How do you use a car jack? It's an essential piece of kit if your car needs a repair that requires you to get underneath it. But there are numerous types available, so which should you choose?
The different car jacks
There are three main types of jack: the trolley jack, bottle jack and scissor jack. They all do the same thing, but in a slightly different way, and some are more stable than others.
How to use a jack
This first bit is very important: make sure your car is on the level and not a slope; it should also be on solid ground such as Tarmac or concrete, and not gravel or turf, which will cause stability issues.
Now locate the car's jacking points â your Haynes Manual shows you where these are within the Roadside Repairs section. Your owner's manual will also tell you where it is safe to lift the car from.
Scissor jack
This is the one you'll usually find in your boot, together with a spare wheel. It's the cheapest and smallest option available and comes with a handle to wind the arms apart, which then lifts the car up.
Position it under the jacking point and wind it clockwise until the car is lifted off the ground. To lower the car again, simply turn the handle anticlockwise.
Out of the three types of jack, the scissor type tends to require the most effort because of all the winding that's required. Are scissor jacks safe? Yes, as long as you make sure it's sitting on flat, solid ground and is directly beneath the jacking point (and not at an angle) before you start turning the handle. If it isn't, there's a chance the vehicle could topple off it.
How to use a trolley jack
This is a safer, more stable and quicker option than a scissor jack, and is the choice of professional mechanics. Its wheels mean you can roll it into position easily, but before you do, start by making sure the relief valve is closed â refer to your jack's instructions but this is usually done by using the end of the removable handle.
Then it is simply a case of inserting the handle and pumping it until the cradle reaches the car jacking point. To lower the car, take the handle out and twist the relief valve anti-clockwise to open it, taking care to do so slowly to lower the car gently.
Are trolley jacks safe? As the name suggests, they have wheels, which will move a little as you jack up the vehicle. But things will stabilise as the jack takes up the weight of the vehicle. It is important to make sure you're working on level ground, though.
Whatâs a bottle jack?
A bottle jack works in much the same way as a trolley jack, using hydraulic force to lift the car. It has the bonus of being smaller and easier to store than a trolley (so you may be able to carry it in your car boot) but this means it isnât quite as stable.
Again, make sure the relief valve is closed, then unscrew the top of the jack to the correct length â the instructions should tell you how far you need to extend it. Then position it under the jacking point, insert the handle and pump until the car is raised.
Lower it again in the same way as the trolley jack.
Are bottle jacks better than scissor jacks? Basically, yes. Bottle jacks and scissor jacks aren't as stable as trolley jacks because of their smaller footprints, but in our opinion bottle jacks are nicer to use than scissor jacks because of their easier operation.
Can I work under a car thatâs only supported by a jack?
No! NEVER be tempted to do this, even if it's a quick job that's going to take minutes to complete. If you plan to raise the car because you need to get under it, then you'll need axle stands to support the car safely.
As with a car jack, axle stands must only be used on firm, level ground, with all four wheels on the same surface (not with two up on a kerb, for example). Also make sure the stands you buy can support the weight of your vehicle.
So which jack should I buy?
Based purely on which is more effective at raising a vehicle, weâd put the trolley jack at the top of the list. Not everyone has room to store it, though, so if space is tight, go for a bottle jack.
