How to Jack Up Lexus IS350: Essential Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Lift

Whether you’re changing a flat tire, performing routine maintenance, or tackling a more complex repair, knowing how to safely jack up your Lexus IS350 is essential. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to lift your car without any mishaps.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand:

• A jack: Choose a jack that’s rated for the weight of your Lexus IS350. Hydraulic jacks are generally preferred for their ease of use and lifting capacity.
• Jack stands: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle once it’s lifted. Jack stands provide a stable and secure platform to prevent the car from falling.
• Lug wrench: You’ll need a lug wrench to remove and tighten the lug nuts.
• Wheel chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that are still on the ground to prevent the car from rolling.
• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and grime.
• Flat, level surface: Ensure you’re working on a flat, level surface. This will help prevent the jack from slipping and ensure the vehicle is stable.

Choosing the Right Jack Points

Your Lexus IS350 has designated jack points, which are reinforced areas designed for lifting the vehicle. Using these points is crucial for safety and to prevent damage to the car’s undercarriage.

• Front jack points: Locate the jack points at the front of the car, just behind the front wheels. You’ll find them on the frame rails, marked with a small indentation or a raised bump.
• Rear jack points: The rear jack points are located on the frame rails, behind the rear wheels. They’re also marked with an indentation or bump.

Preparing Your Lexus IS350 for Lifting

1. Park on a flat, level surface: Ensure your car is parked on a flat, level surface. This is essential for stability and prevents the jack from slipping.
2. Engage the parking brake: Apply the parking brake firmly to prevent the car from rolling.
3. Place wheel chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that are still on the ground. This will further prevent the car from rolling.
4. Release the emergency brake: Release the emergency brake to ensure the transmission is in “Park” and the car is fully secured.

Step-by-Step Guide to Jacking Up Your Lexus IS350

1. Position the jack: Position the jack under the designated jack point, making sure it’s centered and securely in place.
2. Begin lifting: Slowly begin lifting the vehicle using the jack. Be careful not to lift the car too high, as this could damage the undercarriage.
3. Raise the vehicle: Raise the vehicle just enough to clear the ground. Aim for a height that allows you to safely place the jack stands.
4. Position the jack stands: Position the jack stands under the designated jack points, ensuring they are securely in place.
5. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands: Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed.
6. Remove the jack: Once the vehicle is safely supported by the jack stands, carefully remove the jack.

Safety Precautions When Jacking Up Your Car

• Never work under a car supported only by a jack: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle once it’s lifted.
• Never crawl under a car that’s not on jack stands: Always ensure the car is safely supported before working underneath it.
• Inspect the jack and jack stands before use: Make sure they are in good condition and rated for the weight of your car.
• Use a jack that’s rated for the weight of your car: Using a jack that’s not rated for the weight of your car could lead to a catastrophic failure.
• Work on a flat, level surface: This will help prevent the jack from slipping and ensure the vehicle is stable.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Make sure there’s no one or anything in the way before lifting the car.
• Use caution when lifting: Slowly and carefully raise and lower the vehicle to prevent sudden movements.

Returning Your Lexus IS350 to the Ground

1. Remove the jack stands: Carefully remove the jack stands, ensuring the vehicle remains stable.
2. Position the jack: Position the jack under the designated jack point, making sure it’s centered and securely in place.
3. Raise the vehicle slightly: Raise the vehicle slightly using the jack to clear the jack stands.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground: Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground, ensuring it’s resting securely.
5. Remove the jack: Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, carefully remove the jack.
6. Apply the parking brake: Apply the parking brake to secure the vehicle.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Lifting Your Lexus IS350

Knowing how to safely jack up your Lexus IS350 is an essential skill for any car owner. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently lift your vehicle for maintenance or repairs, ensuring both your safety and the well-being of your car. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time when working with jacks and jack stands.

What People Want to Know

Q: How often should I inspect my jack and jack stands?

A: It’s recommended to inspect your jack and jack stands before each use. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion.

Q: Can I use a scissor jack to lift my Lexus IS350?

A: Scissor jacks are generally not recommended for lifting cars. They are not as stable as hydraulic jacks and can be more prone to failure.

Q: What should I do if I hear a grinding noise when lifting my car?

A: If you hear a grinding noise, stop lifting immediately. This could indicate a problem with the jack or the jack point. Inspect the jack and the jack point for any damage.

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

A: Some common mistakes include using a jack that’s not rated for the weight of the car, not using jack stands, not working on a flat, level surface, and not being aware of the surroundings.