How to Jack a Car Up on All 4: The Safety Measures You Need to Know

Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast tackling your first car project, knowing how to jack a car up on all four wheels is a fundamental skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you lift your car safely and efficiently.

Gather Your Tools: Essential Equipment for the Job

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools readily available:

• Jack: Choose a hydraulic floor jack with a lifting capacity that exceeds your car’s weight.
• Jack Stands: These are crucial for safely supporting your car while it’s elevated. Get a set of four, ensuring they are rated for your vehicle’s weight.
• Lug Wrench: This is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts.
• Chocks: Place these behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling while you’re working.
• Work Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and potential scratches.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.

Selecting the Right Jacking Points

The first step is to identify the designated jacking points on your car. These are reinforced areas designed to withstand the weight of the vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact locations.

Generally, you’ll find jacking points:

• Near the front wheels: Look for a small, raised area near the front wheel wells.
• Near the rear wheels: Similar to the front, there will be a designated area near the rear wheel wells.

Preparing Your Car for Lifting

1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure the car is parked on a solid, level surface. This is crucial for stability and safety.
2. Engage the Parking Brake: This prevents the car from rolling while you’re working.
3. Shift into Park (Automatic) or First Gear (Manual): This further secures the car in place.
4. Place Chocks: Wedge chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling backwards.

Lifting the Front Wheels

1. Locate the Front Jacking Points: Identify the designated jacking points near the front wheels.
2. Position the Jack: Place the jack directly under the jacking point, ensuring it’s firmly seated.
3. Begin Lifting: Slowly crank the jack handle to lift the front of the car.
4. Place Jack Stands: Once the front wheels are slightly off the ground, position the jack stands under the designated jacking points.
5. Lower the Car onto Stands: Slowly lower the car until the weight is fully supported by the jack stands.
6. Remove the Jack: Once the car is securely resting on the stands, remove the jack.

Lifting the Rear Wheels

1. Locate the Rear Jacking Points: Identify the designated jacking points near the rear wheels.
2. Position the Jack: Place the jack directly under the jacking point, ensuring it’s firmly seated.
3. Begin Lifting: Slowly crank the jack handle to lift the rear of the car.
4. Place Jack Stands: Once the rear wheels are slightly off the ground, position the jack stands under the designated jacking points.
5. Lower the Car onto Stands: Slowly lower the car until the weight is fully supported by the jack stands.
6. Remove the Jack: Once the car is securely resting on the stands, remove the jack.

Performing Your Work Safely

With all four wheels securely lifted and supported by jack stands, you can now perform your work. Remember:

• Never Work Under a Car Supported Only by a Jack: Always use jack stands for safety.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Make sure you have adequate space and a clear path for movement.
• Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoid straining yourself. Use a lifting strap or a helper if needed.
• Inspect Your Work Before Lowering: Double-check that everything is secure before lowering the car.

Lowering the Car Safely

1. Remove Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands from under the car.
2. Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point for the wheel you want to lower.
3. Begin Lowering: Slowly crank the jack handle to lower the car.
4. Lowering in Stages: Lower the car in stages, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed before fully lowering the wheel.
5. Repeat for All Wheels: Repeat the process for each wheel, lowering the car one wheel at a time.
6. Remove the Jack: Once all wheels are back on the ground, remove the jack.

Final Touches: Ensuring a Safe and Secure Finish

1. Remove Chocks: Carefully remove the chocks from behind the rear wheels.
2. Tighten Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
3. Double-Check Stability: Ensure the car is stable and securely on the ground.
4. Release the Parking Brake: Release the parking brake and test the car’s brakes to ensure they are functioning properly.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques and Considerations

• Using a Lift: If you have access to a car lift, it offers a more stable and efficient way to work on your vehicle.
• Working on Uneven Surfaces: If you must work on an uneven surface, use leveling blocks to ensure stability.
• Using a Trolley Jack: Consider a trolley jack for larger vehicles or if you need to move the jack around frequently.
• Protecting Your Car: Place a drop cloth or protective covering under the car to prevent damage to your paint.

The Final Chapter: Ensuring a Smooth and Secure Experience

By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can confidently jack up your car on all four wheels for any maintenance or repair needs. Remember, patience and a methodical approach are key to a successful and safe experience.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: How often should I inspect my jack and jack stands?

A: It’s recommended to inspect your jack and jack stands before each use, looking for signs of damage, wear, or rust.

Q: Can I use a scissor jack to lift all four wheels?

A: Scissor jacks are typically designed for single-wheel lifting. Using them to lift all four wheels can be unsafe and may damage the jack.

Q: What if I don’t have jack stands?

A: Never work under a car supported only by a jack. If you don’t have jack stands, consider using sturdy wooden blocks or bricks as temporary supports. However, this is not ideal and should only be done as a last resort.

Q: Can I use a jack to change a tire?

A: Yes, you can use a jack to change a tire, but you’ll only need to lift the affected wheel. You can use jack stands for additional safety.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when jacking up a car?

A: Common mistakes include not using jack stands, not parking on a level surface, not engaging the parking brake, and not using the correct jacking points.