Master the Art of How to Jack Up Kia Soul: Essential Tips Inside

The Kia Soul, known for its quirky style and spacious interior, is a popular choice for drivers seeking a reliable and fun-to-drive compact car. But what happens when you need to change a tire, perform maintenance, or simply get a better look at the undercarriage? That’s where knowing how to jack up your Kia Soul comes in handy.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of safely and effectively lifting your Kia Soul, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to handle any situation that requires access to the underbody.

Gathering Your Tools

Before you start jacking up your Kia Soul, make sure you have the right tools at your disposal. You’ll need:

• A jack: A hydraulic floor jack is the most common type and is suitable for lifting a Kia Soul. Ensure the jack’s lifting capacity is adequate for your vehicle’s weight.
• Jack stands: These are crucial for safety, providing a stable platform to support the vehicle while it’s elevated. Use two jack stands for added stability.
• Lug wrench: This is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on your wheels.
• Chocks: Place chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling while you work.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
• A flat, level surface: It’s essential to have a firm and level surface to work on for stability.

Choosing the Right Jacking Points

Identifying the correct jacking points on your Kia Soul is crucial for safety and avoiding damage to your vehicle. Consult your Kia Soul owner‘s manual for the precise locations of the jacking points. Typically, you’ll find them:

• Front Jacking Points: Located near the front wheel wells, often marked with a small triangle or a raised area on the frame.
• Rear Jacking Points: Located near the rear wheel wells, also marked with a triangle or raised area.

Preparing Your Kia Soul for Lifting

1. Park on a level surface: Ensure your Kia Soul is parked on a flat, firm surface. This ensures stability during the jacking process.
2. Engage the parking brake: This prevents the car from rolling while you’re working.
3. Chock the rear wheels: Place chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling backward.
4. Loosen the lug nuts: Before lifting the car, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on. This makes it easier to remove the wheel once the car is lifted.

Lifting Your Kia Soul Safely

1. Position the jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point, ensuring it’s positioned correctly and securely.
2. Begin lifting: Slowly and steadily pump the jack handle to lift the vehicle.
3. Use jack stands: Once the vehicle is lifted slightly, position the jack stands under the car’s frame, at the designated jacking points. Ensure the jack stands are securely locked and the car is resting on them.
4. Lower the jack: Carefully lower the jack, ensuring the car’s weight is fully supported by the jack stands.
5. Remove the wheel: Now that the car is safely supported, remove the lug nuts and detach the wheel.

Lowering Your Kia Soul Safely

1. Reverse the process: Raise the vehicle slightly using the jack, just enough to remove the jack stands.
2. Lower the car: Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack until the tire touches the ground.
3. Tighten the lug nuts: Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite sides) to ensure even pressure.
4. Remove the jack: Once the tire is securely in place, remove the jack and store it safely.

Important Safety Tips

• Never work under a car supported only by a jack: Always use jack stands for safety.
• Never stand directly under the car: If the car were to fall, you could be seriously injured.
• Use a jack rated for your vehicle’s weight: A jack that’s too small can fail, leading to a dangerous situation.
• Check the jack’s condition: Make sure the jack is in good working order and free of any damage before using it.
• Wear appropriate safety gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from dirt, grime, and potential hazards.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Ride Ahead

Knowing how to jack up your Kia Soul is an essential skill for any owner. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can confidently handle any situation that requires access to the undercarriage of your vehicle. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and always prioritize safety during the process.

Information You Need to Know

1. How often should I inspect my jack and jack stands?

It’s a good idea to inspect your jack and jack stands at least once a year, or more frequently if you use them regularly. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or rust.

2. What if I can’t find the jacking points on my Kia Soul?

If you’re having trouble locating the jacking points, consult your Kia Soul owner‘s manual. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions. You can also reach out to a Kia dealership or a trusted mechanic for assistance.

3. Can I use a scissor jack to lift my Kia Soul?

While scissor jacks are portable and convenient, they are not recommended for lifting a Kia Soul. They are generally less stable and may not be strong enough to support the vehicle’s weight safely.

4. What if I’m changing a tire on the side of the road?

If you’re changing a tire on the side of the road, make sure to park on a flat, level surface and use your emergency kit‘s jack and lug wrench. Remember to engage the parking brake and use chocks to prevent the car from rolling.

5. How long can I leave my Kia Soul on jack stands?

It’s not recommended to leave your Kia Soul on jack stands for extended periods. If you need to perform extensive work, consider investing in a garage lift or using a professional mechanic.