How to Lift a Car onto Jack Stands - Explained

How to lift a car. How to get a car on jack stands and remove wheels. Many car part installations require lifting a car up and getting underneath the hood or wheel wells to perform maintenance. This video shows how to lift a car onto jack stands, and remove the wheels. This will serve as a starting point for many future videos, which may require removing wheels.
Note: When lifting the back of a RWD car, putting the car in gear/park will not lock the front tires. Make sure to securely chock the front wheels (both sides).
Note 2: It's always good to have a backup, place additional items under load bearing points in the event the vehicle falls from the jack stands (ex: wood blocks under the lifted tires), and never put a car on jack stands unless on level ground.
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[@lightningsmokerXx]

To anyone watching this. Make sure if you buy jack stands , that you buy ones with the extra safety pin (is on a key ring/chain ) pin slips in as an extra safety feature in case the jack fails . As he said don't forget wheel chalks. Torque wrench/ Torque Sticks-Torque Bar, Tire Crayon-Marker might be handy as well. Putting a tire under the car or block of wood is an extra safety measure you might want to take also just in case the jack failed or if you didn't set it right and didn't notice.

[@chrishayes5755]

stack spare tires or bricks under the car so if anything collapses you won't get crushed

[@EngineeringExplained]

Since how-to/installation/repair videos are not the norm for this channel, I'm going to be releasing them with a greater frequency than my "explained" videos. I will have a video released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between October 2nd and October 16th, so get ready for an overdose of Engineering Explained over the next two weeks! The focus will primarily be on coilovers, but there will be other videos as well. Hope you call can learn something from the coming installation videos!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Most people who've ever touched their cars do, but I'm going to be getting into some installation videos and will start with the car on jack stands with wheels removed. When someone asks how it's done, I want to be able to refer to this video. Always explaining the basics first. :)

[@CelestialSevenEl]

Did you bend in the metal tab on each of the jack stands?

[@brad6308]

Extra tip, slide the tires under the car. Comprehensive insurance ;)

[@TubeYouGuru]

Better than a car coming down on your head or chest

[@fungames24]

@@TubeYouGuru The tires will not be wide enough to stop the car coming down on your head because you wouldn't normally lie completely flat under there while working. When that happen, you will go into a vegetative state and more expense for your family. Much cheaper sticking with a third-party insurance - when you are gone, you are gone. Alternatively, I suggest replace the stands with stacks of joined-together wood with a large base. The car cannot go through a big pile of wood.

[@wafi3187]

B Rad That saved me and a car !! But wrecked my brand new iPhone 😢

[@intraw831]

Use old rims

[@caydeisclutch2589]

@@fungames24 if you lay on the ground OG style like I do, rather than a glider, it works. Plus I'm really small as it is, so I've got more than enough space. Probably not safe for a beefcake tho. Haha

[@EngineeringExplained]

The chock should be placed on the outside of the tire (furthest from where you're jacking the car) since if the car were to roll it would roll towards the end that is the lowest. To be safe (especially if you're working on a mild incline - not recommend!) you can always put chocks on both sides.

[@madimakes]

“Chock” - helpful term to know, thanks. Googled “chalk the rear wheels” to understand what this meant 😂

[@str8ball3r24]

Great video and attention to safety, I see a lot of people who don't know what they're doing have their car fall off of a jack because they don't use the points they're supposed to.

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

So cool to see your progression as a KZbinr... Watching this one for the first time in 2021.

[@chackmule4998]

Same here!

[@RevlisGT]

@SuperrBludger Those jack points are safe to hold the car on jack stands. In fact, if you look in the owners manual or repair manual it will show/tell you to place the jackstands in that location, on the reinforced jack point. Often cars have a unibody construction and do not have a conventional chassis. If you try to jack up the car or place stands somewhere else there is a good chance you could do some damage. You can knock on that area and hear that it is not solid, if you try to jack there you can see the metal start to flex. Really the only decent places to hold the car are the jack points or certain places on the engine, trans, diff, or suspension. This does depend on the vehicle.

[@COSMACELF1802]

Putting your car in gear or park to lock the front wheels (for jacking the rear) only works on a front wheel drive. Use wheel chocks always. Also, it's good to give the car a shake before inspecting the jack stands, listen for any shifting, don't raise too high from one side. Good video, but missing some additional safety information. Make sure your jack stand is on a surface that won't sink. Best to check out some other videos from professionals.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I wouldn't put the car on a single jack stand. Ultimately it would depend on the frame completely, but it could be putting some strange forces on it that it typically wouldn't see.

