How to properly use a car jack?

Question

ok...I actually know how to do everything when changing a tire except the exact place where you put the jack under your car. If someone were to put it there for me, I could change the tire, but if I were alone, I obviously don't have someone there to put it in it's proper place. I have heard some cars have a lip under the car near the wheel - is that true? if so, where exactly is this lip?Also, if there is no lip, where exactly do you place the jack so you raise the car properly? All answers appreciated!

Answer 1

Your owner's manual will tell you exactly where to put it

Answer 2

place jack under car frame nearest to tire ur changing.. (thin lip runnin alongside car) Your owner's manual will have a picture of the safest place to put the jack. Bumper jacks will attach to slots in the front or rear bumper (on older cars).

Answer 3

The correct place to jack up your car is at either end of the pinch welds (the lip) located at the underside of the rocker panel. If you are jacking up the front, then look directly under the fender by the front door. You will see an area where the metal is reinforced and usually has a small slot, which is where the manufacturer wants you to put the jack. If you are jacking the rear, then look directly in front of the rear wheel, under the rear door, or quarter panel if it's a two door. You will see the same thing as the front. Do not jack anywhere else on the pinch weld, as the rest of it is not as reinforced and can not support the weight.

Answer 4

It is best to find a piece of solid frame or a fixed part of the suspension.  It seems like every time I put the jack on the "lip" it gives, so I avoid it.

btw, it is well worth the 25 dollars to buy a floor jack and put it in your trunk.  They are faster, safer, and easier to use.

Answer 5

Most car have a lip called pinch weld:

http://www.customtacos.com/tech/files/pi...

There's a pinch weld just behind the front wheel AND just ahead of the back wheels.  That's where you put the jack (90 degree to the body).

But that all depends on your car. You really have to see your owners manual for the specifics.

Good Luck

Answer 6

If you really can't find the jacking point from the description in the car manual (it's in a different place on every car), use the bearing housing for the suspension arm at the rear or the or a wishbone joint at the front.

If the car is old enough to use leaf spring suspension, jack under the point where the leaf spring joins the axle.