Where is my car jack located?
In most vehicles, the jack is stored with the spare tire, often under a floor panel in the trunk or behind a side panel. If you can't locate it, check the owner's manual and the toolkit layout.
Common storage spots to check
Here are the locations most manufacturers use for the jack and its accompanying tools. Inspect these areas first to locate the jack quickly.
- Spare tire well in the trunk: lift the carpet or floor panel to access the jack and tools bundled with the spare.
- Under the trunk's floor panel: some cars store the jack beneath a removable floor plate near the spare tire.
- Inside a side compartment in the cargo area: a small, recessed cavity can house the jack and wrench.
- In wagons, SUVs, or hatchbacks: sometimes behind a removable panel in the cargo floor or along the side wall.
If you still can't locate it after checking these spots, your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer’s website will provide exact coordinates for your model.
How to identify the exact location for your model
Different models arrange tools differently. Use these steps to confirm the jack location for your specific car.
Check the owner’s manual
The manual includes a diagram of the toolkit and where the jack sits. If you’ve misplaced the booklet, many manufacturers provide a digital version online.
Inspect the vehicle during daylight
With the car parked on a level surface and the parking brake engaged, visually inspect the trunk, cargo area, and under the floor panels for any obvious hardware or covers.
Safety and retrieval tips
Once you’ve located the jack, follow safety steps before changing a tire: secure the vehicle, place wheel chocks, use the correct jack points, and never crawl under a raised vehicle without additional support.
Summary
For most cars, the jack sits with the spare tire in the trunk, tucked under a floor panel or inside a side compartment. If you can’t find it, consult the owner’s manual or digital resources specific to your model, and follow standard safety procedures when using the jack.
How to find the jack spot on a car?
Jack Points on a Car (Quick Answer)
Look just behind the front wheels and just in front of the rear wheels along the pinch weld seam. Those areas are beefed up from the factory to take the load. A lot of times you'll see a notch or thicker seam there—that's your signal.
Where can I find jacking points?
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.
Do all cars come with a jack?
No, not all cars come with a jack, especially newer models which may opt for a tire repair kit instead to save weight and improve fuel efficiency. While most cars with a spare tire also include a jack, it is becoming more common for manufacturers to omit them, so it's essential to check the car's included equipment or its owner's manual to be certain.
Why some cars don't have a jack
- Weight reduction: Manufacturers remove them to lower the vehicle's weight, which improves fuel economy and helps meet emissions standards.
- Tire inflation kits: Many cars now come with a tire repair kit (sealant and an air compressor) in place of a spare tire and jack.
- Space savings: Eliminating a spare tire and jack can free up trunk or undercarriage space.
What to do if your car doesn't have one
- Check the owner's manual: This will tell you if the car was originally equipped with a jack or a tire repair kit.
- Buy one separately: You can purchase a jack and a tire kit from a dealership or an auto parts store.
- Consider getting a spare: If your car doesn't have a spare tire, you may want to purchase one for peace of mind, along with the necessary tools to change it, such as a jack and lug wrench.
What is the 3/4 rule for floor jacks?
The "3/4 rule" might sound like something from a math textbook, but in fact it's a very important guideline when using one of our recommended floor jacks for DIYers. It means your floor jack should be rated to lift at least 75% of your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), not its curb weight.
