Where to Place the Jack When Changing a Front Tire?
3 Answers
When changing a front tire, the jack should be placed under the chassis. Below are specific introductions to vehicle jacks:1. Rack Jack: The rack jack is the most common type in household vehicles, operated manually through levers and gears to drive the rack for lifting heavy objects. This type of jack comes in two forms: A-frame and diamond-shaped.2. Screw Jack: Relies on the self-locking function of the screw to support heavy objects.3. Hydraulic Jack: Uses hydraulic pressure to lift, saving time and effort. The principle involves manually pressing oil from the oil reservoir into the cylinder through a one-way valve to lift the heavy object.4. Inflatable Jack: Utilizes the vehicle's exhaust to inflate an airbag. This type of jack has a maximum support weight of about 4 tons, suitable for challenging rescue conditions or off-road vehicle self-rescue and recovery.
I've been driving for over a decade and have changed countless front wheels myself. Where should the jack be placed? The key is to look at the reinforced points near the front suspension arms on the underside of the body. Never jack on plastic parts—they can easily deform or even cause accidents. When I was young and didn't know better, I jacked under the door panel and ended up with a dent in the body, which cost a fortune to repair. The standard points are those small protrusions or marks indicated in the manual. For example, Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles have dedicated slots inside the wheel arches. Always park on level ground, engage the handbrake, and after lifting with the jack, place a block or spare tire under the car as a safety measure. With practice, I can now do it in minutes without damaging the car. Don't be lazy with such tasks—safety comes first above all else.
As a new car owner, I was initially terrified of getting the front tire replacement wrong. The jack must be positioned at the designated area under the front of the car, such as the suspension beam, to ensure stability. Don't follow online advice to recklessly place it near the oil pipe—one slip and the car could topple, which is deadly. I once jacked at the wrong spot myself, and the spinning wheel nearly caused an accident. Later, I learned to check the manual for reinforced points—usually a metal block on the inner side of the wheel. Safety tip: Wear gloves and shoe pads for protection before starting. After lifting with the jack, don't rush to remove it—change the tire first, then lower it slowly. This method is quick and reassuring, making it easy even for women to handle.
