how to properly use a car jack?
ok...I actually know how to do everything when changing a tire except the exact place where you put the jack under your car. If someone were to put it there for me, I could change the tire, but if I were alone, I obviously don't have someone there to put it in it's proper place. I have heard some cars have a lip under the car near the wheel - is that true? if so, where exactly is this lip?Also, if there is no lip, where exactly do you place the jack so you raise the car properly? All answers appreciated!
Update:Just to answer for wiseguy, if there was a lip, I wouldn't know where, so I could feel around the whoe car and not know what I was feeling for or if I felt the lip and didn't know that that is what it was for - hence the question.
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Look in the owners manual it usually shows how and where to put the jack.
Most jacks on newer cars are placed on the side. There are lips however you cannot place it just anywhere. There maybe a specific location on the side... a strong point. It really is dependant on your make/model etc. If you dont know where that is an owners manual is a very easy way to find out. One other place to go would be a dealership... they will be able to tell you with ease.... But generally its on the side of the car. Be sure to block the wheel if no e-brake when changing the tire... also in gear helps... lowest gear if a manual or park if automatic. Hope this helps.
Each model car has its own specific place to position the jack....look in your owner's manual, it will have a diagram showing exactly where to place the jack. If you no longer have the manual, go to a dealer who sells your particular car and I am sure they will be glad to help you out. I know you said you know about everything else when changing the tire, but remember also to put a block on each side of the wheel that is diagonally across from the one you are changing. Also, loosen the lug nuts on the flat BEFORE you jack the car up, and don't put the final torque on the lug nuts until you have lowered the car back down. Hope you don't get a flat........
what kind of car? usually newer cars ( after 1980) have a area on the frame for the jack to be placed at, look under your car on the frame and see if there is a lip for the kack, on older cars they used bumper jacks that hooked onto your bumper, always use a block to put in front of/ behind your cars other tire you are not taking off, or it will fall off the jack, never get under a car or truck without it being on jack stands
You speak as if you can't just go outside and LOOK around under your car. There should be a lip a few inches behind the front wheel well. Go poke around and find it.
Read your owner's manual - It's all laid out for you - pretty pictures and everything.