires: Based on structure, tires can be categorized into radial tires and bias-ply tires. Based on tread patterns, they can be divided into ribbed tires, transverse pattern tires, mixed pattern tires, and off-road pattern tires.
I did some research on jack placement when changing tires before. There are usually four dedicated support points under the car, typically located near the front and rear wheels on the chassis. If you can't find them, checking the user manual is always a safe bet. I remember when I was preparing to change the left front tire, I squatted down near the door and felt the grooved metal protrusion on the chassis - that's exactly where the jack should be placed. Never jack up on plastic shields or the exhaust pipe. A friend of mine once jacked at the wrong spot and ended up with a deformed lower control arm, costing nearly a thousand yuan in repairs. After changing the tire, give the car body a good shake to ensure stability - safety always comes first.
The car chassis has specially designed jacking points, usually clearly marked. If you drive a Japanese car, you'll typically find square metal blocks near the chassis rails. Many American cars have rubber pads with grooves, while German cars often feature arrow markings on the chassis. Last week when helping my neighbor change a tire, I noticed the triangular marking on his Audi's chassis directly indicating the jacking point. The key is to locate these professional support points correctly, otherwise the chassis may get dented. It's best to change tires on level ground—remember to chock the other wheels and ensure the jack's locking mechanism is securely engaged. Once, I didn't secure it properly and the car nearly slipped off—still gives me chills thinking about it.
