Have you ever got a flat tire in the most unexpected circumstances and been fascinated with what to do? Or you want to change engine oil, or if you need any maintenance in your vehicle. For all these, you need floor jacks. This short article will help you learn how to use a floor jack.
Using jacks might be hazardous. They seem that all the weight is lifted safely and will rest on jacks. But that is not always the case. Don’t worry; we are here to guide you properly to avoid vehicle damage and prevent yourself from any injury.
So you have a hydraulic floor jack and don’t know how to use it? No problem! You are reading the right article in which we will tell you everything you need to know about how to use a floor jack.
Also Read : How To Fill A Floor Jack?
Are you ready to boost your understanding? Then don’t stop and read on!
What Is A Floor Jack?
A floor jack is a device made to lift a heavy vehicle to change tires or other maintenance. Hydraulic Floor jacks have different sizes, have varying capacities to move up high weights, and are safe and versatile jacks to raise the vehicle for repair purposes.
How do hydraulic Floor jacks lift heavy weights almost three tons? The answer is in the name-hydraulics. The name indicates that it uses fluid to move up such massive vehicles. Floor jacks have four wheels to quickly move them from one place to another.
The hydraulic floor jack consists of a large cylinder assembly, the hydraulic fluid reservoir, and a hand-operated piston pump that uses hydraulic fluid power. Also, there is a release device that is linked to the handle.
Also Read: 6 Best Low Profile Floor Jack In 2022
Applying force on the handle in a clockwise direction will open the valve, but using pressure in an anticlockwise order will close the valve.
Choosing A Floor Jack: Things To Consider
Select a Floor jack that bears your car’s weight, almost having three tons of capacity. Also, make sure that the jack fits under your vehicle because some vehicles have frames near the ground and require low-profile jacks.
Remember, in selecting a jack, don’t compromise on the quality of the jack as it holds the weight of your vehicle, which is suspended above you while you work. Look out here, best floor jacks.
How To Use A Floor Jack: Steps To Follow
Arrange The Working Area
You should consider some preparation in mind before you use floor jacks. These steps are essential for keeping you safe and providing a workspace that will make your work easier.
- Clothing
Safety should be the priority, so wear all those things that keep you safe like goggles, gloves, work boots, etc.
- Floor Jack State
Check the jack properly and examine it. Search for the missing parts and also be aware of whether there is any sign of damage. Especially give a proper visual inspection to the jack valves because any damage can cause a problem during vehicle lifting.
- Weight Capacity
Find the floor jack capacity and make sure that it is equal to the weight of your vehicle or not. Don’t keep someone or something inside your car.
- Work Surface
Make sure that your jack is on the plane ground. Keep the hard surface like concrete to provide extra stability. The hard surface offers a more substantial base.
Find The Jack Points
Look for the appropriate vehicle jack points needed to deploy the jacks. Every vehicle has a different framework, so jack points are also different, but some are common. Read the vehicle manual if you are unaware of where jack point is.
Also Read: What Size Floor Jack For Truck? Ultimate Guide
The most common jack points are near the front or rear wheels. The metal edge near the reels is where you insert the floor jack. Also, you can take help from the internet to find the jack point of your vehicle.
Raise The Vehicle Through Jack
Rotate the floor jack handle clockwise once you locate the jack points, and ensure the jack saddle is in the correct position. Due to rotation, the hydraulic valve will close. Pump the handle to activate the piston that will use hydraulic fluid power to lift the vehicle.
Turn The Jack Down
When you have done your job, rotate the handle anticlockwise, which will release the hydraulic valve. Always remember floor jacks are oily, so use some gloves to grasp them tightly while working on them.
Hydraulic floor jacks are so efficient that a weak person can also lift their vehicle with them.
Final Words
Always keep in mind that safety should be in priority. If you are not carefully doing this, you can damage the vehicle or injure yourself or someone else near the car, and even your carelessness can be the cause of death.
We hope that the article has covered everything you need to know on how to use a floor jack.
