Revolutionary Technique: How to Jack Up 2013 Honda Civic Like a Pro

Are you a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle some basic maintenance on your 2013 Honda Civic? Maybe you need to change a tire, perform an oil change, or inspect your brakes. No matter the reason, knowing how to safely and effectively jack up your car is a crucial skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Before you start jacking up your 2013 Honda Civic, gather the necessary tools and materials. This will save you time and frustration in the long run. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jack: A hydraulic floor jack is the most common type used for cars. Ensure it has a lifting capacity that exceeds your car’s weight.
• Jack stands: These are essential safety devices that support your car once it’s lifted. Get a set of two, as you’ll need them for stability.
• Lugs wrench: This wrench is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on your wheels.
• Chocks: These are wedges placed behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling while you’re working.
• Gloves: These will protect your hands from dirt and grime.
• Work lights: A good source of light will help you see what you’re doing, especially if you’re working in low light conditions.

Choosing the Right Jacking Points

The 2013 Honda Civic has designated jacking points that are reinforced areas designed to withstand the weight of the car. Using these points ensures that you don’t damage your car’s frame or undercarriage. Here’s how to locate these points:

• Front Jacking Points: Look for two small, raised rectangular areas located just behind the front tires, on the frame rails.
• Rear Jacking Points: Find two similar raised areas located just behind the rear tires, on the frame rails.

Preparing Your Honda Civic for Lifting

Before you start jacking up your car, take some safety precautions to prevent accidents:

1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a flat, solid surface. This prevents the car from rolling while it’s lifted.
2. Engage the Parking Brake: Set your parking brake firmly to further prevent the car from moving.
3. Place Chocks: Position wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling backwards.
4. Turn off the Engine: This will prevent any accidental movement due to electrical systems.

The Jacking Up Process

Now, follow these steps to safely jack up your 2013 Honda Civic:

1. Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point, making sure it’s centered and securely positioned.
2. Begin Lifting: Slowly and steadily pump the jack handle to lift the vehicle. Be careful not to lift it too high at first.
3. Place Jack Stands: Once the car is lifted enough to allow for the jack stands to be placed, carefully lower the car onto the stands. Make sure the stands are positioned on solid ground and under the jacking points.
4. Remove the Jack: Once the jack stands are securely in place, remove the jack and store it safely.
5. Check for Stability: Ensure that the car is securely supported by the jack stands before you proceed with any work.

Lowering Your Honda Civic

After you’ve completed your work, follow these steps to safely lower your car:

1. Remove the Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands, ensuring that the car is still supported by the jack.
2. Lower the Car: Slowly lower the car using the jack, ensuring that it’s evenly supported throughout the process.
3. Remove the Jack: Once the car is fully lowered, remove the jack and store it safely.

Essential Safety Tips

• Never work under a car that is only supported by a jack. Always use jack stands for added safety.
• Never place any part of your body under a car that is lifted. Use a mechanic’s creeper or other safe method to access the underside of the car.
• Always double-check that the jack is properly positioned and secure before lifting the car.
• Be aware of your surroundings and make sure there are no obstacles or people in the way before lifting the car.
• If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult a qualified mechanic.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations

While this guide outlines the fundamental steps for jacking up your 2013 Honda Civic, there are a few additional points to keep in mind:

• Tire Pressure: Before lifting your car, check your tire pressure and make sure it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
• Wheel Size and Type: Be aware of the size and type of your wheels, as this may affect the height you need to lift the car.
• Undercarriage Inspection: While you have access to the underside of your car, take the opportunity to inspect for any signs of damage, leaks, or rust.
• Lubrication: If you find any loose bolts or moving parts, consider applying some lubricant to prevent rust and corrosion.

Taking Care of Your Honda Civic

Knowing how to jack up your 2013 Honda Civic is a valuable skill that can save you time and money on basic maintenance tasks. By following the steps outlined in this guide and prioritizing safety, you can confidently perform these tasks and keep your car in top condition.

What You Need to Learn

Q: How high should I jack up my Honda Civic?

A: You only need to jack up your car high enough to allow for the jack stands to be securely placed. This is typically around 4-6 inches, depending on the specific task you’re performing.

Q: Can I use a scissor jack to jack up my Civic?

A: While scissor jacks are smaller and more portable, they are not as stable as hydraulic jacks. It’s generally recommended to use a hydraulic floor jack for safety and stability.

Q: How often should I check my jack stands?

A: It’s a good idea to inspect your jack stands regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, replace them immediately.

Q: What other maintenance tasks can I perform after jacking up my Civic?

A: Besides changing a tire, you can also perform tasks like changing the oil, inspecting the brakes, and checking the suspension components.

Q: Is it safe to jack up my Civic on a gravel driveway?

A: It’s not ideal to jack up your car on a gravel driveway as the jack and jack stands might sink into the gravel. If you must, make sure the ground is firm and level, and use a piece of plywood or a sturdy board to distribute the weight.