Do you have a lowered car that needs to be elevated for some work to be completed? Jacking up a smaller car can often seem like a daunting task, but if done correctly and with the right equipment, it doesn’t need to be. In this blog post we’ll talk you through how to safely jack up your vehicle so you can get on with the job at hand while avoiding any potential accidents or damage!
If your lowered car needs a bit of a lift, you may be tempted to take it to the shop for repair. But before you do that, why not consider taking matters into your own hands and learning how to jack up a lowered car? With plenty of tools readily available and some knowledge about cars’ suspension systems, you can easily raise your ride yourself. Here we’ll give an overview of the process step-by-step on how to jack up a lowered car!
Why May You Want to Jack Up a Lowered Car?
There are many reasons why you may want to jack up a lowered car. Such as:
1. To Perform Routine Maintenance and Repairs
One of the primary reasons why someone may have to jack up their lowered car is in order to perform routine maintenance and repairs. This means that all of the components of your vehicle will be accessible when you raise it, allowing you to change tires, oil, spark plugs, belts, etc.
2. To Access Hard-To-Reach Areas
Another common reason why someone may need to jack up their lowered car is because they need to access hard-to-reach areas. This could include components like the fuel tank, transmission, exhaust system, or even suspension components.
3. To Install Modifications and Upgrades
Lastly, if you plan on upgrading your lowered car with modifications such as a new exhaust system, suspension components, or interior trim pieces, then you will need to jack it up in order to access the necessary areas.
In conclusion, jacking up your lowered car can be beneficial in many different ways and should not be overlooked. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily raise your car to perform any number of tasks. Make sure to take all necessary precautions and use appropriate safety equipment when jacking up your car. With the right approach, you can easily jack up a lowered car without any issues.
How to Jack Up a Lowered Car in 6 Easy Steps
Step 1: Park the Car on a Flat
The very first step is to park the car on a flat surface, such as concrete or asphalt. Additionally, ensure no obstructions are blocking your access to the jacking points, and jack stands. Also, make sure the parking brakes are engaged.
Step 2: Check for Clearance
Before jacking up a lowered car, it is important to check for tire clearance and make sure that the jack stands will fit underneath the car without hitting any components like exhaust systems or drivetrain components.
Step 3: Preparing Jack Stands & Jack
Prepare your jack stands by positioning them near the jacking points, making sure that they are both level and flat. Then, use an appropriate-sized car jack to lift the vehicle’s weight off the ground.
Step 4: Place Jack Stands
Carefully place one of the jack stands underneath the jacking point on either side of the car and slowly lower it until it rests on the jack stands. Also, you have to make sure that the jack stands are not touching anything other than the jacking points and that they are secure in place.
Step 5: Lift and Secure
Using your car jack, slowly lift the vehicle until it is securely resting on both of the jack stands. Make sure to test the stability of each stand before beginning any work beneath the car. Make sure that the car is safely secured with two jack stands before beginning any work.
Step 6: Final Check
Once the vehicle is safely resting on the jack stands, ensure that all your tools are in place and that everything is secure before beginning any work. You should also check again for tire clearance to ensure nothing is blocking or hitting the tires while they are off the ground.
By following these simple steps, you can easily jack up a lowered car safely and securely. Always be cautious and wear safety equipment when working on the vehicle. In addition, it is important always to check the stability of your jack stands before beginning any work beneath the car. By doing this, you will be able to ensure that your lowered car is safely jacked up and securely in place before beginning any work.
Some Additional Tips to Jack Up a Lowered Car
1. Do Not Use a Scissor Jack
This is very important when it comes to jacking up a lowered car. A scissor jack will not provide enough stability and support, as they are designed to lift cars that have been raised from the factory settings. Using a scissor jack on a lowered car is also very dangerous, as there is much less room for any movement or adjustment, which can lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal accident.
2. Use Jack Stands
When jacking up a lowered car, it is important to use jack stands. These devices are designed with extra strength and support so that they will provide stability needed for any kind of repair or maintenance on your vehicle. Make sure that you properly position the jack stands before attempting to work on your car.
3. Take Extra Safety Precautions
When working on a lowered car, it is important to take extra safety precautions. It is always a good idea to wear safety goggles or glasses while jacking up your car, as dust and debris can easily fly into your eyes when working around the vehicle. Also, make sure to wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt while working on your car. These items will help protect you from any sharp edges or hot components that may be present. You can ensure your safety while jacking up your car by taking extra safety precautions.
4. Consult Professionals
If you are unsure how to jack up your lowered car properly, consulting with a professional is always a good idea. Professional mechanics have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely and correctly jack up a lowered car. This will help ensure that you do not make any mistakes that may cause an accident. Therefore, it is important to contact a professional if you are unsure how to jack up a lowered car properly.
Following these tips and consulting with professionals will help you safely and correctly jack up your lowered car. Taking time to ensure everything is done correctly can save you from any potential danger or accidents from jacking up a lowered car. With the proper precautions and steps, you can ensure that your car is safe and secure while you work on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Jacking Up a Low Car?
When jacking up any vehicle, using the correct equipment and safety precautions is important. Before you lift a lowered car, ensure you have access to sturdy jack stands with a minimum of 3-ton capacity and wheel chocks for extra stability. Also, ensure that you have the correct jack for your vehicle; hydraulic, scissor, or floor jacks are all acceptable. Additionally, check your owner’s manual to ensure that you are using the proper lifting points on your vehicle.
Can I Lift My Lowered Car With a Standard Floor Jack?
Yes, you can use a standard floor jack to lift your lowered car. However, it is important to take the proper precautions and ensure that your jack is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Furthermore, leaving plenty of room for jacking up and lowering your vehicle is important. When using a floor jack, ensure your car is on level ground and the jack is centered correctly before you start to lift.
How Long Can I Leave A Lowered Car Jacked Up?
Leaving any vehicle jacked up for more than a few minutes at a time is not recommended. If you need to keep your lowered car jacked up for longer than necessary, it is important to use jack stands and wheel chocks. Doing so will provide stability and prevent your vehicle from shifting or collapsing while it is in the air. Furthermore, make sure that you check your jack regularly to ensure that it remains secure throughout the process.
Conclusion
Now you know how to jack up a lowered car safely and efficiently. Remember always to use caution when jacking up any car, lowered or not. Make sure to wear the proper safety equipment and follow all instructions provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Additionally, be sure to have a friend help you as an extra precaution against accidents or injury. Finally, be sure to use jack stands for added stability before you get started on any repairs. With the right approach, jacking up your lowered car can be a simple and safe process. Good luck!