[@EngineeringExplained]

It's my first car, and a great one!

[@MichelBalik]

An added precaution would be to put the tires under the car around where the frame of the vehicle is so if it does happen to slip off you still have the rims to keep the car off the ground and support it.

[@Priotech]

We just put the whole car in the air on 4 jackstands, that way she can't roll anywhere. Also, in theory the side jacking points (or sills) are really only used for the scissor-jack that the car comes with, over time you can crush the metal tang flat. If you can put the stand under another piece of frame near or on a suspension mounting point it is usually better, but it is also hard to find these points when you aren't familiar with the underside of the vehicle.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I would simply search for a forum discussing the mounting points, if you're unable to located them on your own. Worst case, you could probably get the manual (or at least find the jacking points) from a dealer/mechanic. You shouldn't lift the vehicle from points which were not designed to do so.

[@sauercrowder]

It's funny, I was watching your videos to learn about the clutch/transmission but ended up here after a little while... I only started working on my car recently and the first thing I did was have my older brother show me how to jack it safely. He raised each side from the jack point and then slid a jack stand under a strong part of the frame. While this was happening I asked why not just jack both sides at once and he (as usual) chose to think I was just being dumb.

[@e420ric]

When removing rear tires put the tires in the trunk so the center of gravity doesn't change, which could cause you car to tip forward on the hoist.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Good call, chocks are important!

[@EngineeringExplained]

You are very fortunate to have such a machine.

[@anthonygalang4120]

Harbor Freight low profile jack and AutoZone jack stands. Same stuff I use.

[@kevindiaz3459]

I almost went with that harbor freight, got a big red instead, because oddly enough it was actually a little cheaper the day I was buying a jack. But I know full on car guys that have that jack.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Coilover installation video is this coming Monday!

[@rds990]

Nice vid....I always just lift my truck with my left hand and change the tire with my right. Cheaper that way.

[@K44S1M]

Nice video. I find it easier to jack from the sill and put the jack/ Axel stands under the wishbone if I'm only working on one side.

[@MrMelgar2000]

Dude I really like your Integra. I want it to be my first car.

[@HailAnts]

If you're jacking the car up high, to work under it not just remove the wheels, after you set it down on the jack stands leave the jack under it and shake the car on the jack stands back and forth vigorously. *It should be solid as a rock!* If ANYTHING doesn't feel right or feels wobbly, don't get under it! Jack the car back up and reseat the jack stands until it's solid!

[@Light-bearer]

Been looking for the actual jack points on my teg today. Thanks man!!!!!!

[@deeelabbwrenth899]

Am i the only one who gets sketched out at the thought of doing this alone?!?

[@Patrick94GSR]

Thought has run through my mind, yes. I need to start putting the tires under the sides of the car.

[@ifell3]

Lol just give it a good shake, make sure your on even ground, some slabs have been known to crack if there is a void in the middle, gravel can be sketchy, use very thick plywood and thin metal over the top to stop it from digging in, i used a old pc case side. But yes be careful, i've had a car slip before, luckily i was just giving the car some welly in the hub nut, but that always taught me safety safety safety!!!!!!

[@vityazsix]

i feel safer alone. no one will lean on the car or "accidentally" kick the jack stand.

[@burns1210]

Yes you are

[@Kauffman578]

Plus the scissor jack it comes with! Triple insurance

[@sauercrowder]

If you're doing anything involving the wheels, you can't have them on ramps. No jack stand is going to reach high enough if your car is on ramps, and even if you raised them with blocks or something they'd just be in your way for little to no benefit.

[@karwinchau4684]

Why remove the tire? Do we have to remove the tire?

[@SpartanMotivation1332]

Can i lift the car with a factory jack and then put the jack stands?

[@EngineeringExplained]

I believe they are Duralast 2 Ton jacks.

[@7150285]

whether you use 4 ramps or only 2 ramps it's much safer than stands. Because using ramps the tires have contact to the ramp and stands are only supported by the frame

[@mynameis890]

that's a nice jack, also which end of the car using the transmission as wheel "chocks" depends on weather its front or rear wheel drive. actual wheel chocks should always be used as well

[@patrickvolvos4010]

Clear and concise

[@EngineeringExplained]

It can be done, yes.

[@matthewhynes16]

use a flat head screw driver to pry off the Hub caps from the sides. just do a bit at a time on each side then pull it right off.

[@Flippidyflops]

If you only need to jack up one side of the car and remove one tire can you put two jack stands side by side on the pinch weld just in case one fails?

