How to Safely Use Jack Stands for Vehicle Maintenance

Jack stands are essential tools for safely working underneath your vehicle. How to Safely Use Jack Stands for Vehicle Maintenance. While a car jack can lift your car temporarily, jack stands provide the stability needed for tasks like changing oil, inspecting brakes, or repairing the undercarriage. This guide will walk you through lifting your vehicle, placing jack stands securely, and removing them safely.

A jack is a mechanical lifting device used to apply great forces or lift heavy loads. A mechanical jack employs a screw thread for lifting heavy equipment. A hydraulic jack uses hydraulic power. The most common form is a car jack, floor jack or garage jack, which lifts vehicles so that maintenance can be performed. Jacks are usually rated for a maximum lifting capacity (for example, 1.5 tons or 3 tons). Industrial jacks can be rated for many tons of load.

National and international standards have been developed to standardize the safety and performance requirements for jacks and other lifting devices. Selection of the standard is an agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, and has some significance in the design of the jack. In the United States, ASME has developed the Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment, last revised in 2014, including requirements for hydraulic hand jacks, transmission jacks, emergency tire changing jacks, service jacks, fork lift jacks, and other lifting devices.

Why Use Jack Stands?

Jack stands are designed to support your vehicle’s weight, offering a safer and more stable alternative to relying on a car jack alone. They reduce the risk of your car slipping or collapsing, ensuring your safety during repairs.

Part 1: Lifting Your Vehicle

Step 1: Park on a Flat, Stable Surface

• Choose a clean, level area such as a driveway or garage.
• Avoid uneven, gravel-covered, or sloped surfaces that could cause instability.

Step 2: Activate the Parking Brake

• Engage the parking brake to prevent your car from rolling during the process.
• Place wheel chocks or tire wedges around the wheels that remain on the ground for extra security.

Step 3: Locate the Lift Points

• Refer to your vehicle’s manual to identify the recommended lift points, typically on the frame or pinch points near the wheels.
• Avoid jacking on areas like the engine or floor panels, as this can cause damage.

Step 4: Position the Floor Jack

• Place the floor jack under the lift point and crank the handle to raise the car.
• Lift the vehicle until the tires are 2–3 inches off the ground, providing enough clearance to place the jack stands.

Part 2: Placing the Jack Stands

Step 1: Position the Jack Stands Underneath

• Slide the jack stands under the pinch points or vehicle frame.
• Ensure the stands are placed symmetrically to keep the car balanced.

Step 2: Adjust the Height of the Jack Stands

• Raise the top of the jack stand until it touches the pinch point or frame.
• Insert the safety pin to lock the stand in place, ensuring it won’t collapse under the vehicle’s weight.

Step 3: Lower the Vehicle Onto the Stands

• Slowly release the floor jack by turning its handle counterclockwise.
• Lower the car until its weight rests securely on the jack stands.

Step 4: Test Stability

• Gently push the vehicle to ensure it’s stable and doesn’t wobble.
• If the car shifts, reposition the stands until it remains firmly in place.

Part 3: Removing the Jack Stands

Step 1: Raise the Vehicle Slightly

• After completing your work, use the floor jack to lift the car about 1 inch above the jack stand.

Step 2: Remove the Jack Stands

• Slide the stands out from under the vehicle. Avoid crawling directly underneath the car during this process.

Step 3: Lower the Vehicle

• Slowly turn the jack handle counterclockwise to bring the car back to the ground.
• Ensure the car is fully on the ground before removing the floor jack.

Step 4: Repeat for All Stands

• For vehicles lifted completely off the ground, remove the stands in pairs, starting with the front or back, depending on your setup.

Safety Tips for Using Jack Stands

• Always Use Jack Stands: Never rely solely on a floor jack to support your vehicle.
• Check Weight Capacity: Ensure the jack stands can handle your vehicle’s weight.
• Use a Flat Surface: Uneven surfaces increase the risk of accidents.
• Inspect Jack Stands: Check for wear, cracks, or damage before use.
• Avoid Quick Movements: Lower and raise the car slowly to maintain stability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing Stands on Weak Points: Only use recommended lift points to prevent damage.
• Skipping the Safety Pin: Always secure adjustable jack stands with the safety pin.
• Using a Scissor Jack: These are less stable and should only be used in emergencies like changing a tire.

Conclusion

Learning how to use jack stands correctly is a vital skill for any car owner or DIY mechanic. By following these steps and safety precautions, you can confidently and securely lift your vehicle for repairs, ensuring both your safety and the longevity of your car.