Importance Of Car Jacks

No properly equipped garage is complete without a safe and reliable jack. In fact, with a decent jack and car stands on hand you can transform any hard and flat surface into an impromptu workshop. Investing in a quality jack early on will make servicing and repairs much easier. So if you’re looking for a car jack, Supercheap Auto has some Super tips to get you started.

So, let’s have a look at types of jacks, how to jack a car up, and some of the related accessories and safety tips that can make working beneath your car a lot safer and more comfortable.

What Type Of Jack Do I Need

There are three basic car jacks types that are commonly available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. From compact and light duty for emergency roadside situations, to large heavy duty jacks for serious workshop use; let’s break it down to help you make the right choice.

Car Jack Types

Scissor Jacks

Most vehicles are equipped with a scissor jack, often found in a compartment within the boot. These jacks typically rely on a screw mechanism rather than hydraulic pressure, making them lightweight and compact. However this does result in them being hard work and slower to operate. Such car jack types as the scissor jack are best reserved for emergencies rather than regular use.

Bottle Jacks

Hydraulic bottle jacks use hydraulic force applied through a pump handle to minimise effort from the user. Their design is usually both compact and portable, with a surprising capacity to lift heavy vehicles. However, their narrow base and upright design can compromise stability compared to other car jack types, which may pose a challenge for roadside emergencies. Additionally, their higher profile is less suited to lowered vehicles. Bottle jacks excel in lifting heavy vehicles like 4WDs, trucks, and tractors.

Trolley Jacks

Reliable, manoeuvrable, and stable; the trolley or garage jack is a mainstay in many home and professional workshops. Trolley jacks operate on hydraulic pressure just like the bottle jack. However, they can raise a vehicle significantly faster. The horizontally mounted hydraulic ram gives the trolley jack a lower profile more suited to lowered vehicles and as suggested by their name; these jacks feature castors or trolley wheels, making them easier to manoeuvre. All of this comes with a trade off in portability. A large, heavy trolley jack is not something to carry in your vehicle every day.

Car Jack Sizes

What Size Jack Do I Need

It is critical to observe the maximum load rating of any jack; exceeding this limit can lead to failure of the jack. Since a jack usually lifts only one end or corner of your vehicle at a time; selecting a jack with a capacity of at least one-third of your vehicle’s total weight is a safe baseline. However, it’s always wise to choose a jack with a higher capacity when possible. For example, lifting a standard four-door family sedan would require a jack capable of handling at least 1500kg, though opting for a 2000kg capacity jack offers a greater safety margin. Also, if you need to lift a heavier vehicle, your jack has the capacity to do so.

Remember, a jack's purpose is to elevate your vehicle, not to support it there indefinitely. Always use car stands to securely support your vehicle once it is raised. This will ensure stability and safety while performing any maintenance or repairs.

Car Stands & Other Accessories 

What Car Stands Should I Use?

Jack stands, also known as axle stands or vehicle support stands, are available in various types and weight capacities.

You’ll need a set of four if you intend to raise your vehicle entirely off the ground. These should be rated to support the total weight of the vehicle, but don't be fooled into thinking you only need them to be rated for a quarter of your vehicle's weight each – cars aren't perfectly balanced, so each corner might weigh a slightly different amount.

There are also a couple of different types of car stands as well as different materials used in their construction. Ratchet type stands are quicker and easier to set the height on, but pin type stands are more secure. At the end of the day, as long as rated to support your vehicle, any car stand is fine

Other Useful Lifting Accessories

Ramps

Designed to be used on flat ground only, ramps can be a safe alternative to a jack and stands for gaining access to the underbelly of your car. Each ramp is placed squarely in front of your wheels and you simply drive your car up onto them. It's advisable that you have an assistant guide you as you drive onto the ramps.

