When it comes to changing a tire, a car jack is an essential tool. Yet, is a car jack sufficient for all your vehicle lifting needs?
Car Jacks and Jack Stands Defined
Car jacks are designed to lift vehicles off the ground for repairs and come in various shapes and sizes. While they effectively elevate a vehicle, most car jacks are not intended for prolonged use. This is where jack stands play a crucial role.
What is a Jack Stand?
Jack stands are utilized when you require your vehicle to remain elevated for extended repair or maintenance tasks. They are designed to support static loads, functioning as sturdy pillars that hold your vehicle securely in place. After using a jack to lift the vehicle, jack stands can be positioned underneath to maintain that height.
Typically, car jacks are sold as individual units, whereas jack stands are available in sets.
Types of Car Jacks
When it comes to lifting your vehicle, there are several types of jacks to consider. Each type offers unique features suited to different needs.
Mechanical Jacks
Mechanical jacks employ various mechanisms, such as screws or ratcheting systems, to gradually elevate your vehicle. Key types include:
1. Scissor Jacks
Named for their distinctive scissor-like design, scissor jacks are lightweight and portable. Often included with spare tires, these jacks feature a long screw that adjusts the height by twisting to open or close the joints, effectively raising or lowering your vehicle.
2. High Lift Jacks
Also known as farm jacks, high lift jacks are specialized tools designed for maximum elevation. Ideal for off-road vehicles, farm equipment, and trailers, these jacks are taller with a small footplate and a long handle. Due to their narrower base, they require careful handling to ensure stability during use.
Hydraulic Jacks
Hydraulic jacks are sophisticated tools that utilize Pascal’s Law to operate. This principle states that in a confined incompressible liquid, pressure equals force divided by area, leading to the conclusion that force can be increased by enlarging the area while maintaining constant pressure.
In a typical hydraulic jack, you will find two pistons of varying sizes. A small amount of pressure applied to the smaller piston is amplified across the larger piston, resulting in a powerful lifting force. The mechanism includes pump plungers and suction valves that facilitate liquid movement while preventing reverse pressure flow.
Hydraulic jacks can be categorized as follows:
1. Bottle Jacks
Bottle jacks, characterized by their compact, bottle-like shape, are operated by pumping a handle. Their versatile lift capacities, ranging from 2 to 12 tons for standard vehicles and up to 100 tons for larger ones, make them ideal for emergency situations. For enhanced stability, a wider base option is available.
2. Floor Jacks
Floor jacks are larger, wheeled jacks featuring a long handle for easy maneuverability beneath vehicles. While they sacrifice some portability due to their size, they serve as excellent tools for garage use, allowing for efficient raising and lowering of vehicles.
3. Trolley Jacks
Trolley jacks share similarities with floor jacks but offer a greater range of clearance, accommodating various vehicles, including regular cars, trucks, SUVs, and low-profile sports and luxury cars. Although they may come with a higher price point, their robust construction and versatility make them a preferred choice among professionals.
Other Jack Types
Pneumatic Jacks
Pneumatic jacks are designed for inspecting larger vehicles, including buses, trucks, and construction equipment. Also referred to as telescope jacks, they resemble a tower of compact, inflatable tires. These jacks operate using compressed air instead of hydraulic systems, making them a reliable choice for heavy-duty applications.
Exhaust Air Jacks
Exhaust air jacks utilize the air expelled from your vehicle's exhaust to inflate and lift the vehicle. By attaching a long hose to the exhaust pipe, you can fill an inflatable sack positioned anywhere beneath the chassis, rather than being limited to designated jack points. Air release is facilitated through a one-way valve, making this type of jack particularly effective on softer ground surfaces.
Types of Jack Stands
Pin Jack Stands
Pin jack stands offer a straightforward design. To adjust the height, simply remove the pin, set the stand to your preferred height, and reinsert the pin to secure it. Once adjusted, position the stand beneath your vehicle for support.
Ratchet Jack Stands
In contrast, ratchet jack stands feature a built-in ratcheting mechanism that automatically locks into place. Adjust the height as needed, and the stand will secure itself. To lower the stand, use the handle on the side to disengage the ratcheting lock. Exercise caution when working beneath the vehicle to avoid accidental contact with the mechanism.
General Safety Tips for Using a Car Jack and Jack Stands
When utilizing a car jack or jack stand, it is essential to adhere to the following safety recommendations:
1. Ensure the jack is placed on stable, level ground to prevent accidents.
2. In the event of a flat tire, avoid jacking up your vehicle on the roadside. It is advisable to drive to a safe location or wait for highway patrol assistance before proceeding.
3. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's designated jack points. Incorrect placement may cause damage to the chassis.
4. Always engage the emergency brake before raising the vehicle.
5. Utilize jack stands for additional support. Avoid relying solely on the car jack for extended periods.
6. Do not position yourself beneath the vehicle if it is only supported by the car jack.
Do Cars Come With Jacks?
Most manufacturers include a jack and spare tire with the purchase of a vehicle. However, this may not apply to all models, so it is prudent to inquire about the inclusion of these items when purchasing a car. If a jack is not included, you are able to find jacks and jack stands at FabHeavyParts.com.
Q & A
Q1: Do I really need jack stands, or is a car jack enough?
A1: While a car jack is a valuable tool for lifting your vehicle temporarily, it is not engineered to support your vehicle for extended periods. For any maintenance or inspection that requires you to work underneath the car, jack stands are essential. They provide the necessary safety and stability, ensuring that your vehicle remains securely elevated while you carry out your tasks.
Q2: What type of jack is best for my car?
