Discover the Best Ways to Jack Up a 2013 Ford Fusion with These Proven Techniques

Are you ready to tackle some DIY car maintenance on your 2013 Ford Fusion? Whether you need to change a tire, inspect your brakes, or perform other undercarriage work, knowing how to safely jack up your car is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Safety First: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Before we dive into the mechanics, let’s emphasize the importance of safety. Working under a car can be dangerous if proper precautions aren‘t taken. Always remember:

• Park on a level surface: Uneven ground can cause the car to roll while jacked up.
• Engage the parking brake: This prevents the car from rolling accidentally.
• Use wheel chocks: Place chocks behind the opposite wheels to further secure the vehicle.
• Use appropriate lifting equipment: Only use a jack that’s rated for the weight of your car.
• Never work under the car without jack stands: The jack itself is not designed for long-term support.

Identifying the Jack Points on Your 2013 Ford Fusion

The 2013 Ford Fusion has designated jack points designed for safe and effective lifting. These points are strategically located to distribute the weight evenly and prevent damage to the car’s undercarriage.

• Front Jack Points: You’ll find two jack points at the front of the car, located near the front wheels, just behind the front tire. These points are typically marked with a small indentation or a raised area.
• Rear Jack Points: Similarly, you’ll find two jack points at the rear of the car, located near the rear wheels, just behind the rear tire.

Gathering Your Tools: What You’ll Need

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

• Jack: A hydraulic floor jack is the most common type used for cars. Ensure it’s rated for the weight of your Fusion.
• Jack stands: These are essential for supporting the car once it’s lifted. Get two sets of jack stands, as you’ll need to support both sides of the car.
• Lug wrench: This is used to loosen and tighten your lug nuts.
• Chocks: These are used to prevent the car from rolling.
• Work gloves: Protect your hands while working under the car.
• Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.

Step-by-Step Guide to Jacking Up Your 2013 Ford Fusion

Now that you’ve gathered your tools and prioritized safety, let’s get into the step-by-step process of jacking up your 2013 Ford Fusion:

1. Park on a level surface: Find a flat, solid surface to park your Fusion.
2. Engage the parking brake: Apply the parking brake firmly to prevent the car from rolling.
3. Place chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the opposite wheels of the side you’re working on. This provides extra security.
4. Locate the jack point: Identify the jack point on the side you’re lifting.
5. Position the jack: Position the jack directly under the designated jack point.
6. Start lifting: Slowly and carefully begin to lift the car using the jack.
7. Place jack stands: Once the car is raised slightly, position the jack stands securely under the frame rails, near the jack point.
8. Lower the car onto the stands: Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed.
9. Remove the jack: Once the car is resting on the jack stands, remove the jack.

Ensuring Proper Placement of Jack Stands

The placement of jack stands is crucial for safety and stability. Here’s a breakdown of ideal placement:

• Front Jack Stand Placement: Place the jack stands under the front frame rails, near the jack points.
• Rear Jack Stand Placement: Place the jack stands under the rear frame rails, near the jack points.

Removing the Wheels: A Crucial Step

Once the car is safely lifted and supported by jack stands, you can now remove the wheels:

1. Loosen the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you need to remove.
2. Remove the wheel: Once the lug nuts are loosened, carefully remove the wheel.

Lowering the Car: A Safe and Controlled Process

After completing your work under the car, follow these steps to lower it safely:

1. Raise the car slightly: Use the jack to raise the car slightly, just enough to clear the jack stands.
2. Remove the jack stands: Carefully remove the jack stands, ensuring that the car is still supported by the jack.
3. Lower the car to the ground: Slowly lower the car to the ground using the jack.
4. Tighten the lug nuts: Once the car is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts securely.

Final Thoughts: Embracing DIY Confidence

Knowing how to safely jack up your 2013 Ford Fusion empowers you to tackle a wide range of DIY tasks. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you’ll have the confidence to work on your car with peace of mind. Remember, always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Top Questions Asked

Q: What is the maximum weight a jack can support?

A: The maximum weight a jack can support is typically indicated on the jack itself. It’s crucial to use a jack that’s rated for the weight of your car.

Q: How often should I check the condition of my jack?

A: It’s a good practice to check the condition of your jack regularly, especially before using it. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion.

Q: Can I use a jack to lift the entire car at once?

A: It’s not recommended to lift the entire car using a single jack. Using jack stands to support the car is crucial for safety and stability.

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

A: Some common mistakes include using a jack that’s not rated for the weight of the car, failing to engage the parking brake, neglecting to use wheel chocks, and not using jack stands for support.

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

A: If you encounter any difficulties, it’s best to consult with a qualified mechanic or seek professional assistance. Don’t attempt to force anything or proceed if you’re unsure.