There are many reasons why you might need to reach for your car jacks. You could simply have a flat tyre and need to change it, or you may be climbing underneath the car for some crucial maintenance or tune ups. Whatever your reason for reaching for the car jacks, these simple, yet efficient garage essentials are the ideal tool for lifting any vehicle.
Types of Car Jacks
There are 3 main types of lifting jack to jack up a car, each of these have their advantages which are briefly summed up below.
Scissor Jacks
Scissor jacks are compact and relatively lightweight. If you have a spare tyre in your car the chances are you already have one of these car jacks. Scissor jacks are great for emergency lifts, such as changing a tyre at the side of the road. However, they aren’t the most stable type of jack and should always be used on level ground.
To use a scissor jack, place it under the point you require raising and keep turning the handle clockwise. To lower, just turn the handle anticlockwise.
Bottle Jacks
Bottle jacks are just as compact as scissor jacks except they can generally lift much heavier vehicles. The main downside of a bottle jack is the clearance needed to place under a vehicle, they are however more stable than scissor jacks.
To use a bottle jack, place it under the designated jack point, close the valve, insert the jack handle into the pump socket and pump it up and down to raise the piston until the vehicle is lifted to the desired height. To lower the vehicle, turn the release valve anticlockwise.
Trolley Jacks
Trolley jacks are arguably the best type of car jack available. Their strength, stability and manoeuvrability make them ideal for both professional and home mechanics alike. Trolley jacks are able to fit under lower cars than a bottle jack and lift the car higher than either option above.
To use a trolley jack, simply insert the handle and pump until the lifting pad reaches the jacking point and starts to lift the vehicle. To lower, remove the handle and turn the release valve anticlockwise.
Axel Stands
Axle stands (aka jack stands) are an essential accompaniment to any of the above car jacks. They are designed to securely support your vehicles weight allowing you to get under the car without the worry of it falling on top of you. Just make sure you have axle stands that are capable of holding the weight of your vehicle. The most common weight capacities are 2 tonnes, 3 tonnes & 4 tonnes. However, there are axel stands capable of holding up to 44 tonnes.
Other Ways To Lift Your Vehicle
Air Jacks
Air jacks are renowned for their safety, reliability and the speed of which they can lift a vehicle. This type of car jack tends to be used more by garages than the home mechanic.
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks are an important item when it comes to raising your vehicle for essential maintenance, especially if you’re only lifting one side of the car. Wedging a set of chocks behind the wheels will prevent the car from rolling if the car jacks shift or fail.
Car Ramps
Car ramps are an easy to use alternative to car jacks. Simply place the ramps in front (or behind if you’re working on the back of the vehicle) and drive gently up. These ramps should be capable of supporting more than half the weight of your vehicle.
For help finding the right parts for your vehicle visit Euro Car Parts online or in store today, click here to locate your nearest branch. With more than 250 locations across the United Kingdom you’re never far from a branch.