Jackstand And Oil Pan: A Safe Combination?

Jack stands are a useful tool for elevating your car and providing a secure foundation when performing an oil change or other maintenance tasks. However, when it comes to jacking up the car or the engine, it's important to take necessary precautions to avoid damage or accidents. While some people suggest using the oil pan as a jacking point, others advise against it due to the risk of denting or crushing the pan, especially if it's made of thin aluminium or steel. To safely jack up the engine, it's recommended to use a block of wood or a hockey puck between the jack and the oil pan to distribute the weight and reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, ensuring your car is on a flat surface and using multiple jack stands for stability can further enhance safety when performing maintenance tasks.

Jack stands are essential for safety when changing oil

Jack stands are an indispensable safety measure when performing an oil change. They provide a secure foundation for your car, allowing you to work underneath it with confidence and peace of mind. Here's why jack stands are essential for safety during an oil change:

Stability and Safety:

Jack stands keep your vehicle stable and prevent it from moving or shifting while you work underneath it. This stability is crucial for your safety, as a car falling off a jack or an unstable vehicle can cause serious injuries or even death. By using jack stands, you're taking an extra precaution to ensure your safety and the stability of your car.

Secure Support:

Jack stands are mechanical supports designed to hold the weight of your car securely and safely. They are placed under the vehicle's designated lift points, providing a stable base so you can safely reach the oil drain plug and oil filter. This secure support prevents accidents and ensures your safety while changing the oil.

Added Height:

Jack stands allow you to lift your vehicle off the ground, providing the necessary height to comfortably work underneath it. This added height is especially important when accessing the underside of the vehicle, such as the oil pan, drain plug, and oil filter.

Prevent Vehicle Damage:

Using jack stands can also protect your vehicle from potential damage. If a car falls off a jack or becomes unstable, it can cause serious damage to the undercarriage and other components. By using jack stands, you reduce the risk of damage to your car and avoid costly repairs.

Easy Oil Drainage:

Placing jack stands at specific points under the vehicle can also help with oil drainage. By slightly angling the car, the oil flows more easily out of the drain plug, making the oil change process faster and less messy.

Safety Precautions:

When using jack stands, it's important to follow safety precautions. Ensure your car is parked on a flat, level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Locate the jack points recommended by the manufacturer, and use a hydraulic jack to lift the car. Place the jack stands on a secure, level surface under the vehicle, and slowly lower the car onto them. Always use multiple jack stands, typically two, to ensure stability.

In conclusion, jack stands are a vital safety component when changing your car's oil. They provide stability, security, and peace of mind, allowing you to work confidently underneath your vehicle. By taking the time to set up jack stands properly, you're prioritizing your safety and the well-being of your car.

Never work under a car supported by a jack

Never work under a car supported only by a jack. This is extremely unsafe, and you put yourself at risk of serious injury or death if you do so. Jacks are not stable enough to support a car while you work underneath it. The car could tip up or fall, causing severe harm.

Always use jack stands to support the car when performing any maintenance or repairs underneath it. Jack stands provide a secure foundation and added stability, allowing you to work with confidence and peace of mind. They are essential tools that should always be used in conjunction with a jack.

Before placing the car on jack stands, it is crucial to follow specific safety procedures. First, ensure that the car is parked on a flat, level surface made of solid material. Avoid gravel, earth, dirt, or slopes. Engage the parking brake, put the car in first gear (or park for automatics), and block the tires with wheel chocks or wedges to prevent the car from rolling.

Once safety measures are in place, use a hydraulic floor jack to lift the car and place the jack stands under the designated jack points. These jack points are specified in the car's owner's manual and are typically located along the sides of the car, near the front and rear tires. Ensure that the jack stands are firmly in place and can bear the weight of the car.

After confirming the stability of the jack stands, slowly lower the car onto them. Double-check that the car is stable and secure before crawling underneath. By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure your safety and successfully perform maintenance tasks such as oil changes.

In addition to using jack stands, it is recommended to have a pair of wheel chocks and leave the car in gear for extra protection. Taking these precautions may seem time-consuming, but they are essential for your safety. A car is a heavy piece of machinery, and any instability can lead to disastrous consequences.

Use a hydraulic floor jack to lift the car

Lifting a car with a hydraulic jack is a relatively simple process, but it's important to follow safety precautions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a hydraulic floor jack to lift your car:

Park and Secure the Car

First, make sure you park your car on a levelled, paved surface. If you have no choice but to park on an incline, position your car close to the curb and turn the wheels inward. Use wheel wedges, wood blocks, or bricks to block the downside wheels and prevent them from rolling. Engage the parking brake and put the car in "Park." If your car has a manual transmission, put it in first gear.

