How to Use a Floor Jack Safely
A hydraulic floor jack can lift 2,000kg in seconds. That power demands respect. Thousands of serious injuries happen every year when jacks slip, vehicles roll, or unsupported vehicles fall. Follow this process exactly, every time.
Before You Start: Safety Checklist
- Park on flat, solid, level ground. Never use a jack on gravel, soft ground, or a slope
- Apply the handbrake. For an automatic: leave in Park. For a manual: first gear
- Chock the wheels you're NOT lifting with wheel chocks or bricks
- Check jack capacity exceeds the vehicle's corner weight
- Inspect the jack for leaks, damage or a faulty release valve
Step 1 — Position the Jack Under the Correct Point
Locate the jack point in your owner's manual. These are reinforced chassis points, usually marked with a notch or triangle symbol in the sill. Never jack under the sill panels, floor pan or exhaust — you will cause expensive damage.
Step 2 — Raise the Vehicle Slowly
Pump the jack handle with smooth, full strokes. Watch the vehicle as it rises — if it starts leaning, STOP. Lower immediately, recheck positioning, and try again. Raise only as high as necessary — the lower the vehicle, the more stable it is.
Step 3 — Position Jack Stands BEFORE Working Under the Car
This is non-negotiable. Place axle stands under the designated support points (different from jack points — often the subframe or axle). Lower the vehicle onto the stands. The jack remains in place as a backup only — not as the primary support.
Never go under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
Step 4 — Lowering the Vehicle
Remove tools and yourself from under the vehicle. Raise slightly with the jack to take weight off the stands. Remove stands. Lower the jack slowly using the release valve — turn anti-clockwise, no more than half a turn at a time.
FAQ
Can I use a floor jack on tarmac/asphalt?
Yes, but the jack pad can dig into hot asphalt in summer. Use a small piece of plywood under the jack saddle to distribute the load.
My jack leaks hydraulic fluid — is it safe to use?
No. A leaking jack can fail suddenly under load. Replace the seal kit or the jack itself before using it again.
