If you happen to’re a automotive fanatic or a DIY mechanic, you understand that jack stands are a necessary software for safely lifting your car off the bottom. However if you happen to’re not conversant in tips on how to use them correctly, you possibly can be placing your self and your automotive in danger. This is a step-by-step information on tips on how to use jack stands safely and successfully.
First, you should discover a appropriate location to position your jack stands. The bottom must be stage and agency, and you need to have sufficient area to work comfortably. As soon as you’ve got discovered an appropriate location, place the jack stands below the designated raise factors in your car. Guarantee that the jack stands are steady and that they’re supporting the load of the car. Lastly, decrease the car onto the jack stands and take away the jack.
When utilizing jack stands, there are some vital security precautions to bear in mind. At all times have interaction the parking brake earlier than lifting your car, and by no means crawl below a car that’s supported solely by jack stands. If you should work below the car, use a creeper or a set of ramps to offer further help. Lastly, by no means work on a car that’s supported solely by one jack stand. At all times use not less than two jack stands, and make it possible for they’re correctly positioned and steady.
Securing the Car
1. Interact the Parking Brake
Set the parking brake to stop the car from rolling whereas jacking it up.
2. Chock the Wheels
Place wheel chocks behind the wheels on the aspect reverse the jack factors. This prevents the car from transferring if the jack slips.
3. Collect Essential Instruments
You have to a jack, jack stands, security glasses, and gloves.
4. Place the Jack
Find the designated jack factors on the car’s body. Rigorously place the jack below one of many jack factors.
5. Jack the Car
Slowly pump the jack to boost the car. Keep away from elevating it too excessive initially.
6. Place Jack Stands
As soon as the car is raised barely, place jack stands subsequent to the jack. Place them on the corresponding jack factors on the alternative aspect of the car.
7. Decrease the Car
Rigorously decrease the jack till the jack stands are supporting many of the car’s weight. Take away the jack utterly.
8. Cross-Tighten the Jack Stands
Use a wrench to tighten the jack stands on either side of the car till they’re cosy. Cross-tightening prevents them from slipping or loosening over time.
Suggestions for Cross-Tightening Jack Stands:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tighten one jack stand barely, then transfer to the alternative aspect. |
| 2 | Tighten the alternative jack stand barely, then return to the primary one. |
| 3 | Repeat steps 1 and a couple of till each jack stands are securely tightened. |
The right way to Use Jack Stands Safely and Successfully
Jack stands are important instruments for lifting and supporting your car whereas performing repairs or upkeep. Utilizing them correctly ensures a protected and steady work atmosphere. This is a step-by-step information:
- Park on a Stage Floor: Guarantee your car is parked on a flat, agency, and steady floor.
- Interact the Parking Brake: Set the parking brake to stop the car from rolling.
- Chock the Reverse Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels diagonally reverse to the jack stands to stop the car from rolling.
- Find the Designated Jack Factors: Discuss with your car’s proprietor’s guide to establish the designated jack factors, that are sometimes strengthened areas designed for lifting.
- Place the Jack: Place the jack on the designated jack level and pump it to boost the car till it’s barely off the bottom.
- Safe the Jack Stand: Place the jack stand below the body of the car, adjoining to the jack level. Increase the jack stand till it firmly helps the car’s weight.
- Decrease the Jack: Slowly decrease the jack to switch the car’s weight to the jack stand.
- Repeat on Different Aspect: If needed, raise and help the car on the opposite aspect utilizing the identical procedures.
- Take a look at Stability: After putting in all jack stands, gently shake the car to examine for stability. If it strikes, tighten the jack stands or modify their positions.
- Decrease the Car: As soon as completed, slowly decrease the jack to alleviate the load from the jack stands. Take away the jack stands and chocks.
Individuals Additionally Ask About The right way to Use Jack Stands
How excessive ought to I raise my automotive with jack stands?
The best top will depend on the duty you’re performing. For normal upkeep, raise the car excessive sufficient to offer comfy working area, however not so excessive that it turns into unstable.
Can I go away my automotive on jack stands in a single day?
It’s not advisable to go away your automotive on jack stands for prolonged durations. The burden of the car can put pressure on the jack stands, doubtlessly resulting in failure. If you should go away the car elevated, use jack stands designed for long-term use.
What are the protection precautions for utilizing jack stands?
At all times comply with these security precautions for correct jack stand utilization:
- Use high-quality, trusted jack stands with a weight capability exceeding your car’s weight.
- Double-check that jack stands are correctly seated and safe earlier than putting any weight on them.
- Use not less than three jack stands to help your car.
- By no means work below a car that’s supported solely by a jack.
- Preserve youngsters and pets away from the world when utilizing jack stands.
