Where to Place the Jack When Changing a Car Tire?
4 Answers
When changing a car tire, the jack should be placed on the raised position of the side rail near the tire being replaced. Below are the steps for removing a tire with a jack: 1. For this raised position, it is usually two layers. Engage the grooved end of the jack with it. Before lifting, it is best to loosen the nuts of the tire to be removed by one turn before raising the jack; 2. Replace the spare tire: Loosen the hub nuts but do not remove them. Place the jack under the car at the corresponding position and use the lever to turn the jack bearing to raise the car; 3. Remove the hub nuts, install the spare tire, tighten the nuts, then lower the car to the ground, remove the jack, and fully tighten the nuts.
The placement of the jack when changing car tires is extremely important. I've been repairing cars in my garage for over a decade and know that safety comes first. The jack must be positioned at the designated points on the vehicle's frame, usually along the side rails or chassis edges near the tire, where there are grooves or protrusions specifically designed for the jack. Never place it on plastic parts or oil lines, as the car could slip and cause injury. When I do it myself, I first feel with my hand to confirm it's solid, then steadily raise the jack. Remember to work on level, firm ground—it's best to place a rock or block of wood under the opposite wheel to prevent sliding. After changing the tire, lower the jack slowly and carefully. This isn't something to take lightly; accidents can be very dangerous, so I always triple-check everything before proceeding to ensure safety.
As an average driver, when I change tires, I always place the jack at the designated point under the car. Usually, there's a recessed area near the wheel that you can feel by hand if you look carefully underneath. If you can't find it, the car manual has diagrams showing exactly where to place it—just follow the pictures. A common mistake I make is misplacing the jack; once, the car almost slipped, which scared me to death. Now, I always use my phone's flashlight to double-check the position before lifting. Make sure the ground is level—never do this on a slope. After changing the tire, don’t forget to secure the spare tire before lowering the jack. Honestly, carrying a good-quality spare tire and jack combo in your daily driving can save you a lot of trouble.
As a new driver, I didn't know where to place the jack during my first tire change, so I called my dad for advice. He told me to look for a designated point under the car, usually near the frame, and avoid placing it elsewhere. I checked underneath the car myself and found marked spots, like small metal blocks or protrusions. He emphasized being careful: loosen the wheel bolts first, then slowly raise the car with the jack. After changing the tire, lower the car and check that the spare is securely fastened. New drivers often get nervous, so it's best to have a friend assist or practice in a safe area. Always remember where the jack is in the trunk after parking to avoid panic in emergencies.
