Should you’re a automobile fanatic or a DIY mechanic, you recognize that jack stands are a necessary software for safely lifting your automobile off the bottom. However for those who’re not accustomed to easy methods to use them correctly, you may be placing your self and your automobile in danger. Here is a step-by-step information on easy methods to use jack stands safely and successfully.
First, it’s worthwhile to discover a appropriate location to put your jack stands. The bottom ought to be stage and agency, and you must have sufficient house to work comfortably. As soon as you’ve got discovered an acceptable location, place the jack stands underneath the designated raise factors in your automobile. Make it possible for the jack stands are secure and that they’re supporting the load of the automobile. Lastly, decrease the automobile onto the jack stands and take away the jack.
When utilizing jack stands, there are some essential security precautions to remember. All the time have interaction the parking brake earlier than lifting your automobile, and by no means crawl underneath a automobile that’s supported solely by jack stands. If it’s worthwhile to work underneath the automobile, use a creeper or a set of ramps to offer extra help. Lastly, by no means work on a automobile that’s supported solely by one jack stand. All the time use a minimum of two jack stands, and guarantee that they’re correctly positioned and secure.
Securing the Car
1. Interact the Parking Brake
Set the parking brake to forestall the automobile from rolling whereas jacking it up.
2. Chock the Wheels
Place wheel chocks behind the wheels on the aspect reverse the jack factors. This prevents the automobile from transferring if the jack slips.
3. Collect Crucial Instruments
You’ll need a jack, jack stands, security glasses, and gloves.
4. Place the Jack
Find the designated jack factors on the automobile’s body. Rigorously place the jack underneath one of many jack factors.
5. Jack the Car
Slowly pump the jack to lift the automobile. Keep away from elevating it too excessive initially.
6. Place Jack Stands
As soon as the automobile is raised barely, place jack stands subsequent to the jack. Place them on the corresponding jack factors on the other aspect of the automobile.
7. Decrease the Car
Rigorously decrease the jack till the jack stands are supporting many of the automobile’s weight. Take away the jack utterly.
8. Cross-Tighten the Jack Stands
Use a wrench to tighten the jack stands on either side of the automobile till they’re comfortable. Cross-tightening prevents them from slipping or loosening over time.
Ideas for Cross-Tightening Jack Stands:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tighten one jack stand barely, then transfer to the other aspect. |
| 2 | Tighten the other jack stand barely, then return to the primary one. |
| 3 | Repeat steps 1 and a pair of till each jack stands are securely tightened. |
The way to Use Jack Stands Safely and Successfully
Jack stands are important instruments for lifting and supporting your automobile whereas performing repairs or upkeep. Utilizing them correctly ensures a protected and secure work surroundings. Here is a step-by-step information:
- Park on a Degree Floor: Guarantee your automobile is parked on a flat, agency, and secure floor.
- Interact the Parking Brake: Set the parking brake to forestall the automobile from rolling.
- Chock the Reverse Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels diagonally reverse to the jack stands to forestall the automobile from rolling.
- Find the Designated Jack Factors: Check with your automobile’s proprietor’s handbook to establish the designated jack factors, that are usually strengthened areas designed for lifting.
- Place the Jack: Place the jack on the designated jack level and pump it to lift the automobile till it’s barely off the bottom.
- Safe the Jack Stand: Place the jack stand underneath the body of the automobile, adjoining to the jack level. Increase the jack stand till it firmly helps the automobile’s weight.
- Decrease the Jack: Slowly decrease the jack to switch the automobile’s weight to the jack stand.
- Repeat on Different Facet: If essential, raise and help the automobile on the opposite aspect utilizing the identical procedures.
- Take a look at Stability: After putting in all jack stands, gently shake the automobile to examine for stability. If it strikes, tighten the jack stands or modify their positions.
- Decrease the Car: As soon as completed, slowly decrease the jack to alleviate the load from the jack stands. Take away the jack stands and chocks.
Individuals Additionally Ask About The way to Use Jack Stands
How excessive ought to I raise my automobile with jack stands?
The best top is determined by the duty you’re performing. For basic upkeep, raise the automobile excessive sufficient to offer snug working house, however not so excessive that it turns into unstable.
Can I go away my automobile on jack stands in a single day?
It’s not really useful to depart your automobile on jack stands for prolonged durations. The burden of the automobile can put pressure on the jack stands, doubtlessly resulting in failure. If it’s worthwhile to go away the automobile elevated, use jack stands designed for long-term use.
What are the protection precautions for utilizing jack stands?
All the time observe these security precautions for correct jack stand utilization:
- Use high-quality, trusted jack stands with a weight capability exceeding your automobile’s weight.
- Double-check that jack stands are correctly seated and safe earlier than putting any weight on them.
- Use a minimum of three jack stands to help your automobile.
- By no means work underneath a automobile that’s supported solely by a jack.
- Hold kids and pets away from the world when utilizing jack stands.
