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How to Put a Car on 4 Jack Stands

Written BySteve Riley Hours Updated on21/04/2023
How-To-Set-Up-Four-Jack-Stands
How-To-Set-Up-Four-Jack-Stands
Using 4 jack stands

Hi there, today, I want us to look at how to put a car on 4 jack stands to enable you to work underneath safely.

Table of Contents
  • Requirements
    • Read the Owner's Manual
    • Identify a Level Ground to Park
    • Pre-lifting Preparations
    • Lifting the Car and Installing the Jack Stands
    • Testing
    • Additional Safety
    • Warning
  • Conclusion

A common question I get is, “How safe is it working under a car supported with jack stands and no lift?” it is never a 100% safe, but when done right, you can make it as safe as it can get.

The first important thingis to know how to put the car on 4 jacks stands properly and this is what we are looking at.

03/10/2023 10:41 pm
  • Seven Sparta 2 Types Jack Pad Adapters for Jack Stand
    Seven Sparta 2 Types Jack Pad Adapters for Jack Stand and Floor Jack Universal Rubber Slotted Frame Rail Pinch Welds Protector (4 pcs)
    • BEST PROTECTION FOR YOUR CAR: Seven Sparta jack pad adapters are great protector to prevent your frame rail, specifically pinch welds from bending or scratching while using with a car jack stand or floor jack.
    • MAXIMUM LOAD BEARING 3 TON: Made of heavy duty construction and durable rubber
    $ 16.99
  • Universal Floor Jack Rubber Pad, Jack Pad Adapter Pinch with
    Universal Floor Jack Rubber Pad, Jack Pad Adapter Pinch with Cross Groove Design, Weld Side Frame Rail Protector Puck, Slotted Jack Stands Disk, Auto Accessories Fit for Most Cars (1)
    • 【Durable Rubber】: The floor jacking pad is made of high hardness rubber material, which can jack up your car and perfectly protect the clamp welds and frame rails from bending or breaking. Please be assured that the soft rubber surface will not scratch the painted or coated chassis
    $ 8.99

Requirements

Since we are looking at raising a car and nesting it securely on 4 jack stands, the obvious requirements are the car itself, four jack stands (correct for the car’s curb weight), Level ground, quality floor jack, wheel chocks/locks- preferably rubber, plastic, metal or wooden. Spare tires, and or wooden blocks.

Read the Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual is the best source of information on the safe practices for raising the car off the ground. Here, you can confirm the location of the Safe Lift Points and ascertain the car’s curb weight. This helps in selecting the right jack stands rated for that weight.

The other manual you can read is the lifting and supporting equipment’s manual for how to properly use and fasten them.

Identify a Level Ground to Park

You have to identify a flat plane to work from. Working on a jacked vehicle on an incline is placing your self at risk. Make sure that the ground is even, level and firm. This can be any surface from paved ground, asphalt or grass. For asphalt or grass, thick plywood is needed to prevent sinking.

Once you have parked the car, ensure to apply the parking brake. This prevents rolling when you start work.

Pre-lifting Preparations

With the car in place, assemble the lifting and supporting gear, ready to start. Ensure that everything required is reachable. Here, one important advice I give is to have someone else around.

Your friend can come in handy when you work. At the least, he or she will keep you company and hand you the tools and in case of an emergency, call 911, possibly saving your life.

Lifting the Car and Installing the Jack Stands

When you are ready to lift the car, place the transmission in “gear” or in “park”. To lift the car,use a quality floor jack, like a hydraulic trolley jack. Try not to use the standard jack that comes with the car since it is meant for emergency tire changes.

Place the jack on a solid jacking point, in the center of the front suspension or frame, then jack up the car.

Using the information from the car’s user’s manual, identify the safe lift points (small divots in the chassis near the wheels) to place the jack stands.

Gently lower the jack until the car rests on the stands and repeat the same process for the rear part of the car. Of note, ensure that the jack stands are set and locked on equal heights.

Testing

It’s important to do a test on the stability of the mount before going under. To test, push against the car from both sides, front and back. If it moves or shakes, jack up that corner and readjust the jack stands, repeat this until you are satisfiedthat the car is stable.

Additional Safety

Because safety is of utmost importance, it is wise to put in additional safety measures. Raise the jack under a solid point on the side you will be working from.Have it closely touching but not supporting the weight of the car- this is the work of the jack stands.

You can also place spare tires or wooden blocks to catch the car incase of an accident.

Warning

  • Never go underneath a lifted car with only a jack for support- use jack stands.
  • Never use jack stands on wet ground, loose soil, or hot asphalt for risk of sinking.
  • Never place a jack stand under the floorboards or moving parts.

Conclusion

Having gone through the steps of putting a car on jack stands, I believe that you can now confidently go at it by your self. Word of caution though, if you are not sure, get a professional to do it for you.

03/10/2023 10:41 pm
  • Torin AT43005AB Steel Heavy Duty Jack Stands: Double Locking Pins,
    Torin AT43005AB Steel Heavy Duty Jack Stands: Double Locking Pins, 3 Ton (6,000 lb) Capacity, Black, 1 Pair (2 Pack)
    • Double locking jack stands are used to support your vehicle after lifting with a jack.; Features a large saddle surface area for better contact with the load being supported
    • Constructed of high-grade forged steel with a welded frame design for durability; Handles a wide range of vehicles including
    $ 28.70
  • TCE AT43202U Torin Steel Jack Stands: 3 Ton (6,000 lb)
    TCE AT43202U Torin Steel Jack Stands: 3 Ton (6,000 lb) Capacity, Blue, 1 Pair
    • Lightweight jack stands are used to support your vehicle after lifting with a jack; Wide pyramid foot base provides added strength and stable support
    • This car jack stand is constructed of high-grade forged steel with a welded frame design for durability, it handles a wide range of vehicles
    $ 25.45 -27%

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