When you’re looking to save money on your car insurance, you might think about leaving your car on jack stands for a period of time. After all, the longer your car is on the stand, the less it will cost you in premiums. However, there are some things that you need to know before you go ahead and leave your car on a jack stand.
What is Jack Stands
If you’re anything like most people, you probably leave your car parked on jack stands for days at a time without noticing any problems. But what are jack stands, and how long can you leave a car on them?
Jack stands are metal or wood supports that are placed under a car to raise it off the ground. They’re most commonly used to lift cars that have been damaged beyond repair and are waiting for a new part to be delivered, but they can also be used to temporarily fix a car that’s not broken.
The length of time you can leave a car on jack stands depends on the type of stand you’re using and the condition of the vehicle. For metal stands, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends leaving a car on them for no more than 72 hours; for wooden stands, the limit is 24 hours.
How Does a Jack Stand Work
When you pull up to a parking spot and put your car in park, the transmission engages the parking brake. This engages a system inside the car that uses springs and hydraulic pressure to hold the car in place on a jack stand.
The general rule is that you should never leave your car on a jack stand for more than two hours. If you’re going to be away longer, make sure to check your car’s battery, fluids, and brakes.
How to Use a Jack Stand
Jack stands can be helpful for many different things, but they can also be dangerous if not used correctly. Here are a few tips on how to use a jack stand safely:
1. Always use a jack stand in an area that is safe and secure. Never leave the jack stand in an unsafe place, such as on top of a car or on a slippery surface.
2. Make sure the area where you are using the jack stand is level and stable. Do not use a jack stand if it is wobbly or unstable.
3. Use caution when climbing onto and removing the jack stand from the car. Always use caution when climbing onto or removing the jack stand from your car.
4. When using the jack stand, always wear appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection and work gloves.
When to Use a Jack Stand
When should you use a jack stand? This question comes up often when mechanics are servicing or repairing vehicles. There are a few factors to consider before making the decision to use a jack stand:
-The weight of the car and its contents. A heavier car will require more force to topple over using a jack stand, whereas a lighter car will fall more easily.
-Location of the jacking point. In some cases, it may be easier to use a jack stand at an angle near the ground, rather than directly on the floor.
-The condition of the surface under the car. If the surface is soft or crevices exist, using a jack stand in those areas may cause damage or instability.
In general, using a jack stand is recommended for cars that weigh more than 500 pounds and are parked on level ground. If you’re not sure whether your car qualifies, err on the side of caution and use a jack stand.
Conclusion
It’s always important to know the safe time limit you’re allowed to leave your car on jack stands. The manufacturers of these devices typically have a recommended time limit, and if you exceed that time limit, your car could be in danger of being permanently damaged. Check with your specific device’s manufacturer for more information on how long you can leave your car on jack stands before it’s possibly dangerous.