Using a car jack requires parking on level ground, chocking the wheels, lifting only at the vehicle’s designated jack points, and never supporting the car with the jack alone once you go underneath it.
For the full breakdown, see our best Whole-Car Jack guide.
A car jack is designed for one job: lifting a vehicle just enough to change a tire or slide a jack stand underneath. It is not a stable support for working under the car, which is why every safety guide says the same thing—set the jack to lift, then transfer the weight to stands before getting underneath. The steps are simple, but skipping any one of them turns a routine tire change into a real safety risk.
Where to Park and Prep
The surface you park on matters more than most people think. You need flat, firm, level ground—concrete or compacted asphalt, not grass, gravel, or loose dirt. Soft or uneven surfaces can let the jack shift or sink under the car’s weight, and
Once the car is in position: turn the engine off, set the parking brake, and shift an automatic into Park or a manual into 1st gear or Reverse, depending on your drivetrain. Then chock both sides of the wheels that will stay on the ground—the ones opposite the side you are lifting. A wheel chock (or a sturdy block of wood in a pinch) keeps the car from rolling if something slips.
Finding the Correct Jack Point
This is the step where most mistakes happen. Every vehicle has specific, reinforced jack points stamped into the frame or chassis, and you must lift only at those points. Lifting on a floor pan, a suspension arm, or a plastic body panel can dent the car, crack the part, or cause the jack to slip off completely. The owner’s manual is the only trustworthy source for your vehicle’s exact lift points—it will show a diagram of where to position the scissor or floor jack on both the front and rear of the car.
Lifting the Vehicle Smoothly
Position the jack squarely under the lift point, making sure the jack’s saddle is centered and the base sits flat on the ground. With a floor or hydraulic jack, insert the handle and pump in steady, smooth strokes. With a scissor jack—the one that typically comes in the trunk—turn the handle in the direction marked “raise” until the tire just barely clears the ground. Lift only as high as you need to; the higher the car goes, the more unstable the setup becomes.
Important: If you plan to work under the vehicle, do not stop here. Place a pair of jack stands under the vehicle’s proper support points (again, check the manual), then slowly lower the jack until the car settles onto the stands. Give the car a gentle shove to verify stability before you go under. The jack is there to lift, not to hold—and the vehicle should never be supported by the jack alone while anyone is underneath it.
Lowering and Common Mistakes to Avoid
To lower the car, reverse the jack action slowly until the tire touches the ground. With a hydraulic jack, open the release valve gently—a sudden drop can jolt the suspension and affect the alignment of your jack stands. Once the car is fully on the ground, remove the jack. The three mistakes safety sources see most often are: lifting on the wrong part of the car (ignoring the designated jack points), failing to chock the wheels or working on an incline, and using the jack as a long-term support instead of transferring the weight to stands.
FAQs
Is it safe to use just the car jack to change a tire?
The problem comes when people use the jack as a long-term support for under-vehicle work.
Can I use a car jack on gravel or dirt?
No. The jack needs a hard, level, stable surface to keep the vehicle from shifting. On gravel or dirt, the base can sink unevenly or tip, and if the ground gives way while the car is lifted, the whole setup can collapse suddenly.
How do I know my jack lifts enough weight for my car?
Check the rated capacity printed on the jack’s body—it must be high enough for the vehicle’s weight, never exceeded. The owner’s manual lists the car’s curb weight, and the jack’s maximum load must meet or exceed that figure. Using an underrated jack risks failure under load.
References & Sources
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Product Safety). “Vehicle Jacks Guide.” Official safety guidance covering jack selection, setup, and use.
- Car and Driver. “How to Jack Up a Car.” Detailed how-to with vehicle-specific lift point guidance and common mistakes.
- Chase Auto. “How to Jack Up a Car.” Consumer education piece with step-by-step safety instructions.