How to Lift a Car with a Floor Jack

Undertaking maintenance in which a car needs to be lifted on a floor jack can be difficult if you don’t know what you are doing. However, following the steps below will give you the peace of mind necessary for any maintenance.

Step 1 – Brace the Wheels

Whichever end of the car that you intend to lift, you must brace the tires of the opposite end to prevent the car from rolling. Push the wedged blocks against the crevice between the road surface and the outside edge of the tires that will remain in the ground. It goes without saying that the parking brake should be on.

Step 2 – Familiarize Yourself With Car

Place an old mat on the ground close to the end of the car that you intend to lift. On your back, lie on the mat and look beneath the car to establish the position of the frame of the vehicle – this is the point of the car that the jack should be used to lift. It is important that this is the only section that is used to lift the car as its weight will mean that lifting it by any other part could attract a risk of the car dropping and causing damage. If the location of the car frame is not immediately evident, check the car manual.

Step 3 – Position Jack

Whilst maintaining the position that will allow you to see where it is being placed, roll the floor jack into place at a corner point beneath the end of the car that is to be lifted. Position the jack against the car’s frame before getting to your feet. Have a jack stand at close hand.

Step 4 – Raise the Car

Brace yourself with a wide-legged stance before firmly gripping the handle of the floor jack. Watch the movement of the vehicle as you steadily pump the handle up and down. Do not rush the task, but concentrate on ensuring that the jack is working as it should. Stop you hear any unusual sounds or see any sign that the jack will give way or that the car will slip because the jack hasn’t been placed correctly.

Continue to pump the handle until the car is at a height that is suitable for the work that you intend to undertake.

Step 5 – Keep It Up

Once the car has been lifted, position the jack stand into place beneath the vehicle whilst the floor jack is still in place. This must also be braced against the frame of the car but take care not to place it so close to the jack that it is at risk of being knocked out of place when the jack is removed. Use the jack to adjust the height if it is necessary so the jack stand is securely in place. You will then be in a position to remove the jack, lowering it by turning the handle. Depending on the work that the car requires, follow the steps for the other side of the car if required.