How to Jack Up Subaru Impreza: Essential Tips for DIY Car Maintenance
What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned Subaru enthusiast or a new Impreza owner, knowing how to safely jack up your car is an essential skill.
- Once the car is slightly lifted, place the jack stands under the frame at the designated jacking points.
- Slowly lower the jack until the weight of the car is fully supported by the jack stands.
Whether you’re a seasoned Subaru enthusiast or a new Impreza owner, knowing how to safely jack up your car is an essential skill. From changing a flat tire to performing routine maintenance, understanding the proper techniques is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of jacking up your Subaru Impreza, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.
Gathering Your Tools and Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and equipment readily available:
- Jack: A hydraulic floor jack is the most common and convenient type for most car owners. Ensure your jack is rated for the weight of your Impreza.
- Jack Stands: These are crucial for safety and stability once the car is lifted. They prevent the car from falling if the jack fails.
- Lug Wrench: This is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts.
- Chocks: These are placed behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling while jacked up.
- Work Gloves: These protect your hands from dirt and potential scrapes.
Choosing the Right Jacking Points
The Subaru Impreza has designated jacking points located on the frame of the vehicle. These points are reinforced and designed to bear the weight of the car safely.
- Front Jacking Points: The front jacking points are located near the front wheels, typically behind the front bumper or near the front suspension.
- Rear Jacking Points: The rear jacking points are usually located near the rear wheels, behind the rear bumper or near the rear suspension.
Important Note: Always refer to your Subaru Impreza owner‘s manual for the exact location of the jacking points specific to your model year.
Positioning Your Subaru Impreza
1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a flat, solid surface. This will prevent the car from rolling while you’re working.
2. Engage the Parking Brake: This will help keep the car from rolling while you’re jacking it up.
3. Shift into Park (Automatic) or First Gear (Manual): This will further prevent the car from rolling.
4. Place Chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Lifting Your Subaru Impreza
1. Locate the Jacking Point: Locate the appropriate jacking point for the work you are doing.
2. Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point, ensuring it is securely positioned.
3. Begin Lifting: Slowly raise the jack until the car is slightly off the ground. Remember, you should only lift the car enough to allow you to work comfortably.
4. Install Jack Stands: Once the car is slightly lifted, place the jack stands under the frame at the designated jacking points.
5. Lower the Jack: Slowly lower the jack until the weight of the car is fully supported by the jack stands.
6. Remove the Jack: Remove the jack and store it safely.
Safety Precautions
- Never work under a car supported only by a jack: Always use jack stands for safety.
- Never get under the car while it’s being lifted: This can be extremely dangerous.
- Always use the correct jacking points: Using the wrong points can damage your car’s frame.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Ensure there are no obstacles or hazards in the area where you’re working.
Working on Your Subaru Impreza
Now that your Impreza is safely supported, you can perform the necessary maintenance or repairs. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific task you are undertaking.
Lowering Your Subaru Impreza
1. Remove the Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands, ensuring the car is still securely supported by the jack.
2. Raise the Jack: Slowly raise the jack until the car is back on the ground.
3. Remove the Jack: Once the car is back on the ground, remove the jack and store it safely.
4. Remove the Chocks: Remove the chocks from behind the rear wheels.
5. Release the Parking Brake: Release the parking brake.
Final Thoughts: A Safe and Secure Experience
Knowing how to safely jack up your Subaru Impreza is a valuable skill that can come in handy in various situations. By following these steps and adhering to safety precautions, you can confidently perform routine maintenance, change a flat tire, or tackle more complex repairs. Remember, always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines tailored to your Impreza model.
Popular Questions
Q: How often should I check my jack and jack stands?
A: It’s a good practice to check your jack and jack stands regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace them immediately.
Q: Can I use a scissor jack to lift my Subaru Impreza?
A: While scissor jacks are smaller and more portable, they are not recommended for lifting an entire car. They are primarily designed for changing tires and should only be used for a short duration.
Q: What are some signs that my jacking points are damaged?
A: Look for any signs of cracks, dents, or rust on the jacking points. If you notice any damage, it’s important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Q: How can I prevent my jacking points from rusting?
A: You can help prevent rust by keeping your jacking points clean and dry. Consider applying a rust-preventative coating to protect them from the elements.
Q: Is it okay to use a jack on uneven ground?
A: It’s not recommended to use a jack on uneven ground. This can lead to instability and could potentially cause the jack to slip. Ensure you are on a level, solid surface before lifting your vehicle.