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If you’re planning to perform maintenance or repair work on your vehicle, knowing how to safely lift and support it is crucial. Car jacks and hydraulic floor jacks allow you to lift your car, truck, or any other heavy vehicle effortlessly. You also need jack stands to support the weight of the vehicle for long durations and reduce the stress on your car jack.

Using a car jack with a jack stand is an essential skill for any mechanic or car enthusiast. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of safely lifting your car using a jack and supporting it with a jack stand. Read on!

Necessary Tools and Equipment:

1. Car Jack: Ensure you have a reliable hydraulic floor jack or scissor jack that can safely lift your vehicle’s weight. There are lots of variations of the standard floor jack and car jack available on the market like bottle jacks, high-lift jacks, pneumatic jacks, electric jacks, and, of course, the Scorpion Floor Jack from Stan Design.

   While scissor jacks use hand cranking to lift lighter cars, hydraulic floor jacks, and bottle jacks make use of hydraulics to lift heavy trucks and armored cars. They are more robust and use reinforced frames to support the extra weight of larger vehicles. Of late, pneumatic jacks have gained immense popularity for their user-friendliness. These modern tools use compressed air or pneumatic pressure for heavy lifting. Stan Design’s Scorpion Floor Jacks are revolutionary in that they use the combined power of hydraulics and pneumatic pressure to lift the heaviest of vehicles in seconds.

2. Jack stands: These essential tools are made from high-grade metal alloys capable of withstanding the weight of the heaviest of vehicles for long durations. They serve as support mechanisms, reducing the stress on floor jacks during maintenance activities.
3. Wheel chocks: Wheel chocks are essentially triangular blocks of synthetic rubber reinforced with a sturdy inner frame. They work in tandem with the parking brakes to prevent vehicles from rolling backward during maintenance.
4. Gloves: Any vehicle has a really hot engine operating under the hood. There are also other mechanical and electrical parts prone to radiating heat. So, it’s advisable to use protective gloves while working on your vehicle.
5. Owner’s manual: Refer to your car’s manual for specific lifting points and instructions.

Using the Jack with Jack Stands:

Now that you know what equipment and accessories you need before you can start working on your car, let’s walk through the process of lifting it using a floor jack.

Step 1: Park on a Level Surface

Before you begin, park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Use wheel chocks for added stability. This greatly reduces the risk of accidents.

Step 2: Locate Lifting Points

Consult your car’s owner’s manual to identify the recommended lifting points. These are typically located under the chassis and reinforced for use with car jacks and hydraulic floor jacks. Using a floor jack anywhere other than a lifting point can damage your car’s chassis.

Step 3: Prepare the Car Jack

Position the car jack or hydraulic floor jack under a lifting point. Ensure the jack’s saddle lines up with the lifting point. Double-check that the jack is on a stable surface.

Step 5: Lift the Vehicle

Slowly crank or pump the jack’s handle to raise the vehicle. Keep a close eye on the vehicle as it lifts to ensure stability. Lift the car high enough to provide ample room for you to work underneath. Raising a vehicle too high can make it wobbly and unsafe. This is particularly important when using high-lift jacks.

Step 6: Insert Jack Stands

Once the car is at the desired height, place the jack stands under the lifting points of the vehicle. Ensure the jack stands are adjusted to the exact height as that of the car jack and their weight capacity exceeds the vehicle’s weight.

Step 7: Lower the Car onto the Jack Stands

Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands by carefully releasing the pressure on the floor jack’s handle. Double-check if your car is stable and not wobbly.

With the car securely supported by the jack stands you can now safely perform maintenance or repairs underneath the vehicle. Remember to work cautiously and wear protective gear. Once you’ve completed your work, raise the car slightly using the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and slowly lower the car to the ground.

Learning to use a car jack or hydraulic floor jack with jack stands isn’t rocket science! With careful consideration for safety and some practice, anyone can become an expert in lifting cars and trucks. Always go for time-tested products like the Scorpion Floor Jack from Stan Design to ensure vehicle and user safety, and long-term use of workshop accessories.

The car jack is the one essential tool no vehicle or workshop owner can live without. You need it to lift your vehicle high enough for maintenance and repairs. But choosing the right type of car or truck jack is essential for safety and efficiency. Several factors like vehicle type and weight come into play when deciding on the perfect jack type for a task.

