Think that lifting a truck/car is a simple job? It can turn into a disaster quickly if you don’t do a few things right. Whether you’re replacing a tire, checking the brakes or doing any other repair under the truck, don’t rely on your jack to hold your vehicle up for you.
A jack is used to lift a vehicle. It is NOT to be used to hold the vehicle for a period of time. Many people believe that a vehicle that has been lifted with a jack is safe for work to be done on it. IT IS NOT. This is where jack stands come in. These are very important tools for any work that requires the truck to be up in the air.
Let’s look at why using jack stands isn’t optional and how they help create a much safer working environment.
A Jack’s Job Is to Lift the Vehicle
All types of jacks, be they floor jacks, bottle jacks, or even air/hydraulic truck jacks are of no value except to lift vehicles.
A safe and effective way to support the weight of a vehicle at raised height is to transfer that weight to a set of properly rated jack stands once suitable height has been achieved with the jack(s). Even simple work, such as repairing or inspecting a vehicle, can be made far safer and more effective by using jack stands to support the vehicle instead of relying on a or multiple jacks to support the entire weight of the vehicle.
In leaving the whole weight of the vehicle to be supported by a jack there is an increased risk of an accidental fall.
Hydraulic Pressure Can Change Without Warning
Hydraulic jacks are very reliable tools and work good until they fail. Just like any other mechanical tools Hydraulic Jacks can wear out.
A worn seal, a small hydraulic leak or a failure of an internal part of the jack can decrease in pressure over time. If the pressure decreases while the vehicle is being held up by a jack then the vehicle can slowly lower or drop suddenly.
Jack stands are designed to hold up a vehicle with solid mechanical force. They do not go down in hydraulic pressure
Vehicles Can Shift During Repairs
Working on a vehicle often involves applying force.
Removing a wheel, loosening tight suspension bolts, or working with heavy components can slightly change the vehicle’s balance. Even a small shift in weight may cause the jack to move out of position.
Jack stands help keep the vehicle stable throughout the repair, even if its weight shifts slightly during the job.
Your Safety Depends on Proper Support
The greatest risk comes when someone is underneath the vehicle.
If the jack slips, tips over, or loses pressure, the consequences can be life-threatening. That’s why professional mechanics never work under a vehicle that’s supported only by a jack.
Using jack stands creates an additional level of protection that significantly reduces the chance of a serious accident.
Always Match the Equipment to the Vehicle
Not all lifting equipment is suitable for every vehicle.
Before starting any repair, check that both the jack and the jack stands are rated to support the vehicle’s weight. Using equipment beyond its rated capacity increases the likelihood of equipment failure.
Choosing the right lifting equipment is just as important as using it correctly.
Lift Only on a Stable Surface
Even the best lifting equipment can’t perform safely on unstable ground.
Avoid lifting a vehicle on gravel, soft soil, uneven pavement, or sloped driveways. These surfaces can allow the jack or jack stands to shift unexpectedly.
Whenever possible, work on a flat, solid concrete floor that provides a stable foundation for the vehicle.
Use the Manufacturer’s Recommended Lifting Points
The specified lifting points on every vehicle have been designated by the manufacturer to support the particular weight of the vehicle.
The worst thing for your vehicle is to have a jack or jack stands placed in the wrong location for lifting as it can potentially cause serious damage to your vehicle or result in an unstable lift.
If you’re not familiar with the recommended lifting points on your vehicle, be sure to refer to your owner’s manual.
Inspect Your Equipment Before Every Use
Every Lift must be inspected before use – this takes a minute or two at most to check over your lift(s) for damage, wear, etc. but could save you from a lot of potential damage in the long run.
Examine the jack and stands for signs of excessive wear and tear. This can include leaks from the hydraulic system, bent or damaged parts, worn or damaged wheels, worn lifting pads, etc. In addition, inspect the stands themselves for cracks, corrosion, or other damage to the locking mechanisms.
If you see any sign of wear on a piece or wheel of your jack, or if it appears to be damaged in any way, it’s time to replace your jack and/or stands to avoid potential damage.
Never Rush the Setup
Take Your Time – Don’t Rush!
A few minutes more to properly position a jack, to place correctly the jack stands and to lower your vehicle slowly and carefully to the stands on them is worth more than gold.
Good preparation is one of the simplest ways to improve workshop safety.
Final Thoughts
A jack is a major component in a lift, but a jack on its own is never sufficient to lift a vehicle. To ensure the utmost safety for both the vehicle and the person servicing it, a jack stand is needed to hold the vehicle once it has been lifted with a jack.
Regardless of the type of passenger cars or Heavy-Duty Trucks you service, establishing proper lifting practices and using the right lifting tools is one of the most important safety habits of any service shop or mechanic. Here at Stan Design we specialize in quality professional lifting equipment that enables you to service vehicles safely, efficiently and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why can’t I rely only on a jack when working under a vehicle?
A jack is designed to lift a vehicle, not support it for long periods. Hydraulic failure or accidental movement can cause the vehicle to fall unexpectedly.
2. What do jack stands do?
Jack stands provide stable, mechanical support after a vehicle has been lifted, allowing you to work underneath it more safely.
3. Can a hydraulic jack suddenly fail?
Yes. Hydraulic jacks can lose pressure due to worn seals, leaks, or internal mechanical issues, which may cause the vehicle to lower unexpectedly.
4. Are jack stands required for every repair?
If you need to work underneath the vehicle, jack stands should always be used. They provide the additional support needed for safe repairs.
5. Where should jack stands be placed?
They should always be positioned at the lifting or support points recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
6. Can I use jack stands on uneven ground?
No. Jack stands should only be used on a flat, hard, and stable surface to ensure the vehicle remains secure.
7. How often should I inspect my jack and jack stands?
Inspect both before every use. Look for leaks, cracks, bent components, corrosion, or damaged locking mechanisms.
8. What’s the biggest mistake people make when lifting a vehicle?
One of the most common mistakes is working underneath a vehicle that’s supported only by a jack instead of using properly rated jack stands.