Where can I find jacking points?
Knowing where to find the jacking points on your vehicle is essential for safe and effective car maintenance. Whether you're changing a tire, inspecting the undercarriage, or performing routine maintenance, using the correct jacking points ensures stability and prevents damage to your car. In this article, we'll guide you through the basics of locating jacking points and provide tips for safe lifting.
What Are Jacking Points?
Jacking points are specific locations on a vehicle's frame or undercarriage designed to support the weight of the car when lifted. These points are reinforced to handle the pressure exerted by a jack, ensuring that the car remains stable and that no damage occurs to the vehicle's body or components.
How to Locate Jacking Points
Finding the jacking points on your car is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Consult Your Owner's Manual: The owner's manual is the most reliable source for identifying the exact location of jacking points. It typically includes diagrams and instructions specific to your vehicle model.
- Look for Markings: Many vehicles have small notches, arrows, or reinforced areas along the side skirts or undercarriage that indicate jacking points.
- Inspect the Frame: For most cars, the jacking points are located near the front and rear wheels, along the pinch welds or reinforced sections of the frame.
- Use a Floor Jack with a Rubber Pad: To avoid damaging the jacking points, use a floor jack equipped with a rubber pad or place a block of wood between the jack and the car.
Common Jacking Point Locations
While the exact locations vary by vehicle, here are some general guidelines:
- Front Jacking Points: Typically located behind the front wheels, near the pinch welds or reinforced frame sections.
- Rear Jacking Points: Found just in front of the rear wheels, also along the pinch welds or reinforced areas.
- Central Jacking Points: Some vehicles have a central jacking point at the front or rear of the car, often near the engine or differential. These are useful for lifting the entire front or rear of the vehicle.
Safety Tips for Jacking Up Your Vehicle
Safety should always be your top priority when lifting a car. Follow these tips to ensure a secure and stable lift:
- Use Jack Stands: Never rely solely on a jack to support your vehicle. Always place jack stands under the car for added stability.
- Work on a Level Surface: Ensure the ground is flat and stable before lifting your car. Avoid working on slopes or uneven terrain.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Set the parking brake and use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling.
- Inspect Your Equipment: Check your jack and jack stands for any signs of wear or damage before use.
Conclusion
Locating and using the correct jacking points is a crucial skill for any car owner. By following the steps outlined above and adhering to safety guidelines, you can confidently lift your vehicle for maintenance or repairs. If you're ever unsure about the process or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin's Autos. We're here to help with all your car maintenance needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Autozone jack up your car?
Most cities have ordinances against doing anything more than changing batteries, wiper blades, or headlights, or topping off fluids, in the parking lot of any store. Basically, anything that requires lifting the vehicle or draining any fluids is against those ordinances.
How to find the jacking point on a car?
Usually there's one on each side behind the front wheels and in front of the back wheels, close to the rocker panels. There may be central jack points located behind the bumpers (front and rear). Jack points will be flat metal areas, often with notches that are in the shape of the top of the jack.
Where are jacks located in cars?
Typically, the floor of the trunk functions as a cover flap that can be lifted to expose an extra storage area; this is also a common storage location for spare tires. Sometimes the jack is held down by a screw mechanism or rubber band so it stays secure in its compartment.
Does every car have a jacking 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.
