We Know: How to Buy a Car Jack

About Car Jacks

A car jack is used to lift a vehicle up in order to perform repairs, an oil change, or other maintenance tasks. Car jacks can also be used to change tires or lift a vehicle in the event of an emergency. Some car jacks are small and portable, while other jacks are large and meant for heavier vehicles. There are also floor jacks that are built into the ground or sub-surface such as what you will find at an automotive service center.

Available Car Jack Features

Features vary by model, but here are some common options:

  • Multiple-button functionality. This provides convenient up and down movement.
  • Jacking range. The minimum and maximum height that a jack can lift or lower varies considerably and should be taken into account when choosing the right one for your vehicle.
  • Foot pedal operation. This enables speed loading.
  • Pneumatic or manual operation.
  • Quick lifting system.
  • Extension screw. This can make it possible to extend the height when necessary.
  • Dual return springs. A safety overload system that makes sure the car jack will not be used for vehicles heavier than it can handle.
  • Slow release. This makes it easier on the vehicle when lowering it to the ground.
  • Maximum load capacity. Will vary by jack. Consider the weight of your vehicle when choosing the maximum load that the car jack can handle. For most automobiles, 4,000 pounds is sufficient.

Types of Car Jacks

There are several types of car jacks available. These are the most common ones:

  1. Trolley Floor Jack. These models can be conveniently wheeled around the floor. Common lift weights are two and three tons.
  2. Hydraulic Bottle Jack. Again, the tonnage capacity varies, but models range between six and twelve tons. The lift range height also varies but most are between eight and sixteen inches.


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