Place the Hydraulic Jack and Raise the Car

Check your car owner's manual to identify the proper placement of the jack. Position the hydraulic jack under the car frame. If you only need to lift one corner of the car, place the jack under that specific corner. If you need to lift the front or rear of the car, choose a jack point at the centre of the front or rear suspension or frame. Insert the handle into the hydraulic jack and pump it smoothly to raise the jack until it makes contact with the car frame. Continue pumping until the car is lifted to the desired height.

Place the Jack Stands

Now, place the jack stands under the car frame at reinforced points or "pinch welds" near the jack. Make sure the jack stands are rated to support the weight of your vehicle. Adjust the height of the jack stands so they securely meet the jacking points. Once the jack stands are locked in place, slowly lower the car so that it rests on the stands. Give the car a gentle push to ensure it's stable.

Perform Maintenance or Repairs

With the car securely lifted, you can now perform maintenance or repairs. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures. Never work under a car that's supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands for added stability and safety.

Lower the Car and Remove the Jack Stands

After completing your work, use the hydraulic jack to raise the car slightly higher, then remove the jack stands. Carefully lower each wheel until they touch the ground. Remove any wheel chocks or wedges.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when working on your car. By following these steps, you can confidently lift your car with a hydraulic floor jack and perform the necessary tasks.

Place jack stands under designated jack points

When placing jack stands under designated jack points, safety should always be the top priority. It is crucial to follow the correct procedure to ensure that your vehicle is securely supported and that you can carry out maintenance tasks without putting yourself in danger. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, locate the designated jack points on your vehicle. These points are specifically designed to lift your vehicle safely and protect the undercarriage from damage. You can usually find them along the sides of the car, near the front and rear tires. Your vehicle's owner's manual should provide detailed instructions on locating these jack points. Make sure to mark them off with chalk or tape so you know exactly where to place the jack stands.

Once you have identified the jack points, use a hydraulic floor jack to carefully lift the car. Engage the parking brake and place the jack on a solid, level surface under the vehicle's frame or at the designated lift points. Avoid using a scissor jack, as they are less stable and intended only for emergency situations like changing a tire.

After lifting the car, it's time to position the jack stands. Slide them into place under the designated jack points, ensuring they are on a level surface and can bear the weight of your vehicle. Make sure the jack stands are firmly in place and capable of supporting the weight of your car. Never rely solely on a jack to hold the car up while you work underneath it.

Before lowering the vehicle onto the jack stands, adjust their height if necessary. If you have adjustable jack stands, lift the top until it touches the vehicle's pinch points, and secure it with the safety pin. This step is crucial for your safety, as it ensures that the vehicle won't fall on you if the jack stands are overloaded.

Now, slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Turn the lever on the floor jack counterclockwise to lower the car gently. Once the vehicle's weight is supported by the jack stands, you can remove the jack and start working underneath the car. Always remember to place at least two jack stands for added stability, especially if you're lifting one end of the car.

Finally, before starting any work, it's essential to test the stability of the setup. Give your vehicle a slight nudge to ensure it doesn't move or shift its weight. If it feels sturdy and there is no movement, you can proceed with your maintenance tasks. Otherwise, adjust the jack stands or find a new area to place them.

Use a block of wood between the jack and oil pan

Using a block of wood between the jack and oil pan is a safe and effective way to lift the engine and relieve weight from the engine mounts. This method is often used when replacing engine mount spacers and dogbone mounts.

When placing a block of wood between the jack and oil pan, it is important to ensure that the wood is long enough to span the entire width of the pan. This will ensure that the weight is distributed evenly and prevent the pan from denting in the middle. The wood should also be thick enough to support the weight of the engine without cracking or splitting. Soft white pine or hardwoods may not be suitable as they can crack or become damaged. Instead, consider using a 2x4 or 2x6 piece of wood, which will provide more support and distribute the weight more evenly.

It is also recommended to align the wood grain against the jack stand to avoid splitting the wood. By placing the wood with the grain perpendicular to the jack stand, you can prevent the wood from splitting under pressure.

When using this method, it is crucial to ensure that you are only lifting the engine and not the entire car. Jack stands should be placed under the designated jack points of the car to provide additional support and stability. The car should be parked on a flat, level surface, and the emergency brake should be engaged to prevent any accidental movement.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use a block of wood between the jack and oil pan to lift the engine and perform maintenance tasks such as replacing engine mounts.

Frequently asked questions