Guides

How to safely lift a car in a workshop? A guide to support points

Safety in the workshop is a priority. Improper use of a jack, even one as popular as a hydraulic jack, can damage the vehicle's chassis or, worse, pose a threat to the mechanic's health and life. The key to safe work is to correctly identify and use support points.

What are support points?

Support points are specially reinforced areas on the frame or chassis of a vehicle that are designed to lift it with a jack. They are designed to withstand the weight of the vehicle and distribute the pressure without damaging the structure. Ignoring them and lifting the car in random places can result in dents, bent sills, or damage to suspension components.

Where to look for support points?

These points are usually located in several key areas:

1.     Along the side sills: These are usually special reinforced areas, often marked with an arrow, notch, or cutout, located near the wheels. This is the most common way to lift one side of the vehicle.
2.     Under the vehicle frame: In vehicles with a load-bearing frame (e.g., SUVs, trucks, off-road vehicles), the support points are located directly under the solid frame members.
3.     Reinforced points on suspension components: Sometimes, when you need to lift a specific wheel, you can use the lower control arms or other strong suspension components, provided they are sufficiently reinforced.

Important note: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for precise diagrams and descriptions of the support points.

Safe lifting procedure

1. Selecting a location: Ensure that the vehicle is on a firm, level surface. Never use a jack on soft ground (e.g., grass, gravel).
2. Wheel chocks: Secure the wheels with chocks or blocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. Apply the parking brake.
3. Jack positioning: Position the jack under the selected support point. Make sure that its cap (preferably with a rubber pad) fits snugly against the designated area to minimize the risk of slipping.
4. Lifting: Lift the vehicle slowly and smoothly, constantly monitoring its stability. Make sure it does not move sideways.
5. Securing: Once the vehicle is lifted, immediately secure it with jack stands. NEVER work under a car that is supported only by a hydraulic jack. The jack is a tool for lifting, and jack stands are for supporting the weight.

Where can you find diagrams and graphics?

For most vehicle models, support point diagrams are easily available online, on automotive forums, or in manufacturers' service manuals. It is also worth checking whether your vehicle manufacturer provides such diagrams in free databases on its website. It is also a good idea to search for graphics that clearly illustrate the relevant points, e.g., by entering keywords such as “jack points [car make and model]” in a search engine. Such visual aids are essential for safe and correct work performance.