Where is it safe to put jack stands?

Solid, reinforced lifting points are the safest places to set jack stands. Typically this means pinch welds along the rocker panels or manufacturer-designated jacking points. Avoid soft ground and unreinforced components such as the oil pan or exhaust, and always use wheel chocks in addition to the stands.

When a vehicle is lifted for maintenance, choosing the right support points is crucial to prevent collapse or shifting. This article explains where to place jack stands, what to avoid, and best practices to keep you safe under the car.

Safe lifting and support points

Use only manufacturer-approved contact points that are built to bear the car's weight. The exact points vary by make and model, and owner's manuals typically show where to place stands. In most passenger cars, this means the pinch welds along the rocker panels; on many trucks and SUVs with a unibody frame, reinforced subframe rails or dedicated crossmembers are used.

• Pinch welds along the rocker panels at designated lifting points near the doors (both sides). These are reinforced to carry the vehicle’s weight when the car is on stands.


• Reinforced frame rails or subframe members under the car, especially for trucks, SUVs, or vehicles without accessible pinch welds. Choose points labeled in the manual or indicated by factory jacking guides.


• Factory jacking points or crossmembers specifically designed for lifting, which may be marked with notches, arrows, or a jacking icon.

When in doubt, consult the vehicle’s owner's manual or a trusted technician to locate the exact stand points. Confirm the stands are contacting metal and not plastic trim, and ensure they are positioned symmetrically to maintain balance.

Points to avoid and why

Part of staying safe is avoiding unreinforced or unsafe contact areas. Stand placement on non-structural parts can fail under load and cause a crash. Also, where the ground is unstable or soft, stands can sink or tilt.

• Avoid oil pans, transmission pans, exhaust components, fuel lines, brake lines, and other non-structural parts that can bend, deform, or fail under load.


• Avoid placing stands on soft surfaces such as dirt, grass, loose gravel, or uneven asphalt. They require a solid, level base.


• Avoid placing stands on suspension components, control arms, or steering knuckles that are not rated lifting points.

In practice, if you cannot find a labeled lifting point or you are unsure about any spot, seek professional guidance or use ramps in combination with floor jacks to get the vehicle onto safe stands.

Step-by-step setup for safe lifting

Follow a consistent procedure to minimize the risk of the vehicle shifting while you work. The following steps are a general, cautionary guide; always refer to the owner's manual for your specific model.

1. Park on a flat, solid surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels that remain on the ground on the opposite side from the stands.


2. Loosen lug nuts (if necessary) before lifting and then place the floor jack under a designated lifting point as per the manual. Raise the vehicle slowly until the wheel is off the ground a few inches.


3. Position jack stands under the approved jacking points on both sides of the vehicle. Ensure the contact pads and feet are on flush metal at the same height on each side.


4. Lower the car slowly onto the stands and gently test stability by nudging the vehicle a little to confirm it’s secure.


5. Recheck each stand for levelness and weight distribution before performing any work beneath the vehicle. Keep hands clear of pinch areas during adjustments.

Never begin work under the vehicle entirely supported by a jack; always use properly rated jack stands and never work above an elevated position without a second set of supports or a safety device.

Additional safety considerations

Other best practices help reduce risk when working under a vehicle. Consider using wheel chocks, using a portable ramp for initial height, and never exceeding the rating of any stand. If you’re working in poor lighting, use a portable light to inspect the stands. Some shops use symmetric cross-bracing for improved stability.

Summary

In short, jack stands should be placed on manufacturer-designated lifting points—usually the pinch welds along the rocker panels or reinforced frame/subframe members on the vehicle. Always use wheel chocks, work on level, solid ground, and never rely on a floor jack alone to support a vehicle. If you’re unsure about the points or the car’s condition, consult the manual or a professional. Following these practices minimizes the risk of collapse or movement while you work.

Can you put jack stands anywhere on the frame?

Lifting the Rear of the Car
Out back, I always place the floor jack under the center section of the rear end and place a jack stand under each axle tube. You can also place the jack stands under the frame rails or subframe connectors if your car has those.

Where not to put a jack on a car?

You might not be able to open or close the door. So what you need to do is make sure that the valve is tight that will ensure that the hydraulic. Fluid. Goes from this cylinder. Into the jack. Itself.

Is it safe to get under a car on jackstands?

NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER get under a car with only a jack and no jackstands. And a wheel is not a jackstand. Shocks/springs, by design, compress to absorb the movement of the suspension. If the car drops, it's going to drop lower than the ride height of the vehicle.

Where should jack stands be placed?

Jack stands should be placed on the factory jacking points, frame rails, subframes, or a solid suspension component like the rear axle, as indicated in your vehicle's owner's manual. Always ensure the stand is on a sturdy, load-bearing part of the vehicle's structure and never place it on weak areas like the gas tank or control arms.
 
This video demonstrates the process of safely lifting a car onto jack stands: 1mClassic Car MaintenanceYouTube · Oct 18, 2024
General placement guidelines

• Consult your owner's manual: This is the most important first step, as specific jacking points are unique to each vehicle. 
• Use the frame or subframe: These are generally strong and stable locations for jack stands. On full-frame vehicles, position the stands as far apart as possible for stability. 
• Utilize sturdy suspension components: Parts like the rear axle are designed to carry significant weight and are excellent places to put a jack stand. 
• Check for designated jacking points: Many vehicles have reinforced pinch welds along the sides, often marked with arrows, which are designed for use with a jack and jack stand. 
• Identify strong, stable parts: If unsure, look for a large, solid joint with a big bolt or a thick, stable piece of metal that appears sturdy enough to support the load. 
• Avoid weak areas: Never place jack stands on the fuel tank, oil pan, or other components that are not designed to support the vehicle's weight. 

You can watch this video to learn how to lift a car onto jack stands: 58sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Oct 2, 2013
Step-by-step placement

1. After lifting the vehicle with a jack, position the jack stand so the top is directly under a strong, designated point. 
2. Slide the jack stand under the car, making sure it is stable and level. 
3. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stand until the vehicle's weight is fully supported by the stand. 
4. For maximum safety, a second jack stand should be placed under another designated strong point. 
5. If using a jack stand for each wheel, place the front two on their respective points, then lift and place the rear two, or vice versa. 

This video demonstrates how to properly lift a car on four jack stands: 59sHumbleMechanicYouTube · Jul 6, 2019