Floor jacks are very handy and useful tools.
Hydraulic jacks are typically manufactured from horizontally placed pump jack assembly that stretches out between two metal support pieces.
Four metal wheels can be found just below the metal support that allows the jack to be lugged around on a smooth and solid surface.
It should be noted that concrete is the recommended surface for floorjacks.
The Right Jack As with any other tools and equipment, the specifications of your automotive jacks should suffice the job that you need to do.
Before you proceed on lifting any vehicle, it is advised that you get the right jack for you.
Your automotive floor jack should safely lift the weight of a particular vehicle.
Automotive jacks have different ratings starting from two tons to twenty tons.
You must note thought hat the capacity of any floor jack should not surpass at least half of the vehicle's gross weight.
For instance, if your car or vehicle weighs 3 tons, then you need an automotive floor jack that has a 2-ton capacity to lift your vehicle.
For your own safety, you should use jack stands to support the weight of the vehicle that you want to life.
Avoid using the jack as the sole support of the vehicle.
The load should be distributed and this can be done with jack stands.
Another set of equipment that you can use with your automotive jacks are wheel chocks.
These are placed in front of the wheels that will disable any movement while the vehicle is being raised.
Placing the Jack Automotive floor jacks should be used always on solid and smooth surfaces, preferably again, concrete.
For your vehicle's security, you need to check your manual to know the various jack points where your automotive floorjack can come in contact with before lifting.
If you place the jack on the wrong place, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle's body or undercarriage.
Again, the vehicle, before lifting, should also be placed in a firm and level surface to prevent the automotive jack from 'kicking out' from under the vehicle until your desired height is achieved.
Securing the Vehicle Wheel chocks need to be placed on the tires before your car is raised.
Wedge the chock to the outside area of the tire to keep it from rolling in any direction.
After doing so, carefully slide the automotive floor jack under the vehicle and place it on the 'jack points'.
Slowly raise the vehicle to your desired height and position the jack stands immediately as soon as the desired height is achieved.
After everything is accomplished, it is now safe to work on your vehicle's undercarriage.