Jacks make it easier and safer to work on the underside of a vehicle because of the support they give. The support enhances the stability of a raised vehicle so that it does not fall and harm the mechanic. Here are six tips for using jack stands safely:
1. Find a Good Surface
The surface you use when jacking a vehicle should be even and firm for improved stability. This allows the vehicle’s weight to rest on the jack equipment in a balanced manner. Uniform and solid grounds prevent jack stands from slipping and causing accidents during vehicle servicing. Safety is also increased when the vehicle frame is unable to tilt and collapse off the saddle of the lifting tool. Using jacks on solid, uniform ground can enable them to function appropriately without the risk of getting damaged. Should your vehicle develop a mechanical issue while driving, pull over and find a safe jacking area free from traffic.
2. Apply Parking Chocks
Jacking clips or parking chocks assist in securing a jacked vehicle by blocking the tires from rolling forward or backward. This helps prevent scenarios where the lifted vehicle comes off the jack and harms the auto repair technician. The types of parking chocks that prevent mishaps from happening are wheel chocks and parking stops. Common materials used to make these devices include wood, concrete, plastic, or hard rubber. When lifting an automobile, apply tire chocks with similar shapes and sizes to prevent movement during servicing. Engaging a handbrake before raising a vehicle also contributes to safe maintenance.
3. Inspect the Jack
Before placing the mechanical equipment under the vehicle, inspect it for cracks that may affect its ability to lift a vehicle as intended. Don’t use jacks with bent stands and columns to lift and support a vehicle, as they may snap. Check the tool’s carrying capacity to see how many tons it can hold when servicing the automobile.
Check how adjustable this mechanical tool is. Jacks enable you to raise a vehicle to a reasonable position for easier maintenance. Inspect the ratchet and safety pin locks to see if they are tight and secure for reliable support. Other parts to check include the teeth, pawls, base, and recesses, which all assist in a vehicle’s stability.
4. Check for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Jacking Points
Owners should give mechanics user manuals to help them understand the positions of OEM jacking points. The points are on the vehicle’s frame, near the wheels, and on the rocker panels to enable safe lifting. Vehicles that lack manuals should have markings on these areas to help auto mechanics locate OEM jacking points quickly.
5. Position Jacking Tools Correctly
Positioning this tool just below the jacking point area can help prevent the vehicle from slipping off the jack. The pawls and teeth of this mechanical tool should provide a firm grip to keep a car’s frame, especially when it is lifted for a long time. Correct positioning also involves raising or lowering the stand height and keeping the safety pin locked. This prevents situations where mishaps and injuries can occur. Before doing repairs, support and secure the vehicle with several jacks at the same time to spread the weight uniformly and enhance safety. You can place two jacks at one end or use four if you want to lift the entire vehicle.
6. Inspect the Stability of the Vehicle
As you prepare to get under the vehicle for repair work, confirm that your lifting tool does not shake. After jacking, test the vehicle to determine if it is stable and safe to work on. Check to see if all the raised sides of the vehicle are balanced. Confirm that the mechanical tools raising the vehicle are properly aligned, as a side that is leaning or drooping may cause issues. Once you complete maintenance, rotate the handle of this equipment to bring down the vehicle safely. Detach the tools once the tires touch the ground to avoid accidentally dropping the vehicle.
Purchase Quality Jack Stands Today
Jack stands enable auto repair technicians to fix mechanical problems on the undercarriage of vehicles safely and comfortably. The tools have different capacities to support and stabilize heavyweight and lightweight automobiles. Contact a heavy-duty equipment dealer if you are looking for quality lifting tools.
