How To Jack Up A Car (or Truck) - IFixit Repair Guide

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How to Jack Up a Car (or Truck)

Introduction

Use this guide to safely raise your car or truck using a hydraulic floor jack and jack stands.

Working under your vehicle can be very dangerous if you fail to take proper precautions. Follow all instructions carefully, and do not attempt to take shortcuts or "make do" with missing or poorly maintained equipment. If you're not sure how to proceed, get some help from a more experienced fixer.

AT NO POINT during this procedure should you get underneath the vehicle when it's supported only by a jack. Make sure the vehicle rests securely on jack stands before getting underneath it.

You can also follow this guide to safely raise your vehicle with ramps rather than with a hydraulic jack.

What you need

1. Step 1 How to Jack Up a Car (or Truck)

   

   • WARNING: Be sure to follow each step carefully. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.

   • To begin, park your vehicle on a firm, level surface such as concrete or asphalt.

   • Never try to raise your vehicle on soft or uneven terrain. If the ground shifts or the jack changes position unexpectedly, you could be seriously injured or killed.

   • Make sure the transmission is in Park (or first gear if you have a manual gearbox) and that the parking brake is engaged.

   • Switch the ignition off and remove the key.

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