How to Safely Get Your Car Up on Repair Stands

Performing maintenance or repairs on your car often requires you to safely elevate it. Using car repair stands, also known as jack stands, is a reliable way to do this, providing a stable and secure platform to work under your vehicle. This guide will walk you through the process of safely getting your car up on repair stands, ensuring you can perform your repairs with confidence and security.

Preparing to Lift Your Car

Before you even think about lifting your car, preparation is key. This not only ensures a smoother process but, more importantly, guarantees your safety.

1. Gather Your Equipment: You’ll need a few essential tools:

   • Car Jack: Ensure you have a jack that is appropriate for your vehicle type and weight. Scissor jacks, floor jacks, or bottle jacks are common options. Consult your car’s manual for recommended jack types and lifting points.
   • Jack Stands: Invest in a pair of sturdy jack stands with a weight capacity that meets or exceeds your vehicle’s weight. Never rely on just a jack to support your car; jack stands are crucial for safety.
   • Wheel Chocks: These are essential to prevent your car from rolling once it’s lifted.
   • Gloves: Protect your hands.
   • Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
   • Vehicle Manual: Your car’s manual is your best friend. It contains specific jacking points and important safety information.

2. Choose a Safe Location: Select a level, hard surface for jacking up your car. Avoid uneven ground, soft surfaces like grass, or inclines. Concrete or asphalt are ideal.

3. Safety First:

   • Engage the Parking Brake: Make sure the parking brake is firmly engaged to prevent the car from rolling.
   • Chock the Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if you are lifting the front, or in front of the front wheels if you are lifting the rear. This adds an extra layer of security.
   • Turn Off the Engine: Ensure the engine is completely off and the car is in “Park” (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (for manual transmissions).

Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Your Car onto Repair Stands

Now that you’ve prepared, let’s get your car safely onto those repair stands.

1. Locate the Jacking Points: Consult your vehicle’s manual to identify the designated jacking points. These are reinforced areas of the car’s frame designed to safely bear the weight of the vehicle during lifting. Using incorrect jacking points can damage your car’s frame or body. Typically, these points are near the front and rear wheels, often indicated by notches or reinforced metal.

2. Position the Jack: Place your jack securely under the designated jacking point. Ensure it’s correctly aligned and stable before you start lifting. For floor jacks, make sure the saddle is properly positioned.

3. Lift the Car: Slowly and steadily raise the car using the jack. Lift it high enough so that you have enough clearance to place the jack stands at their designated support points. Avoid jerky or rapid movements while jacking.

4. Locate the Support Points for Jack Stands: Again, refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct locations to place jack stands. These support points are usually near the jacking points, often on the frame rails or reinforced areas of the chassis. They are designed to bear the weight of the car safely for an extended period.

5. Position and Lower onto Jack Stands: Once the car is raised to the desired height, carefully position the jack stands under the designated support points. Ensure they are stable and properly seated. Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands, making sure they are securely supporting the vehicle’s weight. Adjust the height of the jack stands as needed to ensure a snug and secure fit. It’s crucial that the car rests firmly and evenly on the stands.

6. Verify Stability: Before you start any work, give the car a gentle nudge to check its stability on the jack stands. It should be firmly supported without any rocking or wobbling. If there’s any instability, carefully lower the car, reposition the stands, and try again. Your safety is paramount.

Important Safety Tips When Using Car Repair Stands

• Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Jacks are for lifting, not for long-term support. Always use jack stands.
• Use jack stands in pairs. For even weight distribution and stability, always use at least two jack stands when lifting either the front or rear of the vehicle.
• Do not exceed the weight capacity of your jack stands. Always check the weight rating of your stands and ensure they are sufficient for your vehicle’s weight.
• Inspect your equipment regularly. Check your jack and jack stands for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion before each use.
• Lower the car slowly and carefully. When you are finished with your repairs, use the jack to slightly lift the car off the jack stands, remove the stands, and then slowly and smoothly lower the car to the ground.
• Read your vehicle’s manual. It provides crucial information specific to your car model, including jacking points, support points, and safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Knowing how to safely get your car up on repair stands is a fundamental skill for any DIY car enthusiast or anyone needing to perform undercarriage maintenance. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can confidently and securely lift your vehicle for various repairs and maintenance tasks. Always remember, taking the time to do it right is the best way to ensure your safety and the well-being of your vehicle. Working under a car can be dangerous, but with the correct knowledge and equipment, you can minimize risks and accomplish your car maintenance tasks effectively.