How do you find jack stand points?
When it comes to safely lifting your car for maintenance or repairs, knowing where to place jack stands is crucial. Incorrect placement can damage your vehicle or, worse, lead to dangerous accidents. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to locate the proper jack stand points on your car to ensure safety and efficiency.
Why Proper Jack Stand Placement Matters
Jack stands are designed to support the weight of your vehicle while you work underneath it. Placing them in the wrong spots can cause:
- Damage to your car’s undercarriage or frame.
- Instability, increasing the risk of the car falling.
- Potential injury to yourself or others.
To avoid these issues, always consult your vehicle’s owner manual and follow the steps below.
Steps to Locate Jack Stand Points
Finding the correct jack stand points is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Step 1: Consult Your Owner’s Manual – The owner’s manual is your best resource for identifying the exact jack stand points for your specific vehicle. Look for a section on lifting or jacking the car.
- Step 2: Identify the Pinch Welds – Most vehicles have reinforced areas along the pinch welds (the seam running along the bottom edge of the car). These are common jack stand points for many cars.
- Step 3: Look for Frame Rails – On larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs, the frame rails are often used as jack stand points. These are sturdy, reinforced sections of the vehicle’s frame.
- Step 4: Use the Manufacturer-Designated Points – Some vehicles have specific markings or notches near the jack points to indicate where jack stands should be placed. These are designed to handle the weight safely.
- Step 5: Avoid Weak Areas – Never place jack stands under areas like the oil pan, exhaust system, or floor panels, as these are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Tips for Safe Jack Stand Use
In addition to finding the correct jack stand points, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always use jack stands on a flat, stable surface to prevent slipping or tipping.
- Double-check that the jack stands are securely positioned before working under the car.
- Use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling while it’s lifted.
- Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack to support the vehicle; always use jack stands for added safety.
Conclusion
Properly locating and using jack stand points is essential for safe and effective car maintenance. By following the steps outlined above and consulting your owner’s manual, you can confidently lift your vehicle and perform repairs without risking damage or injury. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help with your car maintenance needs. If you’re unsure about lifting your car or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should jack stands be placed?
Place the jack stand under the car frame at reinforced point or "pinch weld" near where the jack is placed. Pin-type jack stands use locking pins to adjust the height, while screw-type jack stands use adjustable screws.
How do I claim my reward points?
You can claim point-based rewards through your card issuer's redemption portal, either online or through a mobile app. However, the value of your redemption is not always the same with points-based rewards. The same applies to travel and mile rewards, but more on that later.
Where are the best places for jack stands?
Set the jack stand underneath the pinch points of your vehicle. The pinch points are located on the sides of your vehicle behind your front tires or in front of your rear tires. Slide your jack stand in from the side of your vehicle.
Does every car have a jack point?
With the sheer variety of cars on the road these days, there isn't a universally-built jack point, but there certainly are clues you can use to help you on the way. The best place to start is by looking in your vehicle's user manual or maintenance guide.
How to locate jacking points?
The jack points on a sedan or coupe are usually found behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. They're well-designed, and many vehicle manufacturers will reinforce the points to ensure they can hold the vehicle's weight when the vehicle is off the ground.
Where do you put the jack stands when changing a tire?
Locate the jacking points underneath the car, which are usually found below the doors, just behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels. If they're not obvious when you look under the car, consult your owner's manual for their location.
Where to find jack points in owners manual?
To find them, refer to your car's owner's manual, which usually includes diagrams illustrating the precise locations of these points. Common jacking points on sedans and coupes include the reinforced sections behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels, usually on the pinch weld for on the rocker panel.
How do you use jack points?
Car. Then put your jack stands under either a solid part like in our case the rear axle or on the factory jacking. Points you can find your car's specific jacking points in your owner's. Manual.
Where can I find jacking points?
The jacking points for most vehicles are reinforced metal ribs specifically designed to safely lift the vehicle. On most vehicles, there are four jacking points. They're located under the car's rocker panels, just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels.
How do I redeem my jack points?
App: Open the All About Rewards app and select the 'Redeem' button. Your offers will be listed there when available. When you are present at a Jack's location, press 'Redeem' on the offer you wish to claim and scan your QR code at the register.
