Jack stands are a key piece of equipment for any body shop, and for good reason. They allow you to work on cars without having to precariously balance on the edge of the vehicle. However, where should you place the jack stand under a car?
Location
When installing a jack stand under your car, it is important to be aware of the location that gives you the best stability.
There are several factors to consider when determining the best location for a jack stand:
-Your driveway surface: A smooth, level driveway provides the most stability. However, if your driveway is wet or frozen, a jack stand will not grip the surface as securely.
-The type of jack stand you are using: A hydraulic jackstand is more stable than a hand jackstand, but a hand jackstand is more stable than a built-in jack.
-The weight of the car: If the car is heavy, placing a jack stand closer to the ground will provide more stability.
-The height of the car: The higher the car, the further away from the ground you should position your jack stand.
Types of Jack Stands
There are a few different types of jack stands that can be used to support a car while it’s being worked on.
The most common type of jack stand is the floor jack. This stand is easily mounted to the floor with adjustable feet and has a handles that allow the user to move the car while the jack is in use.
Another type of stand is the bucket jack, which uses a bucket to hold the car upright. This stand is slightly more difficult to use, as you must first remove the bucket and then mount it onto the stand.
Another popular type of jack stand is the hydraulic jack, which uses hydraulic pressure to hold the car upright. This stand is not as easy to use as some of the others, but it can hold a much larger vehicle than some of the other stands.
How to Install a Jack Stand
If you’re installing a jack stand under a car, you’ll need to make sure your car’s weight is evenly distributed. To do this, find the center of the car’s weight and place the jack stand at that location. If your car has four tires in the front and two in the back, for example, place the jack stand between the two rear tires.
A jack stand allows you to raise a car off the ground so you can work on it. Make sure you use one when changing a tire or repairing damage.
Tips for Using Jack Stands
Some people prefer to use jack stands under their cars in order to keep the car from shifting while they work underneath. Others use jack stands to make repairs or replacements on their car without having to remove the entire vehicle.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when using jack stands:
-Make sure the area is level and smooth, as uneven surfaces can cause the stand to wobble.
-Position the stand so that the weight of the car presses down on it evenly. This will keep it from becoming unstable.
-Make sure the end of the jack is firmly inserted into the ground before lifting the car. If possible, use a clamp to secure the jack in place.