Hi guys, I am a total noob and the last time I jacked my car was 20 years ago when it was easy.
Went through 20 threads on this forum but I still, have some questions for you. Also wanted to cross-reference the most useful threads I came across for someone like me.
Here is some common wisdom I've gathered from reading other posts (please chime in to correct):
1. Get a low-profile 3-ton floor jack. Looks like Harbor Freight 3 ton low-profile jack is the best bang for the buck
www.harborfreight.com
I just got one on sale for $79.99
2. Get 3-ton jack stands (HF has them for $23).
3. There are two options to lift your car:
Option A.
Looks like the easiest option, that does not require messing with pinch weld pads (hockey pucks or pinch weld adapters). Just use the low-profile jack to get further under the pinch weld and use lift points.
See this thread and discussion here along with nice illustrations and pics:
What's the point of a floor jack?
If jack cannot get there, drive your car on a piece of wood to lift it a bit first.
Option B.
Use pinch weld to lift your car first, and put jack stands under lift points. A lot of forum members said this can be damaging to your car and only should be used with hockey puck mode or pinch weld adapters or the OEM emergency jack that comes with the car.
Now my questions to you:
1. If I need to rotate tires, what is the easiest procedure with Option A? Should I lift the rear first and put a stand under the front lift point?
2. Is it safe to leave the jack under one point and stand/s on the other side if I do not intend to crawl under the car? I've read some folks put wheels under the car as another safety measure and it is never safe to keep the car lifted on a jack for more than an hour.
3. With Option A, is there any reason to use fancy rubber pads for jack pads or stands? Not sure why would one do that since that thick metal plate is used anyway.
Thanks for your input, I am learning a lot from this forum and you!
Updated picture based on the discussion (review the entire thread for tips):
![Image]()
Went through 20 threads on this forum but I still, have some questions for you. Also wanted to cross-reference the most useful threads I came across for someone like me.
Here is some common wisdom I've gathered from reading other posts (please chime in to correct):
1. Get a low-profile 3-ton floor jack. Looks like Harbor Freight 3 ton low-profile jack is the best bang for the buck
Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977
Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
www.harborfreight.com
I just got one on sale for $79.99
2. Get 3-ton jack stands (HF has them for $23).
3. There are two options to lift your car:
Option A.
Looks like the easiest option, that does not require messing with pinch weld pads (hockey pucks or pinch weld adapters). Just use the low-profile jack to get further under the pinch weld and use lift points.
See this thread and discussion here along with nice illustrations and pics:
What's the point of a floor jack?
If jack cannot get there, drive your car on a piece of wood to lift it a bit first.
Option B.
Use pinch weld to lift your car first, and put jack stands under lift points. A lot of forum members said this can be damaging to your car and only should be used with hockey puck mode or pinch weld adapters or the OEM emergency jack that comes with the car.
Now my questions to you:
1. If I need to rotate tires, what is the easiest procedure with Option A? Should I lift the rear first and put a stand under the front lift point?
2. Is it safe to leave the jack under one point and stand/s on the other side if I do not intend to crawl under the car? I've read some folks put wheels under the car as another safety measure and it is never safe to keep the car lifted on a jack for more than an hour.
3. With Option A, is there any reason to use fancy rubber pads for jack pads or stands? Not sure why would one do that since that thick metal plate is used anyway.
Thanks for your input, I am learning a lot from this forum and you!
Updated picture based on the discussion (review the entire thread for tips):