While there are several different types of vehicle jacks available on the market, the two broad categories of jacks used all over are car jacks and truck jacks. While they serve the same fundamental purpose of lifting vehicles, they are significantly different because they cater to the unique requirements of trucks and cars. In this blog, we’ll look at the fundamental differences between truck jacks and car jacks to understand their features, applications, and why choosing the right one matters. Read on!

1. Load Capacity and Construction

The first thing that separates a truck jack from a car jack is its load capacity and construction. Trucks are considerably heavier than cars due to their larger size and hauling capabilities. As a result, truck jacks are designed with a higher load capacity to handle the additional weight. These jacks have more robust frames, thicker columns, and sturdier materials to ensure safety when lifting heavy trucks.

Car jacks, on the other hand, are built to handle the weight of standard passenger vehicles. They are lighter and more compact than truck jacks, with a much smaller footprint. You can easily carry one in your car’s trunk and use it for minor repairs like tire changing.

2. Lift Height

The lift height of a vehicle jack refers to how high it can raise a vehicle. Trucks generally have higher ground clearance than cars, requiring jacks with a greater lift height. Truck jacks are designed specifically for this requirement, allowing them to lift a truck high enough for maintenance or repairs.

Your average car, on the other hand, won’t have as much ground clearance as a standard truck due to it needing a lower center of gravity for stability. Hence, car jacks typically have a lower lift height. This design also prevents cars from lifting too high and tipping over.

3. Stability and Base

The stability of a jack is of paramount importance to the safety of both the user and the vehicle. Due to the sheer bulk of trucks, truck jacks are equipped with wider bases and larger footprints. This feature prevents trucks from tipping or wobbling during the lifting process and keeps users safe.

Car jacks are designed for lighter vehicles. Hence, they have a smaller base to match the dimensions of a car’s undercarriage. This design choice optimizes stability for the specific weight and size of cars.

4. Portability and Storage

Portability and storage considerations are different for truck jacks and car jacks. Car jacks are more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry and store in a car’s trunk. Their smaller size is practical for occasional use and emergencies.

Truck jacks, due to their larger size and heavier construction, are less portable and more suited to use in a workshop or garage setup.

5. Stand Design’s Innovative Vehicle Jacks

With more than two decades of experience designing vehicle lifting solutions, Stan Design has come up with a set of revolutionary new jacks that make short work of heavy lifting. Cars, trucks, EVs, armored vehicles – no matter what you have, Stan Design’s Scorpion Floor Jacks will lift it in seconds at the push of a button. Safety features like a three-stage locking mechanism and an ergonomic design make the Scorpion Floor Jack safe and easy to use.

The Scorpion Pit Jack, Bridge Jack, and Fast Lube Rolling Pit Jack are all designed to fit any workshop setup. With these innovative vehicle lifting solutions in your workshop, you can service more customers in a day and keep the cash register ringing! Manufactured from premium-grade materials, Stan Design’s jacks are built to last for decades under heavy use.

Selecting the appropriate jack for a vehicle is essential for efficient servicing and user safety during the lifting process. Always make an informed choice based on the type of vehicle you plan to service and the specific tasks you’ll be performing. And remember to choose brands known for manufacturing quality products that last ages.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, having the right tools can make all the difference. One of the most essential tools in any car or truck owner’s inventory is the car jack. Jacks are used to lift vehicles, enabling repairs, maintenance, and tire changes. However, using jacks improperly can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to understand the different types of jacks available on the market, and how to use them correctly. In this guide, we’ll explore various types of car and truck jacks and provide valuable insights into their safe and proper usage. Read on!

Types of Car and Truck Jacks

1. Hydraulic Floor Service Jacks:

These jacks are commonly found in garages and workshops. They utilize hydraulic pressure following a principle called Pascal’s law to lift all types of vehicles. Hydraulic floor jacks are robust, durable, efficient, and capable of lifting heavy vehicles with ease.

2. Scorpion Floor Jack: 

Stan Design’s patented Scorpion Floor Jacks are designed to make short work of heavy lifting. From small cars to trucks, and EVs to armored cars, you can lift anything in seconds with the Scorpion Floor Jack! Built from premium-grade materials, these revolutionary new jacks can be operated with the push of a button. They also have a small footprint and a low collapsed profile to maximize workshop space. A three-stage locking system ensures extra safety in the workshop environment. With a lifting capacity of up to 14 tons, Scorpion Floor Jacks help increase revenue by reducing session time and increasing vehicle inflow for workshops.

