What To Consider When Buying A Car Jack

What To Consider When Buying A Car Jack

Even when doing basic automotive work it sometimes becomes necessary to get under the vehicle. When doing so it's imperative that you have confidence in the tools you're using, especially the one keeping thousands of pounds of steel over you. Our partners at Clemons Of Ottumwa Auto Repair Service Center here in Ottumwa, IA have a few helpful suggestions to consider when buying a jack.

The first one is obvious: go with quality. Look up reviews by professionals and go with a trusted brand. Never go with an economy model, either. For about thirty dollars more, you can get a semi-professional grade jack that has a ton more lift and weight capacity. What you're looking for is in the 22 inch lift range and a weight capacity of about three and a half tons. That should cover most vehicles.

Try to find a package that includes at least two four-legged stands. You should never get under a vehicle with just a jack holding it up. You'll need at least two stands that can take the weight, using the jack for added safety. Look for the ones with ratcheting teeth and check your owner's manual to find the optimum support points to place them. 

Their last tip is to find a jack with a wide base for added stability and a large saddle, which is the part that makes contact when lifting the vehicle. You may also want to consider the ease of use as well. If it's difficult to maneuver or pump, you'll certainly want to reconsider.

Whether you're just performing an oil change or servicing your transmission, you'll eventually need a jack.

No matter what auto repair you're performing it's important to invest in the right tools for the job and there are very few that are more important than the one that's keeping your vehicle off of your person.

By following these basic guidelines you'll be pointed in the right direction, toward the safest decision you can make. 

Written By: Todd Hendrickson