How To Use A Car Jack Safely: Tricks And Tips To Avoid Mishaps

Cars these days are far more reliable than they used to be and require little maintenance on a regular basis. Sticking to the service schedule, you are almost always sure to travel without any issues of stranding in between commutes. But what if it happens out of the blue, and requires you to put it up on a car jack, something most users might not have even used in their life, until at that point? Well, the car jack is a very handy tool, but it requires some safety protocols to avoid any mishaps in the process. Read on as we explain tips to remember on how to use a car jack safely, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.

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1. Use Firm Ground And Get Off The Highways

You might have been left stranded on a roadside due to tyre punctures or other hiccups that might need you to jack up your car, but here's what you need to take care of. Do not stand on the side of the highways and start your repair process, until absolutely unavoidable. This puts you at risk from the speeding traffic that might rear-end your vehicle in worst-case scenarios. Another thing is always make sure the ground beneath is solid, like a parking space or a rest area, where there is concrete and not muddy or grassy surfaces so that the jack does not sinks and cause complications.

2. Secure Wheel Brakes

Before you place the jack under the beam under your car, make sure the tyres are locked and your parking brakes are engaged, and the engine is turned off to prevent the car from rolling off. For added safety, use a suitable object (such as a brick, piece of wood, or large rock) to block a tyre at the diagonal corner from where you'll be lifting (e.g., block the left rear tire when lifting the right front). This prevents the vehicle from rolling off the jack as well, while adding an extra layer of security in place.

3. Raise The Vehicle Slowly

It is essential that you raise the car or the four-wheeler slowly using the jack and check for any unwanted movements. Also, the placement of the jack should be upright and not inclined, as it might not be able to operate on its full strength and could slip out of position, making the car come right off of it.

4. Do Not Get Under The Car With Jack In Place, Instead Do This

Never rely on a car jack to support a vehicle if you're planning to go underneath it. A jack can fail or slip, leading to severe injury or death. Invest in quality jack stands; they're inexpensive and crucial for safety, and avoid using makeshift supports like boxes or bricks. Even when changing a tyre, jack stands offer added security. After lifting the vehicle, position the jack stands near the jack's placement and lower the car until it rests securely on them. This is an important step and is something that should be followed without fail.

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5. Lower The Jack And Check the Tyre Nuts If Unscrewed

In case you have replaced the car tyre of removed the nuts for any other matter, make sure to lower the car jack, rest the wheels on the ground and then secure the nuts firmly to avoid any loose screws that might prove fatal in the journey onwards. Loose screws might fall off making the car wobble and shake and can lead to toppling as well.