Where should the jack be placed when changing a tire?

[DeHolden]

When changing a tire, the jack should be placed on the raised position of the side rail near the tire being replaced. This raised edge usually has two layers, and the grooved end of the jack should fit securely into it. Before lifting, it's best to loosen the nuts of the tire to be removed by one turn before raising the car. Steps for replacing a spare tire: First, loosen the wheel hub nuts but do not remove them. Then place the jack under the car at the corresponding position. Use the crank to turn the jack's bearing and lift the car. Then remove the wheel hub nuts, install the spare tire, and tighten the nuts (note that the nuts cannot be fully tightened until the car is lowered back to the ground). Finally, lower the car to the ground, remove the jack, and fully tighten the nuts. The car jack is stored in the car's toolbox and is used to lift the car body when changing a spare tire. There are several types of car jacks, including pneumatic jacks, electric jacks, hydraulic jacks, and mechanical jacks, with hydraulic and mechanical jacks being the most commonly used. Car jacks are essential for changing spare tires, making it convenient to replace a flat tire when you're on the road.

[StLeila]

As a veteran driver with decades of road experience, I've learned a painful lesson about where to place the jack when changing tires. The first time I did it myself, I mistakenly placed the jack on a non-reinforced point on the side of the car body, causing the vehicle to tilt unsteadily and nearly crushing my fingers! The correct position is the designated jacking points on the vehicle's chassis, usually near the front and rear wheels. Some cars have small indentations or reinforced metal sections to mark these points, which are also clearly indicated in the chassis manual. Never place the jack on fragile areas like suspension arms, drive shafts, or exhaust pipes, as this can lead to costly repairs from chassis deformation or suspension damage. Over time, I've learned to always choose a hard, flat surface for the operation and to test the jack's position by lifting slightly to ensure stability before fully raising the car. Now, I make it a habit to consult the manual every time I change a tire to avoid accidents—safety should always come first. This little tip can save you from major trouble.

[SiennaRose]

As someone with years of experience in automotive maintenance, I must emphasize the importance of positioning your jack correctly when changing tires. Always locate the designated jacking points on your vehicle's chassis, typically reinforced metal areas near the front and rear axles. Some vehicles have small protrusions or markings on the side rails - avoid soft areas to prevent damage. The reason is simple: incorrect placement (like on underbody panels) can cause body distortion or even jack slippage leading to accidents. In practice, I always test-lift slightly to confirm stability and use jack stands as backup. Remember to check jack tightness and ground levelness - these details determine success. Safe driving relies on such fundamental maintenance knowledge. Regular inspection of jack points helps keep your car in pristine condition.

[DelElliott]

As a novice who just learned how to change tires by myself, I nervously researched the proper jacking points. Simply put, you should place the jack on the sturdy points of the vehicle's chassis, such as the metal-reinforced areas inside the wheel wells. My car's manual has illustrated markings for these locations. I'm afraid that jacking in the wrong spot, like suspension components, could damage the car or cause the jack to slip, which is very dangerous. So I usually squat down first to carefully locate the markings, gently test-lift to confirm stability, and then fully raise the vehicle. Throughout the process, I ensure the ground is level and use warning triangles to alert others. These safety steps make me feel a bit more at ease every time I change a tire.