A2: The ideal jack for your vehicle depends on several factors, including its weight and your specific requirements. Here are a few options to consider:
Scissor jack: This is a compact option, perfect for emergencies and easy to store in your trunk.
Bottle jack: Known for its ability to lift heavier vehicles with ease, this type is excellent for those needing quick elevation.
Floor or trolley jack: Best suited for garage use, this jack offers superior control and stability, making it ideal for more extensive repair work.
Pneumatic/exhaust jacks: These are designed for heavy-duty applications and are particularly effective for off-road vehicles, providing powerful lifting capabilities.
Q3: Can I jack up my car on the side of the road?
A3: It is not advisable to jack up your car on the side of the road. Safety should always be your top priority. Whenever possible, pull into a level and secure area to perform any jacking. Attempting to elevate a vehicle on an uneven or sloped roadside presents significant risks. If you find yourself on a highway, it is prudent to seek professional assistance rather than attempting to do it yourself.
Q4: Is it safe to work under a car with just a jack?
A4: No, it is not safe to work under a vehicle that is solely supported by a jack. Always ensure that you utilize properly rated jack stands on stable and flat ground. This practice is crucial to maintaining safety while you are working beneath the vehicle, as it provides the necessary support to prevent any accidents or injuries.
Available Jacks and Jack Stands at FabHeavyParts.com
1.
Pro Series Square Jack 8000 lbs Capacity--Black
Specifications
Main Color: Black
Main Material: Steel
Dimensions & Weights
Assembled Length (in.): 7.80
Assembled Width (in.): 5.80
Assembled Height (in.): 24.50
Weight (lbs): 24.80
Built from heavy-duty square steel tubing with a black powder-coated finish for rust resistance. Features a smooth sidewind handle for easy cranking and a drop leg for added lift and adjustability. Offers 15" travel and a lift range of 21.5" to 50.5" from the tube mount. Includes a zinc-plated inner tube and foot (60x80mm) for durability. Weld-on design, rated for 8,000 lbs.
2.
3T Triple Bag Air Jack Pneumatic Jack 3 bag Lifting 16in Capacity 6600lbs--Blue
Specifications
Main Color: Blue
Main Material: Steel
Dimensions & Weights
Assembled Length (in.): 46.50
Assembled Width (in.): 9.40
Assembled Height (in.): 16.00
Weight (lbs): 32.00
Lift up to 6600 lbs in just 3–5 seconds with this triple bag pneumatic jack. It offers a lifting range from 5.5" to 15.5" and works in extreme temps (-60℃ to 50℃). Built with heavy-duty steel and durable, sealed airbags for reliable use. Features all-terrain wheels, a space-saving detachable handle, and easy air valve controls for safe operation. Ideal for cars, SUVs, minivans, and off-road use, even on soft or muddy ground.
3.
1100lb Motorcycle Lift with Dolly Jack Scissor Wide Deck--Red
Specifications
Main Color: Red
Main Material: Steel
Dimensions & Weights
Assembled Length (in.): 16.50
Assembled Width (in.): 14.70
Assembled Height (in.): 15.70
Weight (lbs): 40.00
This heavy-duty motorcycle lift supports up to 1100 lbs and reaches a max height of 15.7". It features a wide, rubber-padded deck for stability and a dolly tray with 4 steel casters for easy movement. Made from durable steel with a red, oil- and dirt-resistant coating, it's ideal for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, trikes, and more. Its compact, portable design fits in garages, closets, or tight spaces.
4.
3 Ton Jack Stand Pair of Axle Stands
Specifications
Main Color: Black
Main Material: Metal
Dimensions & Weights
Assembled Length (in.): 9.80
Assembled Width (in.): 9.00
Assembled Height (in.): 16.34
Weight (lbs): 11.00
This heavy-duty jack stand set supports up to 6,000 lbs per stand and features 6 adjustable height positions (12.6"–18.3"). Made with rust-resistant anodized posts and powder-coated bases for long-lasting durability. Sold as a pair for safe, balanced support when working under vehicles or equipment. Ideal for automotive and heavy-duty use.
5.
Specifications
Main Color: Black
Main Material: Metal
Dimensions & Weights
Assembled Length (in.): 10.20
Assembled Width (in.): 9.60
Assembled Height (in.): 16.50
Weight (lbs): 7.40
These adjustable steel jacks offer a height range of 16" to 30", perfect for stabilizing RVs, trailers, and campers of various sizes. The triangular base design provides excellent stability and weight distribution. Easy to use with a T-handle for smooth height adjustment, they help level and support your vehicle during camping, maintenance, or parking. Durable, versatile, and sold as a set of two.
6.
1 Pair Heavy Duty Pin Type Professional Car Jack Stand with Lock 44,000 Lbs Capacity--Black
Specifications
Main Color: Black
Main Material: Metal
Dimensions & Weights
Assembled Length (in.): 10.00
Assembled Width (in.): 10.00
Assembled Height (in.): 12.00
Weight (lbs): 69.00
This pair of heavy-duty jack stands supports up to 44,000 lbs (22 tons) with an adjustable height range from 12" to 20". Built with a solid steel frame, wide base, and secure pin-lock system for maximum safety and stability. Suitable for cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, and UTVs. Features a rust-resistant coating and side handles for easy transport. Ideal for heavy-load lifting and professional use.
FAB Heavy Parts Can Help With Your Needs
Welcome to Fab Heavy Parts' online catalog, where you can explore a delightful array of Jacks and Jack Stands. We have a diverse selection to cater to your needs. Our knowledgeable parts team is at your disposal, ready to assist you every step of the way.