Where Should the Jack Be Placed When Changing a Spare Tire?

[DiAriel]

When changing a spare tire, the jack should be aligned with the vehicle's chassis jack support points. Near the wheel positions on both sides of the vehicle chassis edges, there are support points designed for the jack to contact. The lifting part of the jack must be supported on these chassis support points; otherwise, it will be difficult to secure the vehicle, may damage the jack, and even harm the chassis. Here are precautions for using a jack: 1. Inspection: Before use, check all parts for integrity and ensure the hydraulic fluid is clean. 2. Placement on a Flat Surface: The jack should be placed on a flat, solid surface, leveled with wooden blocks, and perpendicular to the load surface. A non-slip pad should be added between the jack's top and the contact surface of the heavy object. 3. No Overloading: Overloading the jack is strictly prohibited. Do not extend the handle or exceed the specified number of operators. 4. No One in Front of the Safety Pin: During use, no one should stand in front of the safety pin. 5. Prohibited Use Conditions: If the safety pin of a hydraulic jack is damaged, or if the wear on the threads or rack of a screw or rack-and-pinion jack reaches 20%, its use is strictly prohibited.

[OAubree]

When changing a spare tire, the jack must be positioned correctly. I remind everyone to locate the designated lifting points under the car, usually marked by raised squares or indicators near the tires on both sides of the chassis. Never place the jack on plastic parts or oil lines. Beginners often make the mistake of jacking up random parts of the frame, which can dangerously deform the car body. Always park on a flat surface, engage the handbrake, shift into Park (P), and place wheel chocks before starting. Align the jack with the lifting point and raise it slowly until the tire is just off the ground. After changing the tire, check that the spare is properly inflated. Finally, lower the jack gently to let the car settle securely on the ground, ensuring safety before driving off.

[DelJosephine]

When replacing a spare tire, I know the jack shouldn't be placed randomly. It must support the designated lifting points on the vehicle body, usually identifiable as raised hard spots along the inner side of the tire. I remember a friend once jacked at the wrong spot and crushed the chassis wiring harness, costing a fortune to repair. So now I always teach others: choose a flat gravel road or hard soil surface, never operate on a slope. Keep hands away from under the vehicle while jacking, and raise slowly until the tire just clears the ground by half an inch. Before retracting the jack, give the tire a gentle kick to check stability. These details help minimize accidents.

[SanSienna]

Where is the correct spot to place a jack? There are designated lifting points under the car. For older cars like mine, look for metal protrusions near the chassis edges around the wheels and position the jack securely—avoid thin panels or areas near the fuel tank. Ensure the ground is stable before lifting, loosen the lug nuts slightly before raising the car to speed up tire changes. Always check if the jack’s maximum load capacity matches your car’s weight to prevent collapse. Work efficiently to avoid jack failure during the process.