[@IgnacioSeveriens]

In a RWD car, how do you lift the rear without the front wheels moving?

[@EngineeringExplained]

IgnacioSeveriens Wheel chocks.

[@mrfrankcastle083]

At least buddy is trying to be safe and asked.

[@burns1210]

If you can't figure that out, you shouldn't be working on your own car

[@ChiDraconis]

@@burns1210 *Correct* Fail point of 4 Ton Jack Stands is not what matters here;

[@FreshBeatles]

2:50 thats some crazy finger strength

[@MRessaXD]

I'm in grade 10 and I have to do this for my auto exam and it's the same car I'm doing it on thank you so much I was really lost!

[@warfl4g]

i mean because you usually lean on the hood, a little bit of momentum can throw it off the stands at the back.

[@raczyk]

How would you lift your entire car, do you do the back or front first? Also how high can you jack your car, can you have the jack almost be vertical, or is that not safe?

[@websurfer1585]

I still dont feel safe under a car on stands, even on a 2 post lift there is still some risk, 4 post lift or a pit are the only totally safe ways to work underneath a car really.

[@warfl4g]

Ramps can be dangerous too, for instance never drive your car foward onto ramps, always reverse onto ramps. My mate almost got crushed a few weeks ago by his 200sx rolling down on him.

[@JBlooey]

We just practiced this in my Auto Ownership and Maintenance class.

[@masskhamisi4]

Integra is a slow economic fwd car that can barely drag its weight .....but with some mods can show lots performance values in the race world...good cars

[@plangetee]

Can't emphasize enough: KEEP the jack under the jacking point as a safety after you've put the car on the jack stands. You can never be too safe :-)

[@Patrick94GSR]

Gets in the way a lot of times, especially when working under the engine bay area.

[@mcdoogle6549]

So use bricks instead

[@kevindiaz3459]

To me, this is the worst part about working on any car, simply because I don't do it often enough to really remember what to do. A question, why is the area that you apply the jack stands shaped the way it is? With that long metal strip, I think it's called a pinch weld? I'm a total newb on this sort of thing (in spite being in my 40's lol), it just seems odd to me that every car I have had to jack up was like this

[@nicderemer1]

I have a staight axle. Is it safe to do one side at a time? My vehicle doesnt have a center location like yours so it wont balance like that

[@rinker9227]

This is a hot topic amid mellienial diyers and introduction of suv unibodys The physics don't allow for a trolley jack to go right on the frame and bent frame rail.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Wooden blocks?

[@Jmpaul26]

Hi EE! Do you know for certain that all vehicles have these jack points for floor jack use? I really appreciate your time pointing out the difference. I feel the manual only points out where the jack stands go.

[@AeyBeCei]

you should do a video of how to change the car oil

[@prki9159]

How long can car been on this jack? No damage if is to long on it? Tnx

[@Cirrux]

Pretty sure he was asking about the floor jack. It looks awesome, I need one that low profile.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yep, or blocks, that way you don't ruin your wheels. :)

[@analogkyle]

In my integra manual it states rear tow hook is NOT a jacking point. Just wondered what you thought abou this

[@Suo96]

i noticed u said put the vehicle in gear to jack up the rear, what if its for a RWD layout car?

[@ramones53rd3rd]

Do all cars have front jacking point? Mine doesn't have one in the manual

[@andrewmartinez42]

How are the pittsburgh jacks? They any good? I came close to buying one but was hesitant. Nice looking integra!!

[@AlexMerritt0000]

Can one use the scissor jack that comes with a car to lift one side at a time, placing each jack one at a time to get the entire front up?

[@nizzphanit]

Alex Merritt Very time consuming but i do it all the time. No problem at all. Leave the jack there too to support the weight

[@devindersa8244]

hey to get the first jack stand under the car, where should i put it since the scissor jack is in the spot where it needs to go

[@ufninoc]

Both sides of the jack doesn’t touch the pinch well in my car any tips ? 2004 Toyota Corolla

[@brandondaniels9471]

Thank you so much! This video was a life saver! :-)

[@sauercrowder]

true mechanics don't watch a guide for something this simple, even in the beginning! - famous last words

[@williamdyer2024]

sauercrowder is why are you here then

[@shirke01]

Safety First! Thanks for the Video

[@GosuVu]

nice work soldier

[@FurryWrecker911]

I have seen this in the past few videos that I was told not to do: 1 you took the bolts off before you jacked up the car 2: you didn't take off the bolts in opposites (top, bottom, right, left). Why did you do it that way?

