Don’t Miss Out: How to Jack Up the Back of Your Car Like a Pro

Whether you’re changing a flat tire, performing routine maintenance, or tackling a more complex repair, knowing how to jack up the back of your car is an essential skill for any car owner. It might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, techniques, and a little patience, you can confidently lift your vehicle and get the job done. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a safe and successful experience.

Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• A Jack: A hydraulic jack is the most common type used for lifting cars. Ensure it’s rated for the weight of your vehicle.
• Jack Stands: These are crucial for safety. They provide stable support for your car once it’s lifted.
• Lug Wrench: This is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on your wheels.
• Chocks: Place these behind the front wheels to prevent the car from rolling while it’s jacked up.
• Gloves: These protect your hands from dirt and grime.
• Work Light: A flashlight or work light will help you see clearly in low-light conditions.

Choosing the Right Jacking Points

The most important step before lifting your car is identifying the designated jacking points. These are reinforced areas on the vehicle’s frame designed to safely support the weight. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific jacking points on your car model.

Preparing Your Vehicle

1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a flat, solid surface. This prevents the vehicle from rolling while you’re working.
2. Engage the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake to prevent the car from moving.
3. Chock the Front Wheels: Place chocks behind the front wheels to prevent them from rolling.
4. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before lifting the car, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on. Don’t remove them completely at this stage.

Jacking Up the Back of Your Car

1. Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point on the rear of your car. Ensure the jack is firmly positioned and stable.
2. Begin Lifting: Slowly and steadily pump the jack handle to lift the car.
3. Lift to the Desired Height: Raise the car high enough to clear the ground, but not too high. The goal is to create enough space to work comfortably.
4. Position the Jack Stands: Once the car is lifted, carefully position the jack stands under the designated jack stand points. These points are usually located near the jacking points.
5. Lower the Car onto the Jack Stands: Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands. Ensure the weight is fully supported by the stands before removing the jack.
6. Remove the Jack: Carefully remove the jack.

Completing the Task

Now that your car is safely lifted and supported, you can proceed with your intended task, such as changing a tire or performing maintenance. Remember to:

• Work Safely: Always be aware of your surroundings and use caution when working under a lifted car.
• Use Proper Tools: Use the correct tools and techniques for the task at hand.
• Double-Check Everything: Before lowering the car, make sure all tools and parts are properly secured.

Lowering Your Car

Once you’ve completed your task, follow these steps to lower your car:

1. Raise the Car Slightly: Use the jack to raise the car just a little bit so that the weight is transferred back to the jack.
2. Remove the Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
3. Lower the Car Completely: Slowly lower the car to the ground using the jack.
4. Tighten the Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts securely using the lug wrench.

Time to Wrap Things Up: The Final Steps

You’ve successfully jacked up the back of your car and completed your task. Now, it’s time to finish up:

1. Remove the Chocks: Remove the chocks from behind the front wheels.
2. Lower the Parking Brake: Release the parking brake.
3. Inspect Everything: Double-check that all tools are accounted for, and that the lug nuts are securely tightened.
4. Test Drive: Take a short test drive to ensure everything is working properly.

Questions You May Have

Q: How much weight can a typical hydraulic jack lift?

A: Most hydraulic jacks are rated to lift between 2 and 3 tons. However, it’s crucial to check the specific rating of your jack and ensure it’s appropriate for the weight of your vehicle.

Q: How do I know if I’m using the correct jacking points?

A: Consult your owner’s manual for the designated jacking points on your car model. These points are typically marked with a small indentation or a symbol.

Q: What should I do if the jack starts to slip?

A: If the jack starts to slip, stop immediately and reposition it. Ensure the jack is firmly positioned on a solid surface before continuing to lift.

Q: How often should I replace my jack?

A: It’s a good practice to inspect your jack regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, dents, or rust. If you notice any damage, replace the jack immediately.

Q: Is it safe to jack up a car on uneven ground?

A: It’s not recommended to jack up a car on uneven ground. The car could become unstable and potentially cause an accident. Always ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface before jacking it up.