Types of Car Jack & Where to Put Jack Stands Under a Car?

Throughout the history of the car's existence, more and more new modifications of jacks were developed. At the present stage, depending on the machine operation principle, there are hydraulic, mechanical or pneumatic jack.

Types of car jack

There are classifications of car jack, for example, according to the speed of work or functionality: bottle or sliding hydraulic jack, air, telescopic and other lifting devices of jack type. Let’s consider them closer.

Hydraulic jack

Hydraulic jack is a very useful tool for the car owner. The presence of such a device will simplify the process of wheel replacing, carrying out of small car repairs. It is a device for lifting cargo to a certain height.

The hydraulic jack operates on the principle of oil fluid using. The main difference between the jack and other lifting mechanisms is that it is used at the bottom of the load, and not at the top, such as winches. Hydraulic jack is a device designed to lift cars and trucks.

Rolling jack

The design of the rolling jack implies the presence of two or more wheels, with which the jack can be quickly and easily moved and transported. Such equipment is characterized by a small pickup height, which allows it to be easily set under any cars. This type of jack is great for use on a flat concreted or asphalted surface.

Today there are the following types of rolling jacks: scissor, double plunger and elongated jacks. The price for hydraulic jacks depends primarily on the brand of its manufacturer, on its capacity and functionality.

Jacks can additionally be equipped with a carrying handle, pressure valve and other parts that make its use even more convenient. The greatest demand is for jacks with a loading capacity from two to three tons.

Mechanical types of car jack

The mechanical types of car jack we can distinguish are rhombic, screw and rack. The set of folding supports for the car is intended for fixing and insuring the car when it is lifted by means of a jack. The set of stands is relevant if necessary to carry out maintenance or repair work in the car. Automobile supports are irreplaceable in cases when there is no possibility to use a ramp or pit.

Where to put jack stands under car?

Before you use the jack stand, the machine must be lifted with a jack. Check the instructions of the car being repaired concerning to jack points on a car for installing it on a lift and/or stand. 

Lift and install only at the places specified by the manufacturer. Regular jack points on a car are to be pointed in a vehicle datasheet. Safe and successful jack points for equipment installation can be the rear axle or the beam of the front suspension.

You can have a look on how to use car jack here.

In different models, the possibility of changing the lift height by different values is implemented. So, the smallest lifting height, on average, is 270 mm, and the greatest is up to 715 mm. This option significantly expands the use of jack stands.

In addition, they are folding, which greatly simplifies the task of their storage and transportation. And the presence of a special fuse ensures safety and reliability in operation.

The kit usually includes 2 stands for cars. Their capacity is from 2 to 12 tons. Please note that the weight of the car, while the supports are used, should not exceed their maximum carrying capacity.

In addition, the height of the clearance of the car should be correlated with the minimum height of the stands. The minimum lifting height of the supports should slightly exceed the clearance height - because coasters are used for working with jack-raised machines.

Before using the stand, insert the seat with the rod in the rack, after lifting the handle of the locking mechanism. Lower the saddle to a minimum. On the stand body, bend inwards the stem lift stop.

Final Verdict

Please, do not forget about safety requirements while choosing jack points on a car and jack stands installation. Before you begin, carefully read the safety regulations when carrying out car repair work.

The success of your car repair depends on choosing the jack type, correct identification of jack points and jack equipments' professional installation.