Motorcycle Lifts & Ramps

If you’re shopping for a motorcycle and not a car jack, Supercheap Auto also have motorcycle lifts. These can be a simple, adjustable stands ideal for lightweight bikes, or robust full-sized lifting jacks for larger motorcycles and ATVs. It's crucial to use tie-downs to secure your motorcycle to the jack or lift, not just to safeguard the bike; but to keep it from injuring you should it fall.

Hoists

A garage hoist is arguably the most effective way to create extensive working space under a vehicle, transforming a basic garage into a full-fledged workshop. While not a minor investment due to their size and cost, a hydraulic hoist is invaluable for frequent vehicle maintenance or establishing a well-equipped home workshop. Hoists are typically classified by the number of posts they have, which are the vertical columns anchored to the workshop floor. Most models are compatible with the 240v single-phase power supplied to your home.

Chocks

When you're jacking up a car, you'll need some way to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. There's a variety of chocks available - from simple but sturdy wedges made from recycled rubber, through to folding metal and rubber chocks that are handy to carry in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For motorcycles, there are special chocks that work by gripping the front wheel and can be used to secure your bike to a trailer or floor, without needing a centre stand.

Dollies

Dollies act as wheeled trays that cradle your vehicle's wheels, allowing for effortless movement within your garage or workspace. Particularly useful in tight spaces, they help you manoeuvre a vehicle into places which would otherwise be impossible. Various models are available, some featuring built-in jacking capabilities. This convenient design allows you to slide one dolly under each wheel, lift, and smoothly move your vehicle all with the one device.

Vehicle Jack Tips

How to Jack Up A Car

1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface

2. Apply the handbrake and put the transmission into gear for manuals, park for automatics

3. Remove anybody from the vehicle being lifted

4. Chock the wheels that won’t be lifted

5. Learn where to jack a car up from. You can find the safe jacking points listed in your owner’s manual

6. Position the jack onto one of the safe jacking points and check that the release valve is shut

7. Begin pumping the handle to raise the vehicle. Never position yourself underneath the vehicle until after STEP 9

8. Once the vehicle is raised to the desired height, position an axle stand under the axle or a crossmember

9. Lower the jack while watching to ensure that the vehicle rests firmly on the axle stands. You may need to raise and reposition the stands until the vehicle is sturdy.

You now know how to jack up a car and you can safely work on the vehicle

ALWAYS:

• Consult the vehicle manufacturer's manual prior to lifting the vehicle.
• Conduct a pre-operational checklist of the equipment.
• Use the right jack for the job.
• Lift on a hard level surface.
• Check the jack's label to ensure that its maximum load capacity is enough to support the vehicle you are lifting.
• No person should remain in a vehicle that is being lifted.
• Chock the unlifted wheels of the vehicle.
• Support the vehicle on suitable rated car stands and remove the jack prior to commencement of work on the vehicle.

NEVER:

• Get under a vehicle supported solely by a car jack, Supercheap Auto also have car stands to support the vehicle for your safety.
• Use wood, bricks or other unsafe home items to support the vehicle. 

Learn more about the Australian Jack, Stand and Ramp standards here

What should I do if my car jack is not lifting my vehicle smoothly or is failing to hold it up?

If your car jack is struggling to lift smoothly or maintain the lift, immediately cease operation and ensure your safety first; never work under an unsupported vehicle. Now check that your vehicle weight is equal to or less than the capacity of the jack. Next you can inspect the jack for damage or wear and if it’s hydraulic; check for leaks.

If all is well, try bleeding air from the jack. You should find the procedure printed for this in the owner’s manual.

If none of the above resolve the problem, your jack is likely due for repair or replacement.

What factors should I consider when choosing the best caravan jack?

When choosing the best caravan jack, you should first ensure that the jack has a weight capacity greater than the weight of your caravan. Then consider the lifting height you require, and which style of jack is compatible with your caravan design. Finally, you want the caravan jack to be as portable, light weight, and easy to use as possible whilst still retaining the first two traits.