The Proper Way to Use a Car Hydraulic Jack

There are some skills in life that few of us really want to have. Among them number wart removal, changing diapers, comparison-shopping for antiviruses, getting the smell of dead stuff out of upholstery and yes, using a floor jack. Even professional mechanics don't wake up in the morning thrilled at the prospect of using a floor jack, but they'll probably have to at some point. Still, following a few basic guidelines for use can save you aggravation and possibly a bit of time spent in riding to the emergency room.

Instructions

1

Find the jack point or lift pad under your frame. One newer cars you'll often find that such points carry a distinct marker like an arrow or an embossed label. If you don't find any markings, look under the car -- just ahead of your rear wheels or behind your fronts -- for a flat area measuring roughly 6 inches across or in diameter.

2

Check the ground under your lift point. If it's solid, then you're golden and you can proceed to the next step. If not, slide a piece of wood or metal slightly longer then the jack's wheelbase under the car. If you're stuck with a short piece of wood, then slide it so that its edge will end up 3 to 6 inches ahead of the jack's front wheels. Even a large stick or metal bar placed sideways under the jack will serve to distribute its weight to a larger area and prevent sinking.

3

Slide the jack under your car and position it so that the edge of the jack pad ends up about 1 to 2 inches inboard of the edge of the jack point. Remember that the hydraulic jack's arm moves upward in an arc, not straight up and down. The jack pad will move slightly toward you as you raise it toward the car.

4

Close the jack's fluid pressure valve by turning it clockwise until it'll turn no more. Depending on your jack design, this may involve either turning the jack handle (which connects to the valve) or removing the handle and sliding its tip over a protruding, rectangular valve-head at the base of the jack cylinder. Closing this valve seals the system and allows you to build pressure within the jack cylinder.

5

Raise the jack until it just comes into contact with the very center of the lift point, and reposition as necessary. You may want to wait to reinsert the jack handle until you complete this step. Instead grasp the handle receptacle by hand and press down to lift the jack pad. This will save you some arm-work and will keep you on the ground to keep an eye on the jack pad and lift point.

6

Insert the jack handle into the receptacle if you haven't already and proceed with the pumping. Slower is better and safer to a point, but it's unlikely to bite you if you go at a comfortable speed. As long as you have the jack pad centered on the lift point, all should go smoothly. Keep an eye on the jack's wheels; as the arm arcs upward, it'll pull the jack's base inward toward the car.

7

Raise the car to the distance you deem necessary and insert a jack stand under the lift point, right next to the jack. Adjust the jack stand so that it just slides under the frame and center it on the frame. Slowly turn the jack handle or pressure release valve counterclockwise to lower the frame onto your jack-stand. Once you feel the jack stand take the load from your jack, close the valve. If you've got the room and don't need to use your jack again, leave it in place as an additional safety measure.

8

Do what you have to do under the car and lower the car in the reverse order of lifting. Raise the jack onto the lift point to take the load from your jack-stand, then remove the jack stand. Very slowly turn the pressure release valve counterclockwise to release system pressure and lower the car.