Screw jack

The jack that is normally supplied with the car may be a pillar jack or a scissor jack. Both are raised by winding with a handle. A screw jack is designed for lifting one corner of the car only in order to change a wheel. It can also be used to raise one corner at a time to place axle stands - never get under a car that is supported only by a jack.

Make sure the jack is on a level base. Position it at a jacking point or under a structural member, not under a sheet-metal part.

Hydraulic jack

Trolley jack

Trolley jack
A trolley-jack is quick-acting and easily manoeuvred - but expensive

A hydraulic jack makes lifting the car to place axle stands an easier task. It is levered by a long handle.

Hydraulic jacks may be bottle (upright) jacks, or more expensive trolley jacks (on castors). A 1 ton (1,016 kg) lifting capacity is usually sufficient. For regular use it may be worth buying a trolley jack, but they can be hired. A double-lift jack has a low starting height, so is useful for cars with low ground clearance.

A jack is a mechanical device used as a lifting device to lift heavy loads or apply great forces. A mechanical jack employ a screw thread for lifting heavy equipment. The most common form is a car jack, floor jack or garage jack which lifts vehicles so that maintenance can be performed. Mechanical jacks are usually rated for a maximum lifting capacity (for example, 1.5 tons or 3 tons). More powerful jacks use hydraulic power to provide more lift over greater distances and can be rated for many tons of load.

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