Jack stands are a common sight in the wintertime, when your car can’t be left outside because of the cold weather. But what you might not know is that Jack stands have their own dangers. In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the risks associated with using Jack stands, and how long you should leave your car on them for.
What is Jack Stands
A jack stands is a tool that is used to raise a vehicle. It is a metal frame, with two arms that come out from the base, and are hinged at the top. The arms can be raised and lowered, to allow a vehicle to be raised off the ground.
How to use Jack Stands
Leave your car on the jack stands for a short period of time to see if it’s worth fixing. If the car is in good condition and there is no damage, you can leave it on the stands for up to 24 hours. If the car has major damage, or if you don’t feel safe driving it, take it off the stands and bring it in for repairs.
When is it Time to Change a Jack Stand
There are a few key factors you need to consider when deciding when to change a jack stand. The first thing is how often the jack is used: if it’s only used occasionally, then it may be fine to leave it in place. However, if the jack is used more regularly, then it might be time to switch out the jack stand.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the car. If the car weighs less than the weight of the jack stand, then it may be ok to leave it in place. However, if the car weighs more than the weight of the jack stand, then it’s time to switch out the jack stand.
Lastly, consider how stable the ground is. If the ground is unsteady or unstable, then using a jack stand may not be safe. In this case, you may need to use a different type of jacking system or use a crane or forklift to remove the car.
Conclusion
In general, you should leave your car on jack stands for no more than two hours. This is because the metal frame of your car will heat up and eventually rust if it remains in contact with the ground for too long. If you need to leave your car on jack stands for longer than two hours, be sure to keep an eye on it and make sure that it doesn’t get too hot or rust.