Jack Stands and their Proper Use

Jack Stands The tire-changing jack that comes with your car is safe only for changing tires - any under-the-car work requires the use of jack stands. Jack stands are easy to use, but it's imperative that they be placed in the correct position under the car.

Jack Stands Almost any mechanical job you might tackle may require that you are able to safely jack the effected vehicle to a position where you can either:  access components under the vehicle  remove one or more wheel(s)  raise the vehicle so you can lower vehicle components when otherwise impossible (ie. the transmission).

Jack Stands Usually tools required are:  A floor jack

Jack Stands  1 or 2 set(s) of jack stands

Jack Stands  4 x wheel chocks

Jack Stands Before jacking a car up make sure to visually inspect the floor jack, all jack stands and wheel chocks for noticeable defects Check that floor jack raises and holds (test with your foot) and that the release is working correctly (test with your foot) Check that all jack stand release handles are working properly

Jack Stands Before starting you should check either the owners manual or the factory shop manual to find the factory approved “jack points” Jack points are the points on a car that are designed to be strong enough to hold the cars weight when the car is being lifted off the ground They can usually be found under “Emergency” in the owners manual

Jack Stands Vehicles must only be jacked up on a flat level work area You NEVER want a car leaning while on jack stands If a nearly level work area can not be found DO NOT attempt to jack up a vehicle!!

Jack Stands Once you have a safe level jacking location chock the wheels of the un- effected axle both front and back

Jack Stands In other words if you are raising the front of the car you would chock the rear wheels. Also when lifting the front of a car apply the emergency brake. You can never have too many safety precautions When you are raising the rear of the car chock both front tires. If it is a Front Wheel Drive FWD car make sure it is in gear if it is a Standard or in park for Automatic

Jack Stands Lifting Rear Wheels –The purpose of chocking the tires and applying the brake both RWD and FWD is to make sure the car does not shift or roll while it is being lifted by the floor jack Lifting Front Wheels –The purpose of chocking the tires and placing the car in gear/park FWD is to make sure the car does not shift or roll while it is being lifted by the floor jack

Jack Stands When the vehicle is in a safe jacking condition position the floor jack in an approved factory location. Floor jack Hoist or Jacking points

Front wheel drive (FWD) - Toyota Jacking & hoist placement points Place floor-jack here Hoist or jack stands

Front wheel drive (FWD) - Toyota Jacking & hoist placement points Place floor-jack here (folded seam) if you are only lifting one wheel at a time Hoist or jack stands

Jack Stands Once the desired axle is raised to the desired height place jack stands in factory approved locations After placing the jack stands confirm that they are in the correct position and will not damage: brake lines, gas lines, transmission, steering components etc…

Jack Stands SLOWLY lower the car onto the jack stands Make sure to watch the jack stands as the car comes to rest on the stands Be ready to stop floor jack Once the car is supported on the jack stands give the car the “wiggle” test before going under the car.

Jack Stands One of the biggest mistakes made with floor jacks and jack stands is their use on asphalt –Asphalt is not a solid surface and with the weight of a car a jack stand or floor jack can cut into the surface –Therefore it is recommended that you place a piece of ¼” or thicker plywood under the jack stand or floor jack

Jack Stands Failure to place plywood under your jack stands or floor jack could result in the jack stand or floor jack tipping over This above condition could result in the car crushing anything that is under it at the time and or damaging parts of the car Needless to say the asphalt will also be damaged

Jack Stands Work smart Work safe