How to Safely Use a Car Jack

Whether you’ve got a flat tyre or need to take a quick look underneath your car, knowing how to use a car jack properly can make all the difference — especially when it comes to your safety. Let’s break it down into simple, practical steps.

What Is a Car Jack and How Does It Work?

A car jack is a mechanical device designed to lift your vehicle a short distance off the ground, typically to change a tyre or carry out minor repairs. There are a few different types of car jacks, and they all operate slightly differently.

• Scissor jacks come with most cars as standard. They’re compact, manual, and ideal for roadside emergencies.
• Bottle jacks use hydraulic pressure and are also quite compact, but can be a bit less stable.
• Trolley jacks (or floor jacks) are what you’ll find in most garages — they’re heavier, more stable and perfect for regular maintenance.

How to prepare your car for a lift

Proper preparation is your safety. Don't be in a hurry, because one careless move and the situation can become dangerous.

Choose the right surface

Make sure you are standing on a hard and flat surface — asphalt, concrete. Avoid grass, earth, sand, or gravel. In rainy weather or in summer, wooden planks can be placed on hot asphalt.

Securing the vehicle (brakes, gear, stops)

1. Engage the handbrake.
2. Put the gearbox in gear (or in ‘park’ for an automatic transmission).
3. Place chocks under opposite wheels.
4. If you are working on the roadside, switch on the hazard warning light.

Identify lifting points

Never jack up just anywhere! Look for the factory lifting points — they are marked or located near the wheels. If in doubt, refer to the car's manual. And remember: it's better to do a little googling than to damage the underside.

How to use the jack: Instructions by type

Different jacks have different ways of lifting. Here is a brief instruction for each type.

Scissor jack

• Place it under the lifting point.
• Insert the handle.
• Turn it clockwise — the car is lifted.
• To lower it, turn it backwards.

Hydraulic trolley jack

• Make sure the valve is closed.
• Place it under the lifting point.
• Pump the handle to the desired height.
• Lowering — slowly unscrew the valve.

Bottle jack

• Close the safety valve.
• If necessary, unscrew the stem.
• Put the jack on, swing it — the car is lifted.
• To lower — unscrew the valve slowly.

How to work safely under a car

It's never a good idea to work under a car that is only supported by a jack. Use support stands and you'll be safe. A jack is a temporary support. It can sag, break, or fall. Support stands are your insurance policy if you're going to work under a car.

How to install them correctly

• Place the stands at the same points as the jack or next to it — on the frame.
• Make sure there is a solid base under them.
• Gently lower the car onto the stands.
• Check that nothing is wobbly and that the car is firmly in place.

How to lower the car safely

When the work is done, you need to put everything back together. But also wisely.

Smooth lowering for every type of jack

Take your time! Remove the struts only after lifting with the jack, and then slowly lower them:

• scissor jack — turn in the opposite direction;
• hydraulic — open the valve a little at a time.

Removing support elements

Raise the car → remove the struts → lower it. The main thing is not to do everything at once. And do not get your hands under the car until it is stable.

Additional safety tips

Here are the most important things that will help you avoid problems and troubles.

• Do not work under a car that is only supported by a jack.
• Use wheel chocks.
• Always make sure you are standing on the exact point of the lift.
• Do not lift the car by the pallet or other weak elements.
• If the car is heavy, use stands and a jack that are designed for its weight.
• If you're not sure, ask or contact a mechanic.

If you're planning to use a jack more regularly — say, for home maintenance — it might be worth investing in a good-quality trolley jack and set of axle stands. They’ll last longer, work better, and most importantly, keep you safe.