How To Jack Up An SUV
Do you want to change a flat tire but cannot figure out how to jack up an SUV? Luckily, your search is over here because this step-by-step guide will show you how to lift your SUV correctly.
To be precise, your SUV requires a car jack. To bypass the sinking of the jack, park the SUV on the level and hard ground. It also needed a jack stand to support the weight after the jack had raised it. It is necessary to locate the right point for lifting the load securely.
As a rule of thumb, the weight of a vehicle is approximately 2 tons and might be more. Because of this incredible heft, safety is the most important consideration when raising the wheels off the ground.
Many stories of jacking up an SUV unsafely and sometimes with tragic results. Because heightening your SUV is not a simple task. Be very careful. By following these guidelines, you will lift your SUV safely.
So, in this article, we will walk you through the steps of How to jack up an SUV with safety in mind.
How to Jack Up Your SUV: Best Method
During manufacture, they suspended cars above the ground. It’s not surprising that numerous systems are inaccessible when the wheels hit the pavement. Great news! It’s possible to safely drive your SUV or other vehicles.
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1. Find A Concrete or Solid Ground
Lifting your SUV would be more manageable and safe in your home garage. Garage floors are usually uneven. Because they design most garage floors to drain water quickly, it’s crucial to find a level surface to lift the SUV securely. How you can raise your SUV in a sloped garage, we’ll discuss later.
First, you have to visit and find a concrete and level surface close by. On the road, you can do this as well, but verify that they are allowing you for this. You should also monitor the traffic to protect yourself from any unpleasant situation.
When your tire goes flat in the middle of the road, you can’t carry your vehicle to a safe spot. It would be more helpful to drive a little towards the roadside. But keep in mind to avoid jacking up your SUV on a soil surface, muddy surface, or a slick surface. As a result, your SUV and jack could sink.
Correspondingly, engage the park and first gear if your SUV possesses a manual gearbox. So, the first step is to move over concrete. Let’s go further.
2. Block The Wheels of SUV
When you are doing this work in your home garage, you must properly check for blocking the wheels of your SUV. They become even more crucial if your garage has a slight inclination. In the latter case, you can use a brick or wood plank to prevent the wheels from rolling when you get a flat tire.
Before jacking up your car, lock its wheels. You should block the tires you do not intend to change, and that will remain on the ground. For example, you might want to raise the back end of your SUV, lock its front wheels, or the other way around. Consequently, it will prevent the vehicle from rolling unexpectedly.
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3. Determine The Right Jack Point for Use
You are now ready to locate your SUV’s jack points. When it’s a body-on-frame SUV, the jack points are solid. Under the frame, there are plenty of places to put a jack. However, if it’s a unibody SUV, you should consult the manual for the jack points shown by the manufacturer.
In addition, SUVs are equipped with jack points near each wheel. Near the front tires, there are jack points. There are also jack points in front of the rear wheels. Under the doors are metal ribs that also feature suitable jack points for the SUV.
4. Place A Jack Under The Jack Point
Slide your SUV jack beneath the point once you have chosen the jack point. The SUV jack must have the strength to lift the SUV. It also provides maximum height to give you more room if you require going under the SUV.
Floor jacks, bottle jacks, and scissor jacks can all be used. Underneath the jack point, you can mount any model you have in your garage.
5. Raise Your SUV
The tires need to be raised off the ground now. Using hydraulic jacks, such as floor and bottle jacks, wiggle the handle so the jack will lift the load. Use an emergency jack, and then turn the crank handle clockwise to extend the jack.
Lifting your SUV, how high should you go? If you need to change a flat tire, raise it to a level where you can rotate it. If you need to do other maintenance in your SUV and need to go beneath it, you will need enough space.
6. Place The Jack Stand
As the jack raises your SUV, a jack stand holds it. You should never get underneath your SUV if you have not placed the jack stands. You might seriously hurt if you rely on the jack. If the jack fails, the vehicle may come crashing down and hurt you.
7. Bringing The SUV Down
To lower your SUV, you must lift it again with the jack to remove the stand. Turn the jack’s lever counterclockwise to return it to its original height, and the SUV will be lowered.
8. Using A Traditional Jack
Besides all this, you can also use the traditional jack. So let’s discuss the use of a conventional jack.
Suppose you have a traditional floor jack and jack stand; however, you’re worried that you don’t have an app in your smartphone that helps you jack up an SUV. Don’t worry! Place your SUV on level ground, shift into the park, and set the emergency brake.
There are different jacking points for different vehicles. Therefore, the unibody SUVs are lifted off the ground by raised ridges on the underbody. Near to the wheels, a jacking indicator is usually applied.
A full-framed SUV lifts directly from the frame and next to its wheels. When positioned, lift one corner at a time. Put a stand next to the jacking area at the least setting that gives the wheels enough clearance.
As the jack stands, take the weight, lower the jack and shake your vehicle to ensure stability. As long as it doesn’t move, your work is good. Once you have repaired the vehicle, lower each corner one by one.
So, always remember, jacking an SUV is risky. By following proper safety measures, you can reduce the risk. To summarize, stay safe by paying attention, being thorough, and taking your time.
Final Words
Now you have to learn how to jack up an SUV without a professional’s help. Suppose you are going to do it by yourself. Therefore, you should ensure the tools you use are suitable for the Vehicle you are working on: the lifting range and the load capacity.
To avoid any problems, you must work on a level surface. By following the above steps, you’ll be able to lift your SUV.
I am Lucas. I am an auto enthusiast and I have many years of experience in this industry.
I created eewis.com to share my experiences and assist you to seek out the right products.