[@EngineeringExplained]

1. I didn't remove them, I loosened them. Otherwise the wheel will rotate and the nuts won't come off easily once raised. 2. I tighten them in the star pattern, as far as removing them, doesn't seem like it would matter.

[@jedknutson8373]

your front mounting points are not correct. use the frame not the lift points for the scissor jack.

[@Drifting50]

Why should you put the car in gear to jack it up? And that too only when lifting the rear?

[@b.h.6599]

if my jack wont fit under the front can i do each side one by one using the frame rails and the seam points?

[@JustAnotherGuyInTheComments]

If you’ve got the option, drive onto some wood blocks to get extra clearance.

[@ekner]

I'd like to point out that most RWD cars won't lock the front wheels if you put them in gear or park, or use the e-brake. Putting chocks on both sides of the front wheels is what I do when I jack up the rear of RWD cars.

[@kf3en]

How do you know that the car is not going to roll in the other direction from the wheel chocks?

[@3dwin014]

Hi wanna ask, some wheel have cover on the rims. How to remove the cover so that the nut can be removed later on?

[@paulhealey2984]

I need those wheel chocks.

[@JetpackSuperheroes]

Thank you for this man, I appreciate you!!!

[@JohnnysWhips]

Thanks for Sharing. 👍🏼

[@rw2890]

ok, but how am iam gonna put the jack stand under it without a front jackpoint?

[@MeanManMeanio]

Going under the vehicle good to know to leave the jacket stand there as extra precaution☺️

[@squirrelcovers6340]

If you're using a scissor jack then where do the stands go? Most people don't have a floor jack.

[@RyanVasquez6089]

A very well engineered car too

[@PavelShevchuk]

And if it's Saab, both handbrake and drive goes to the front axle, and you need to chock rear wheels when lifting front end of the car. :)

[@dennisbektas2804]

I have a question that might be silly but I’m having trouble finding a solid answer to on my own….if I’m planning on raising and supporting both ends of the car and taking all 4 wheels off, is there a certain way this should be done? Front first, or rear first? Or am I overthinking it lol….just want to keep my Mustang in awesome shape and do mods to it without dying a horrible death underneath it lol 🤷🏻‍♂️😬

[@danielgrandon2701]

Thanks for sharing!

[@7150285]

will body on frame chassis vehicle will the same way when jacking it up?

[@pokedreadhead6089]

Is it safe to do this on gravel?

[@overlordKrunK]

Vintage Jason!

[@MrEugeneleo]

what's the optimized height if I want to work under the car? Say I want to change transmission fluid.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Does this assume a front-wheel-drive car?

[@gibbytravis]

You should really protect those pinch welds from getting damaged by the jack stands by inserting a pop tart between the top of the jack stand and the body of the car.

[@reper7115]

Great video

[@warfl4g]

wouldn't it be better to secure both tyres and frame instead of one or the other?

[@KiwiOverlord]

I am having an issue using jack stands with a scissor jack. The hardpoint area is not long enough as the jack stand base is wide. If I use the scissor jack on the hardpoint, there is not enough room for me to place the jack stand on the hard point. Besides getting a floor jack are there any solutions?

[@Avigdor404]

Is it safe to put the entire car up on 4 jack stands? It seems like if you have the front on jack stands it would be unsafe to jack up the back as well..

[@thornindustriesUK]

Ive seen people think they have a metal front subframe and jack it up on a cheap plastic bumper.... then ensures an all mighty crack.

[@3dwin014]

So after doing it, the cover can still fit back in?

[@PMoney365]

Is is safe to life one side of the car as opposed to front or back and leave the other side on the ground? For example if I was going to switch the places of the right front and right rear wheels?

[@Patrick94GSR]

Jack up under the front side jack point. The rear sway bar will help lift the rear wheel off the ground as well as the front. I do this all the time for tire rotations.

[@ky09]

Lol great video I have 99 integra, how convenient.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Nice, great car!

[@shawnboyd96]

Hey, if you ever want to sell that Integra. Let me know. Lol

[@Voivrenetwork]

I have a mustang, so there is a front point I can use the jack that came with the car in front and place my jack stands where the jack points are on the side of the car or do they go somewhere else under the car?

[@staticvoidmain]

Can i lift the vehicle with four jackstands so i can remove all four wheels?

[@warfl4g]

you usually use 2 ramps and 2 stands.. right?

[@jamesculljr]

What kind of jack is that? Would you put a link to where I can buy one like that?

[@TrainerTakumi]

James Cull Jr pittsburg 2ton low profile u can get it at harbor freight