Jack Stands Made Simple
Jack stands are a metal tower that has a tripod shape. They support a vehicle or a portion of the vehicle when its tires are not on the ground. Jack stands come in a variety of weight capacities ranging from 3 ton to 12 ton.
While a spare tire is a necessity, the second most important tool for changing a tire is a jack. Without a jack there is no way to lift a vehicle off of the ground. However, jack stands are just as important.
So, simply put, jacks are designed to raise a load (aka your vehicle) not hold. Jack stands provide a sturdier base for your vehicle to rest on.
Knowing where to put jack stands is important, but knowing Christ is vital.
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Furthermore, the hydraulics used in the design of jacks could fail if remained under pressure for an extended period of time. In short, you should never trust the hydraulic system on even the most expensive floor jack.
Continue reading to learn how to properly suspended your vehicle.
Step by Step Guide For Suspending a Vehicle
This process is simple yet important. Our easy to follow process will allow you to support your vehicle with confidence.
However, if done wrong it can result in serious injury or even death.
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Learn where to put jack stands step by step.
- Apply the brake and chock the wheels
Firstly, apply the emergency brake for safety. In addition chock the wheels. Chock back wheels for front of car lift or chock front wheels for rear lift.
- Locate your pinch weld or frame
Depending on the size and height of your vehicle you will either have to support the weight of your vehicle by the pinch weld or frame. Typically smaller vehicles use the pinch weld while the bigger vehicles use the frame. (When in doubt you can use the frame.)
- Jack up the vehicle
Jack up the vehicle to a height that allows the jack stand to be slid underneath. You should not have to tilt the stand to make it go under the vehicle.
- Place the jack stand
Align the stand or stands to be directly under the frame.
- Lower the vehicle
SLOWLY lower the vehicle onto the jack stand until the entire weight of the vehicle is resting on them. In addition, you can always leave the jack barely touching the vehicle for backup support.
WARNING:
- NEVER raise or support a vehicle with a jack or jack stand under the transmission pan or oil pan. The oil pan is just thin sheet metal. This metal can easily bend or crack when supporting the weight of a vehicle.
- NEVER rely on plastic milk crates or even cinderblocks to support a vehicle. In short, these items are not meant to support that much directed weight. As a result, they can fail without warning.
Common Question(s) About Jack Stands
Simply put, yes. Wheel chocks are put in place to prevent your tires from rolling in addition to setting the brakes.
They are designed to support 3-12 tons. If used as recommended the jack stands are way safer than using a floor jack by itself. Don’t become a victim of a falling vehicle, learn the dos and don’ts.