Where is the tire jack?
As a car owner, knowing where your tire jack is located can save you a lot of time and stress in case of a flat tire. While the exact location of the tire jack varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, there are some common places to check. In this article, we’ll guide you through finding your tire jack and provide tips for using it safely.
Common Locations for the Tire Jack
Most vehicles come equipped with a tire jack as part of the standard emergency toolkit. Here are the most common places to look:
- In the Trunk: For sedans and hatchbacks, the tire jack is often stored in the trunk, usually under the floor panel near the spare tire.
- Under the Rear Seats: In some compact cars, the tire jack may be tucked away under the rear seats. Check for a latch or handle to lift the seat cushion.
- Behind or Under the Rear Cargo Area: SUVs and crossovers often store the tire jack in a compartment behind or beneath the rear cargo area. Look for a small access panel or door.
- Under the Vehicle: For trucks and larger SUVs, the tire jack might be mounted under the vehicle, near the spare tire. You may need to use a tool to lower it.
How to Access and Use the Tire Jack
Once you’ve located the tire jack, follow these steps to use it safely:
- Park Safely: Ensure your vehicle is on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the Jack Points: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the designated jack points. These are reinforced areas designed to support the weight of the car.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack securely under the jack point closest to the flat tire.
- Lift the Vehicle: Turn the jack handle to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Replace the Tire: Remove the flat tire, install the spare, and lower the vehicle carefully.
Tips for Staying Prepared
To avoid surprises during an emergency, here are some tips to stay prepared:
- Familiarize yourself with the location of the tire jack and spare tire in your vehicle.
- Check the condition of your spare tire and jack periodically to ensure they are in good working order.
- Keep a flashlight, gloves, and a tire pressure gauge in your car for added convenience.
Conclusion
Knowing where your tire jack is located and how to use it can make a big difference in an emergency. If you’re unsure or need assistance, don’t hesitate to visit Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and service. We’re here to help you stay safe on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my car jack located?
Under the Floor of the Trunk
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.
Why don't cars have jacks anymore?
Less Weight Equals Better Fuel Efficiency
That means the 30 to 50 pounds of a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench work against an automaker's efforts to reduce a car's heft.
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.
What part of the car do you jack up?
Today we're going to show you how to jack up a car safely. So that you can do it at your own home first tool that we're going to use is a wheel chock for safety purposes.
How to lift a car without a jack?
If you don't have a jack, you can try using alternatives like a sturdy block, a thick wooden plank, or even a car ramp to lift the car. However, these methods might not be as safe or stable as using a proper jack. It's highly recommended to have a jack for changing a flat tire for safety reasons.
Is it bad to leave a car parked with a flat tire?
No, you shouldn't leave your car with one or more flat tires on the ground, not even for one day. The rims aren't designed to go without the support that properly inflated rubber provides. Forcing the rims to bear the full weight might damage or ruin the integrity of the wheel rim or associated parts.
How do I find the jack on my car?
In most vehicles, the jack is stored in the trunk or in an SUV's wayback, under the cargo-floor cover. After you find it, you need to locate the jacking points on the car's body, where the jack engages.
Where to jack up a car to change a tire?
Step 3: Jack It Up
If you can't locate something to jam under the opposite-side tire, you can still complete a safe tire change. Place the jack under the jacking point that's closest to the flat tire and turn the jack handle to raise the car until the flat tire clears the ground—and then raise it another inch or two.
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.
Does every car have a tire jack?
Today, most new cars and trucks still come with a jack and a spare; however, some models don't in order to save weight and increase fuel economy.
