Jacking up a car is a common mechanic task that many people do on a regular basis. But what are the risks associated with this activity? In this article, we will explore the risks associated with jacking up a car and give tips on how to minimize them.
What is Jacking Up?
Jacking up is a term used to describe the act of raising a vehicle’s front or rear end off the ground by use of a jack, lever, or other mechanical device. The purpose of jacking up a car is to adjust the suspension, inspect the tires and wheels for damage, or change a tire.
How to jack up your car
If you’ve ever felt the need to jack up your car, there’s a good chance you haven’t done it correctly. Here are four tips for safely and effectively jacking up your car:
1. Use a jack that is rated for the weight of your car. A minimum jack weight rating of 2,000 pounds is recommended.
2. Place the jack on an even surface and make sure the wheel you’re going to jack is facing the ground.
3. Place the other wheel on the jack and extend the arm fully so that the wheel is off of the ground.
4. Drive your car forward until you feel resistance from the jack and then slowly stop moving your car.
What are the risks of jack-uping your car?
When you jack up your car, you are increasing the chances of it rolling. Rolling a car can cause serious injury or death. Not to mention, if your car rolls into a ditch or onto some other obstruction, you could be left stranded roadside. It’s important to weigh the risks and rewards of jack-uping your car before doing anything.
Conclusion
While it may be tempting to jack up the entire side of your car in order to get that perfect Instagram photo, please remember that this is not a safe practice. If you do decide to go ahead and jack up your car, make sure to use proper safety precautions and never attempt this stunt without first consulting a professional.