3. Pit Jacks: 

Pit jacks, as the name suggests, are designed to operate in service pits for easy access to the underside of vehicles. These jacks are robust and can lift vehicles of all dimensions and weights using hydraulics. A revolutionary new iteration of the conventional pit jack is Stan Design’s Scorpion Pit Jack. Built from premium-grade materials, the Scorpion Pit Jack utilizes dual hydraulic cylinders assisted by pneumatic pressure to lift trucks and other vehicles. These pit jacks are also designed to fit into any vehicle servicing pit and come fitted with roller-bearing wheels to allow easy maneuvering. A three-stage locking mechanism ensures that the Scrpion Pit Jack is safe to use even when lifting armored cars!

4. Rolling Bridge Jacks:

A rolling bridge jack is a valuable tool in car repair workshops. It works with big lifts to elevate different car parts. The rolling bridge jack moves smoothly on the lift’s tracks, making components like wheels, brakes, and other essential parts easily accessible.

Stan Jacks is a revolutionary new take on the standard rolling bridge jack. Built to last, Stan Jacks utilizes heavy-duty hydraulics and pneumatics with advanced safety features and intuitive control mechanisms to make short work of heavy lifting.

5. Scissor Jacks:

Scissor jacks are often provided with cars as part of the standard toolbox by manufacturers. They are compact and lightweight, making them convenient for emergency situations or minor repairs. However, they require more effort and time to operate compared to hydraulic jacks. But it’s always advisable to carry a scissor jack whenever possible because you never know when you’ll need a tire change!

6. Bottle Jacks:

Bottle jacks are robust and capable of lifting heavy loads. They have a cylindrical bottle-like shape and work on the same principle as hydraulic floor jacks. Bottle jacks are commonly used for lifting trucks and larger vehicles. Their small footprint makes them easy to carry around. However, one complaint about this iteration of the popular hydraulic jack is that it doesn’t lift high enough.

7. Hi-Lift Jacks:

Also known as farm jacks or off-road jacks, hi-lift jacks are versatile tools frequently used by off-road enthusiasts. They can be used not only for lifting vehicles but also for winching and clamping. So, if you are going off-roading on rugged terrain, consider carrying one with you to free your vehicle from those really deep ditches.

8. Pneumatic Jacks:

Pneumatic jacks use compressed air to lift vehicles. They are often used in professional fast-paced automotive environments where efficiency is crucial. Pneumatic jacks provide rapid lifting and lowering capabilities but tend to be on the expensive side. Besides, you also need a reliable supply of compressed air to operate pneumatic jacks.

9. Electric Car Jacks:

Essentially a scissor jack with a strapped-on motor, the electric jack is a modern innovation that combines the user-friendliness of a conventional scissor jack with the instant torque provided by an electric motor to lift cars and light vehicles. These jacks are powered by your vehicle’s electrical system and can lift the vehicle at the push of a button. Electric jacks are especially handy for those with limited physical strength. But it is advisable not to try them on heavy vehicles like trucks.

How to use jacks properly:

• Choose the right jack: Select a jack that’s appropriate for your vehicle’s weight and size. Check your vehicle’s manual for weight specifications and recommendations.
• Safety first: Always park your vehicle on a level surface before using a jack. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the opposite wheels to prevent rolling.
• Find a suitable lifting point: Consult your vehicle’s manual to identify the proper lifting points. These points are usually located along the vehicle’s frame. Avoid lifting under the body, suspension, or any other non-reinforced areas.
• Prepare the jack: When using a hydraulic jack, ensure that the release valve is closed before pumping the handle. With scissor jacks, insert the handle and rotate it as needed to extend the arms.
• Lift gradually: Operate the jack gradually and smoothly. Avoid sudden movements that could destabilize the vehicle. For hydraulic jacks, pump the handle with consistent pressure.

• Use jack stands: Never rely solely on a jack to support your vehicle while working underneath. Once the vehicle is lifted, place jack stands under the proper support points for added security.
• Lower Carefully: When you’re done working, lower the vehicle gently. Remove the jack stands first, and then release the hydraulic pressure or turn the handle slowly for scissor jacks.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect your jacks for signs of wear and tear. Check hydraulic jacks for leaks and ensure proper functionality. Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

Car jacks are indispensable tools for vehicle owners. If you are a vehicle or workshop owner, always use jacks made by trusted manufacturers like Stan Design. Only they have the know-how to build products that are efficient, safe, and long-lasting.