How to Jack Up a 2007 Honda Accord Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks

Are you ready to tackle those car maintenance tasks like tire changes or brake inspections? Knowing how to safely jack up your 2007 Honda Accord is a crucial skill for any car owner. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring you lift your car with confidence and safety.

Gather Your Tools and Safety Gear

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and safety gear:

• Jack: This is the most important tool for lifting your car. Use a hydraulic floor jack specifically designed for the weight of your Accord.
• Jack Stands: These are essential for supporting the car once it’s lifted. They provide a stable platform and prevent the car from falling.
• Lugs Wrench: This is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on your wheels.
• Wheel Chocks: These are crucial for preventing your car from rolling while it’s on the jack. Place them behind the rear wheels if you’re working on the front, and vice versa.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grease, and potential scratches.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris and flying objects.
• Work Light: Ensure you have adequate lighting, especially if you’re working in low-light conditions.

Choosing the Right Jacking Points

Your 2007 Honda Accord has designated jacking points, which are reinforced areas designed to safely lift the car. These are typically located:

• Front: The front jacking points are usually marked with a small triangle or an arrow symbol. They’re found near the front wheels, behind the front bumper.
• Rear: The rear jacking points are also marked with symbols and are located near the rear wheels, behind the rear bumper.

Preparing Your Car for Jacking

1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a solid, level surface. This prevents the car from rolling while you’re working.
2. Engage the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling.
3. Shift to Park (Automatic) or First Gear (Manual): This further secures the car and prevents it from moving.
4. Place Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels if you’re working on the rear, and vice versa. This prevents the car from rolling while it’s lifted.

Lifting Your 2007 Honda Accord

1. Position the Jack: Locate the designated jacking point on your Honda Accord and carefully position the jack beneath it. Ensure the jack is centered and stable.
2. Start Jacking: Slowly and steadily pump the jack handle to lift the vehicle.
3. Check for Stability: As the car lifts, periodically assess the stability of the jack and its position.
4. Raise the Car to the Desired Height: Lift the car until the tire is just off the ground. Avoid lifting the car too high, as this can strain the jack or make it difficult to place the jack stands.

Using Jack Stands

1. Position Jack Stands: Once the car is lifted to the desired height, carefully position the jack stands under the car, ensuring they are placed on solid ground and directly under the jacking points.
2. Lower the Car onto Jack Stands: Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands until the weight is fully supported by the stands. This ensures the car is safely supported.
3. Remove the Jack: Carefully remove the jack from beneath the car.

Working Safely on Your Car

• Never Work Under a Car Supported Only by a Jack: Always use jack stands to support the car once it’s lifted. Jacks are designed to lift, not support.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and ensure there are no obstacles or hazards that could trip or injure you.
• Use Caution When Lifting and Lowering the Car: Always lift and lower the car slowly and carefully. Avoid sudden movements that could cause the car to fall.
• Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always refer to your Honda Accord’s owner’s manual for specific jacking points and safety guidelines.

Lowering Your Car

1. Raise the Car Slightly: If you need to remove the jack stands, slightly raise the car using the jack.
2. Remove Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands from under the car, ensuring the car is still supported by the jack.
3. Lower the Car: Slowly lower the car using the jack until the tire is back on the ground.

Returning Your Car to Normal

1. Remove the Jack: Carefully remove the jack from beneath the car.
2. Remove Wheel Chocks: Remove the wheel chocks from behind the wheels.
3. Release the Parking Brake: Release the parking brake.
4. Test the Brakes: Always test the brakes after working on the car to ensure they are functioning properly.

Final Touches: Ensuring a Smooth Experience

• Clean Up: After completing your work, clean up any spills or debris from the jacking area.
• Inspect for Damage: Inspect the jacking points and the surrounding areas for any signs of damage or wear.
• Store Your Tools: Properly store your tools and jack stands in a safe and accessible location.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: What is the proper way to use a jack stand?

A: Jack stands should be positioned directly under the designated jacking points of your car. Ensure they are on solid ground and fully extended before lowering the car onto them.

Q: How much weight can my jack handle?

A: Check the maximum weight capacity of your jack. It should be higher than the weight of your 2007 Honda Accord.

Q: How often should I replace my jack stands?

A: Regularly inspect your jack stands for damage or wear. If you notice any signs of damage, replace them immediately.

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

A: Common mistakes include using the wrong jacking points, not using jack stands, lifting the car too high, and not securing the car properly.

Q: What should I do if I encounter problems while jacking up my car?

A: If you encounter any difficulties, stop immediately and seek assistance from a qualified mechanic. Attempting to proceed without proper knowledge or equipment can be dangerous.