The safest and most common place to jack up the front of a car is from the front crossmember or a designated front jack point, often a reinforced section of the frame behind the front bumper. For most unibody vehicles, the pinch welds along the sides of the car with dedicated notches are the manufacturer-recommended spots. Never jack up a car using suspension components, the oil pan, or any fragile sheet metal, as this can cause serious damage. Safety is paramount: always use jack stands to support the vehicle after lifting and never rely solely on the jack.
Before you start, consult your owner's manual for the exact location of the front jack points, as they vary by model. Using the correct point prevents damage to the underside of your car. For a two-post lift or a floor jack, the central front crossmember is typically the target. This is a sturdy, reinforced part of the chassis designed to handle the weight.
If you're using a scissor or floor jack from the side, locate the reinforced pinch weld seams just behind the front wheels. These often have small notches or markings. Place your jack in the designated area along this seam. Using a piece of wood or a specialized jack pad can help distribute the load and protect the seam from bending.
The table below compares common front jacking locations and their suitability for different vehicles.
| Jacking Location | Best For Vehicle Type | Key Consideration | Risk of Damage |
|---|
| Front Crossmember | Body-on-frame trucks, SUVs; many unibody cars | Must be a solid, flat metal section; avoid plastic covers | Low if on solid metal |
| Pinch Weld (Front Notch) | Most modern unibody cars (Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc.) | Use a jack pad or wood block to prevent seam damage | High if jack is misplaced |
| Front Subframe | Many front-wheel-drive unibody cars | Can be difficult to access with some jack types | Moderate |
| Differential (Front) | 4WD/AWD vehicles with a solid front axle | Only for solid axles; never for independent front suspension | Low |
| Engine Cradle | Some GM, Chrysler models | Check manual; often the same as the subframe | Moderate to High |
Always chock the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling. Once the car is lifted, immediately place jack stands under secure, reinforced points like the frame rails or designated stand locations before getting underneath.
