The Importance of Proper Lifting Equipment

For many car enthusiasts, floor jacks and jack stands are essential garage tools. While modern vehicles often come equipped with a small emergency jack, these portable alternatives are indispensable for those who frequently perform maintenance or repairs on their own cars. However, using this equipment improperly is not just negligent; it poses a significant risk of severe vehicle damage or even fatal injury.


1. Ignoring Weight Capacity Limits

Every lifting device is engineered to support a specific load, and ignoring these constraints is a recipe for disaster. Manufacturers typically print these limits directly on the equipment or the packaging. It is imperative to remember that the load includes more than just the curb weight of the vehicle. If your car is loaded with heavy items or equipment, you should remove them before attempting to lift. Overloading the jack or stand can lead to catastrophic failure, especially if you are positioned underneath the vehicle at the time.


2. Selecting Incorrect Lifting Points

The saddle (or lifting pad) of your floor jack must be positioned precisely. Many novices assume they can place the jack anywhere under the frame, but this is a dangerous misconception. Every vehicle features designated “jack points” located on the undercarriage—usually found near the wheel wells. Using incorrect contact points can cause the vehicle to become unstable or lead to significant structural damage to the frame. Always consult your owner’s manual to identify the manufacturer-approved lifting locations.


3. Neglecting Secondary Support

A floor jack is designed for lifting, not for sustaining a load over long periods. Relying solely on the hydraulic pressure of a jack is a major safety error. Professionals always use jack stands as the primary stationary support. The correct procedure is as follows:

  • Use the floor jack to raise the vehicle to the desired height.
  • Position the jack stands under the appropriate frame points.
  • Carefully lower the vehicle onto the stands.
  • Leave the floor jack in place as an additional backup measure.

4. Operating on Uneven Surfaces

Lifting a vehicle requires a completely level and stable surface. Attempting to use a jack on inclines, loose gravel, mud, sand, or soft asphalt is incredibly risky. On such surfaces, the base of the jack cannot remain stable, which significantly increases the likelihood of the tool tipping over. As noted by experts, «if the device isn't firmly supported at the base, the entire load can collapse, potentially causing a life-threatening accident.» If you absolutely must work on a non-ideal surface, always use wheel chocks, though delaying the work until you can reach a flat, paved area is the only truly safe option.