Car Jacks can be a nuisance, but as long as you’re aware of their capabilities, they’re not really that dangerous. In this article, we’ll explore what carjackers are capable of and how to protect yourself from them.
What is a Car Jack?
Car jack is a tool that is used to pry open car doors by using the leverage of a heavy object. It is also referred to as a pry bar, door jacker, or car window breaker. A car jack has two prongs on one end and a handle on the other. When the user pushes down on the handle, the prongs extend and push against the car door’s locking mechanism. This allows the user to easily pry open the door.
The Types of Car Jacks
There are a few types of car jacks, but the most common is the floor jack.
The floor jack has a metal frame that sits on the ground and a handle at the top. The user lifts the handle up and then pushes down on it to extend the arm.
The other type of car jack is a hydraulic jack. This jack has a hydraulic pump that helps lift the vehicle.
The last type of car jack is an air compressor jack. This is used when there’s no room to use a floor or hydraulic jack. The air compressor blows air into the fuel line, which causes the car to rise off of the ground.
How to Protect Yourself from a Car Jack
If you’re stranded in your car after a car jack has been used on your vehicle, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. First, make sure the windows are rolled up all the way so the jack can’t get a good grip on the window. Next, try to wedge something between the car and the jack, like a rock or a tree stump. Finally, use your cell phone to call for help.
What to Do if You’re Held at Gunpoint by a Car Jack
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re being held at gunpoint by a carjack, there are a few things you can do to try and get out of the situation safely.
The first step is to try and keep calm. If you panic, the carjacker may become more aggressive and may be less likely to listen to your requests for release.
Next, try to remember your surroundings. If you can remember the name of the street or the landmark nearby, it can help you if you need to provide police with information about what happened.
If possible, try to talk to the carjack. Ask him why he’s holding you hostage, and whether there’s anything you can do to get free. If the carjack is young or inexperienced, he may not be able to explain his reasoning very well, but talking to him may still give you a chance at getting out safely.
Finally, be prepared to act quickly if someone comes to your rescue. If someone calls 911 while you’re being held at gunpoint, the carjack may become more agitated and may not release you until police arrive. So make sure that you have a way of getting away from the scene quickly if necessary.
Conclusion
If you’re ever in doubt as to whether or not your car jack can actually pry things, be sure to do some research first. There are a few different ways that jacks can work and the specific design of your car jack might affect how well it works for prying. If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and call a professional.