Where to Position a Car Jack When in Use?
4 Answers
When using a car jack, position it directly beneath the chassis support point. Below are specific details about automotive jacks: 1. Application Scope: The application of jacks extends beyond automobiles; many industrial equipment also require this compact lifting device. A common working scenario for car jacks is tire replacement. In cases of tire leaks or blowouts on highways or remote roads where immediate rescue is unavailable, a jack can be used for self-replacement. 2. Usage Precautions: Typically, the jack should be placed on the raised section of the side rail closest to the tire being replaced, ensuring the grooved end of the jack securely interlocks with it. Before lifting, it's advisable to loosen the nuts of the tire to be removed by one turn before raising the vehicle.
Last time I helped my neighbor change a tire and learned a key point: The raised metal edge below the door is the correct jacking point—never jack up the fuel tank or plastic underbody panels! Make sure the jack’s saddle aligns with the frame rail position, and you hear a 'click' to confirm it’s securely seated. Operating on a slope is especially dangerous; I once nearly had a rollaway while changing a tire on my neighborhood incline—now I always carry wheel chocks. A veteran driver’s reminder: Always engage the parking brake before lifting, and wedge rocks against the tires fore and aft for extra safety. After all, a falling car body is no joke!
My experience from frequent long-distance driving is: lift the car door to see the two longitudinal ribs on the chassis, and place the jack on this reinforced rib position. Some Japanese cars have arrow markings on the underside, while German cars often have notches at the beam ends. Jacking at the wrong position can deform the steel beam. Last week, I saw someone jacking at the fuel tank bracket and cracking the fuel line. The safest approach is to locate the manufacturer's marked points and use rubber pads to protect the car paint. Remember to work on firm ground; I once had to place a wooden board on muddy terrain before daring to jack the car.
Here's a tip for you: Look for the thickest metal beam on the chassis when crouching down. There are pre-designated jacking points about 20cm away from the tires. I once tried jacking up the suspension arm and ended up ruining the shock absorber, costing me 800 yuan in repairs. Now I always use the square protrusions under the doors – the larger the area, the more stable it is. Remember not to crawl under the car when lifting; use a spare tire as a safety cushion underneath.
