Where do you put a jack under your car?
Place the jack at the vehicle’s designated jack points—typically the pinch welds along the rocker panels or reinforced frame crossmembers—and always use a solid, level surface with stands for support. Do not jack from exhaust, oil pans, or non-designated spots.
Identifying the correct jack points
Most passenger vehicles share common jacking locations. The owner's manual and exterior markings indicate exact spots. Common areas include pinch welds along the rocker panels near the doors and reinforced crossmembers under the chassis. Use a pad that evenly distributes load and ensure the jack pad sits flat and stable.
Common jack point locations
Here are typical points used on many cars. Exact spots may vary by model, so check your manual if possible.
- Front pinch welds along the rocker panels near the front doors
- Rear pinch welds along the rocker panels near the rear doors
- Front crossmember or dedicated front jack point under the subframe
- Rear crossmember or dedicated rear jack point under the rear subframe
- Center jack point on some vehicles, often a reinforced pad under the engine cradle or subframe
When in doubt, consult the manual or a dealer to identify the exact points for your model. The jack points are designed to bear the car’s weight during maintenance, so using non-designated areas can damage the vehicle or cause it to slip.
Safe lifting steps
To lift safely, follow a clear sequence that protects you and the vehicle from slips or falls.
- Park on a level, firm surface; engage the parking brake and chock wheels on the opposite side.
- Position the jack under the correct jack point with the pad flat against the contact area.
- Raise slowly and check for stability as the vehicle clears the ground.
- Place jack stands on suitable support points before proceeding underneath.
- Lower the vehicle gradually when finished and remove the stands before driving away.
Never work under a vehicle supported solely by a jack. If you are unsure about the correct points or how to lift safely, seek professional assistance or use a mechanical lift in a workshop.
What to avoid
Avoid placing the jack on non-designated spots such as the exhaust, oil pan, control arms, suspension components that are not intended as jacking points, or loose ground. Jacks should be on a solid surface and kept perpendicular to the surface to prevent slipping.
Summary
The correct place to position a jack is at the vehicle’s designated jack points—front and rear pinch welds, center crossmembers, or other reinforced pads specific to your model—on a flat surface, using proper pads and always with supports like jack stands. Always verify with the owner’s manual and prioritize safety.
