Safety Glasses
Gloves
Jack
Jack Stands
Wheel Chocks
Step 1: Find solid, level ground
First, find solid, level ground. If you're driving and had a flat, you may not have much of a choice, but it’s extremely important to park your vehicle in the flattest possible spot. Never try to raise a vehicle on ground that is not level, has a soft surface, or is covered with debris like rocks or gravel.
Step 2: Verify the weight specifications for your equipment
Make sure that your jack and jack stands meet the manufacturer-recommended weight specifications, and never try to lift and support your vehicle on a narrow shoulder or a curve in the road where oncoming traffic will have trouble seeing you.
Step 3: Set the parking brake and chock the wheels
If your vehicle is an automatic, put it in park. If it’s a standard, put it in first gear. Then, be sure to set your parking brake, and chock the wheels that remain on the ground. This will keep the car from moving while you’re jacking it up and setting your stands.
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Do It Right: Only use your crank jack in emergencies – that’s the jack that comes with your vehicle. Use a floor jack whenever possible. |
Step 4A: Raising the front of the vehicle
Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify where you should place your jack and jack stands after you’ve raised the front of the vehicle, and how much weight your stands will need to support.
Once you’re sure any rocks and debris are clear from the areas your jack and jack stands will sit, it’s safe to raise the vehicle. Set your stand or stands underneath at the locations specified by the manufacturer.
It’s best to support both sides of the vehicle for stability, but the work you’re doing will determine whether one side or both sides need to be supported. Jack stands must be sitting level – if they’re tilted at all, they’re unstable.
Step 4B: Raising the rear of the vehicle
Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify where you should place your jack and jack stands after you’ve raised the vehicle, and how much weight your stands will need to support.
Once you’re sure any rocks and debris are clear from the areas your jack and jack stands will sit, it’s safe to raise the vehicle. Set your stand or stands underneath at the locations specified by the manufacturer.
Just like the front, it’s best to support both sides of the vehicle for stability. The work you’re doing will determine whether one side or both sides need to be supported. Jack stands must be sitting level – if they’re tilted at all, they’re unstable.
Step 5: Lower your vehicle onto the stands
Carefully lower your floor jack so that the vehicle rests on the stands. Before getting underneath the vehicle or continuing to work, test the stability of the stands by pushing gently on the vehicle from different angles.
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Do It Right: For the sake of safety, NEVER work under a vehicle that’s supported only by a jack. |
Step 6: Raise your vehicle & remove the stands
To remove the stands, you’ll use your jack in the same spot you used initially to lift the vehicle to raise it off of the stands. Keep in mind that you should never have to apply any pressure to get the jackstands out from under the vehicle– they should come out freely.
Then carefully lower your vehicle, following the specific instructions for your floor jack.
How to Change Your Oil & Oil Filter
Changing your oil and oil filter regularly will help keep your vehicle running well. Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles.
How to Change a Flat
Getting a flat tire can be a stressful situation. Fortunately, using the proper safety precautions and tools, changing a flat tire can be a simple job you can perform yourself.
How to do a Tire Rotation
Rotating your vehicle's tires can go a long way in maintaining the life of your tires. It's important to pay attention to a few factors when attempting to do it yourself.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.