Where is the best place to put jack stands?

The best place to position jack stands is at the vehicle’s factory-approved lifting points—typically reinforced pinch-welds or sturdy frame/subframe members—on a flat, solid surface, with wheels chocked and the parking brake engaged. Do not rely on the jack alone to support the car; use stands to distribute the load and provide stable support.

Understanding where to place stands matters because improper placement can cause a collapse, tipping, or damage to the vehicle. The exact points can vary by make and model, so always consult the owner’s manual or a trusted service guide for your specific car before lifting. This article outlines common practices and safety steps used by professionals while emphasizing manufacturer guidance.

Common lifting points and how to locate them

Overview of typical points

Most passenger cars share a core approach: use reinforced joints where the frame or rocker panels are designed to handle weight. When a manual specifies certain spots, those take precedence. If the manual isn’t explicit for your model, aim for the strongest, structurally supported areas near the wheels.

The most reliable lifting points on many vehicles are along the reinforced pinch welds at the rocker panels near each wheel and on solid frame or subframe members behind the front and rear wheels. Use these points as the primary targets for jack stands, and revert to manufacturer-marked points if they exist.

• Front stands: pinch welds along the outside of the front rocker panels, near each front wheel.


• Rear stands: pinch welds along the outside of the rear rocker panels, near each rear wheel.


• Alternative/additional points: reinforced frame rails or subframe crossmembers indicated by the vehicle’s service manual when pinch welds are not clearly designated.


• What to avoid: under body panels, exhaust systems, fuel tanks, or any soft, non-reinforced sheet metal not designed to bear load.

In practice, many technicians use two jack stands per side, positioned to share load between symmetric points, ensuring the vehicle remains stable while work proceeds. When unsure, consult the vehicle’s documentation or a professional.

Safety steps for lifting and supporting a vehicle

Structured approach to safe setup

These steps describe a standard workflow used to safely lift and support a vehicle for maintenance, emphasizing stability, load distribution, and awareness of surroundings.

1. Park on a level, dry surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks on the wheels that will remain on the ground to prevent rolling.


2. If you’ll be removing a wheel, loosen lug nuts slightly while the car is still on the ground, then position the jack under the designated lifting point and raise the vehicle just enough to contact the stand points.


3. Set jack stands under the appropriate factory lifting points or reinforced structural members. Ensure the contact surfaces are clean and free of oil or debris, then slowly lower the vehicle onto the stands until it is fully supported.


4. Verify stability by gently pushing the vehicle from different directions and ensuring the stands remain securely positioned before you begin work beneath the car.


5. Keep the workspace clear of tools and bystanders. Use additional blocking if needed and avoid leaning, reaching, or placing parts outside the stands’ footprint.


6. When you finish, raise the vehicle slightly with the jack to relieve weight from the stands, remove the stands, and slowly lower the car to the ground.

Following these practices reduces the risk of collapse and injury. If at any point you aren’t confident in the stand's stability or the vehicle’s points, pause and seek professional assistance. Different models may have unique requirements, so tailor your approach to the specific car you’re working on.

Summary

Bottom line: always use the manufacturer-approved lifting points for jack stands, typically reinforced pinch welds or sturdy frame/subframe members, on a level, solid surface. Use wheel chocks, engage the parking brake, and never rely on a jack alone. If you’re unsure about the correct points for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or a professional technician. Safety comes first when lifting and supporting a car.

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 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

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.

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.