Mastering the Art of Jacking Up Your Subaru Ascent: A Comprehensive Guide

The Subaru Ascent, a spacious and capable SUV, is built for adventure. Whether you’re tackling a snowy driveway, changing a flat tire, or performing routine maintenance, knowing how to jack up your Subaru Ascent safely and effectively is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have the confidence to handle any situation.

Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and supplies readily available:

• Subaru Ascent Owner’s Manual: This is your primary resource for specific instructions and safety information tailored to your vehicle.
• Jack: Use the factory-supplied jack that came with your Subaru Ascent.
• Lug Wrench: This is essential for loosening and tightening lug nuts.
• Jack Stands: These provide a stable platform for your vehicle once it’s lifted. They are crucial for safety and should always be used when working underneath the vehicle.
• Chocks: These are placed behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
• Work Light: A bright light will make it easier to see what you’re doing.
• Flat Surface: Find a level, solid surface to work on. Avoid soft ground or uneven surfaces.

Safety First: Prioritize Your Well-being

Jacking up a car is potentially dangerous if not done correctly. Always prioritize safety by following these guidelines:

• Park on Level Ground: Ensure your Subaru Ascent is parked on a flat, solid surface.
• Engage the Parking Brake: This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you’re working.
• Shift to Park (Automatic) or First Gear (Manual): This provides an additional layer of security against the vehicle moving.
• Chock the Wheels: Place chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward.
• Never Work Under the Vehicle Without Jack Stands: Jacks are designed to lift, not support, the vehicle. Always use jack stands to support the vehicle once it’s lifted.
• Use Caution Around Moving Parts: Be mindful of moving parts like the wheels and suspension components.

Locating the Jack Points

The Subaru Ascent’s jack points are strategically placed for optimal lifting. Consult your owner’s manual for precise locations, as they may vary slightly depending on your model year. Generally, you’ll find jack points:

• Front: On the side of the vehicle, near the front wheels, there will be a small indentation or marking.
• Rear: Similarly, on the sides near the rear wheels, you’ll find designated jack points.

Lifting Your Subaru Ascent

Now, let’s get your Subaru Ascent off the ground:

1. Engage the Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake is firmly applied.
2. Chock the Wheels: Place chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent any movement.
3. Locate the Jack Point: Identify the appropriate jack point for the wheel you’re working on.
4. Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jack point, ensuring it’s securely positioned.
5. Start Lifting: Slowly and carefully crank the jack handle to lift the vehicle.
6. Use Jack Stands: Once the vehicle is raised enough to provide clearance for your work, position jack stands under the vehicle’s frame near the jack points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
7. Remove the Jack: Once the vehicle is securely supported by the jack stands, carefully remove the jack.

Performing Your Tasks

With your Subaru Ascent safely supported, you can now perform your desired tasks, such as:

• Changing a Tire: Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle. Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare. Tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification (refer to your owner’s manual).
• Replacing Brake Pads: Access the brake calipers and replace the worn-out pads.
• Performing Other Maintenance: Refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance procedures.

Lowering Your Subaru Ascent

After completing your work, follow these steps to safely lower the vehicle:

1. Remove Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
2. Lower the Vehicle: Slowly crank the jack handle to lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground.
3. Tighten Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification.
4. Remove the Jack: Remove the jack and store it safely.
5. Release the Parking Brake: Release the parking brake.
6. Test for Stability: Give the vehicle a gentle push or pull to ensure it’s stable and secure.

Final Thoughts: A Safe and Successful Experience

By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can confidently jack up your Subaru Ascent for any necessary task. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.

Questions You May Have

1. How high should I jack up my Subaru Ascent?

The height you jack up your vehicle depends on the task you’re performing. Generally, raise it high enough to provide sufficient clearance for working on the tires, brakes, or other components.

2. What if I don’t have jack stands?

Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Jacks are designed to lift, not support. Always use jack stands for safety.

3. Can I use any jack to lift my Subaru Ascent?

It’s best to use the factory-supplied jack that came with your vehicle. It’s specifically designed for your Subaru Ascent and will provide the safest and most effective lift.

4. How often should I check the torque on my lug nuts?

It’s a good practice to check the torque on your lug nuts after driving for a short distance after changing a tire or performing maintenance.

5. Where can I find the proper torque specifications for my lug nuts?

Refer to your Subaru Ascent owner‘s manual for the specific torque specifications for your model year.