How to find the jack points on your car
Thursday 13th July 2023
Whether you’re planning to change your car’s tyres or investigate a mechanical issue, knowing how to properly jack up your vehicle is essential. Jacking up your car should always be approached with caution. If you’re unsure about performing this task yourself, don’t worry – simply book an appointment with your nearest autocentre, and our expert team will be more than happy to help you.
If you feel confident about jacking up your car on your own, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information.
What is a jack point on a car?
Jack points on a car refer to reinforced metal ribs that are specifically designed to bear the weight of your vehicle when using a jack to lift it from the ground. These points ensure stability and safety during the process.
Different types of car jack
There are several types of car jacks available, each designed to support the load of a vehicle in specific scenarios.
- Scissor jacks: Often used to change tyres on the side of the road in an emergency. However, this type of jack has become less popular in recent years due to the introduction of run flat tyres.
- Hydraulic bottle jacks: Hydraulic bottle jacks are small and compact and are ideal for smaller vehicles, but are unsuitable for larger vehicles due to their size limitations.
- Hydraulic trolley jacks: Hydraulic trolley jacks are ideal for situations where you need more stability, however, as the largest type of car jack, are not practical to be kept in your car.
Where are jack points on a car?
Where your jack points are located varies from vehicle to vehicle and are usually indicated in your vehicle’s maintenance guide. However, they can be spotted by looking at the chassis of your car in the following areas.
- Next to the front and rear wheels: Jacking points are usually placed near the front and rear wheels to make it easy to change your tyres without lifting the whole vehicle.
- On the rear differential: The rear differential is a popular location for a jacking point as it can balance the entire weight of the car and gives the most space to work under the car.
- Front and rear crossmembers: When jacking up from the crossmembers, you will need to use the jacking points on both sides of the vehicle in order for it to bear the load safely.
Jacking up your car for the first time can be daunting, and it can also be risky - especially if you’re going underneath the car. If you’re not confident in using a jack to change your tyres or to perform maintenance, contact our team of qualified mechanics. You can also conveniently book an appointment at your local centre where our professionals will gladly assist you.
