How to choose a car jack — a complete guide for drivers

Contents

• What is the point of a car jack
• Key parameters for choosing a jack: load capacity and lifting height
• Main types of car jacks: advantages and disadvantages
• Mechanical jack (scissor jack, bottle jack)
• Hydraulic jack (bottle jack, floor jack)
• Pneumatic jack and air jack
• Farm jack (Hi-Lift jack)
• How to make the right choice: tips from Vnedorognik.ua
• Where to buy a jack

For every motorist, whether an experienced mechanic or an ordinary driver, a car jack is not just a tool, but an essential element of safety and reliability. It is impossible to imagine a complete wheel repair on the road, seasonal tire replacement in the garage, or more serious work without the ability to quickly and safely lift the car. In today's world, where the tool market is overflowing with variety, choosing the right jack can be a real challenge. Which car jack is best for you? This article will help you understand the types of jacks and their features so that you can make an informed choice.

What is the point of a car jack

First of all, a car jack is designed to quickly lift part of a vehicle to a certain height. This allows you to perform the necessary manipulations: replace a flat tire, inspect the chassis, and perform minor repairs under the car. Having a reliable jack in the trunk gives you confidence on any trip, especially when it comes to long distances or trips off paved roads.

Key parameters for choosing a jack: load capacity and lifting height

Regardless of the type, the main characteristic of any jack is its load capacity. It determines the maximum weight that the tool can lift without the risk of breakage or deformation. When choosing a jack for your car, always refer to the total weight of your car (specified in the technical passport) and add a margin of at least 20-30%. This is important because the car may be loaded, or you may be lifting it on an uneven surface, which increases the load on the jack.

Incorrectly selected load capacity can lead to:

• Damage to the jack itself during its first use.
• The jack breaking during operation, which is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or damage to the car.

In addition to load capacity, lift height and pick-up height are also important. The pick-up height indicates the minimum height from which the jack can begin lifting (important for cars with low ground clearance), and the lift height indicates the maximum height to which it can lift a load.

Main types of car jacks: advantages and disadvantages

The modern market offers a wide range of jacks, each with its own design features, advantages, and disadvantages. Let's take a look at the most popular ones.

Mechanical jack (scissor jack, bottle jack)

Principle of operation: lifting is carried out by mechanical transmission of force through a screw pair.

The scissor jack is the most common type, which often comes with passenger cars.

• Pros: compactness, lightness, low price, ease of use. Ideal if you need to buy a jack for a passenger car for emergencies on the road.
• Cons: low load capacity (usually up to 1.5-2 tons), requires considerable physical effort, instability on uneven surfaces, relatively low lifting speed. Not suitable for intensive use or heavy vehicles.

Bottle (or telescopic) mechanical jack — Very compact, works by rotating a screw. It has a cylindrical shape, similar to a bottle.

• Pros: compact, sufficiently stable, simple.
• Cons: slow lifting, requires physical effort, due to its shape, it does not have the best lifting height, so it is not suitable for cars with low ground clearance.

Hydraulic jack (bottle jack, floor jack)

Principle of operation: lifting is carried out by compressing fluid (oil) in the cylinder, which creates high pressure.

A bottle hydraulic jack is very similar in appearance to its mechanical counterpart, but a small lever is used for lifting instead of a screw.

• Pros: high load capacity (models from 2 to 20 and even 50 tons are available), minimal physical effort required for lifting, high stability thanks to a wide base. An excellent choice for trucks or heavy off-road vehicles. If equipped with an emergency valve, it will not allow the design weight limit to be exceeded. If you want to buy a jack for a passenger car, but with a safety margin and for frequent use, this is a good option.
• Cons: not suitable for very low cars, sensitive to horizontal position (may leak oil when stored horizontally), requires maintenance, primarily checking the fluid level.

Floor jack — equipped with wheels and a long handle, allowing it to be easily rolled under the car.

• Pros: convenient and quick to use (especially on a flat, hard surface in a service station or garage), low lift height, high load capacity (usually from 2 to 10 tons), easy to maneuver. Ideal for car services, tire shops, and private workshops that often work with different cars.
• Cons: large size and weight, not suitable for use on uneven ground or in field conditions, requires a flat and solid surface for stable operation.

Pneumatic jack and air jack

They can be floor type or in the form of a separate baloon.

Principle of operation: the lift is carried out by filling a special rubber container with air (from a compressor or car exhaust pipe).

• Advantages: very fast lifting, minimal effort, in the case of a separate cushion, it can work on soft and uneven surfaces (sand, dirt, snow), high lifting capacity (from 2 to 40 tons). In the rolling version, it is an excellent choice for tire fitting and service stations where instant lifting is required. And a separate cushion is indispensable in the off-road.
• Cons: Requires a compressed air source, sensitivity of the rubber container to sharp objects, relatively high price.

Farm jack (Hi-Lift jack)

How it works: Lifting is carried out using a lever mechanism along a rail with holes.

• Advantages: high lifting capacity, ability to lift a car to a great height, versatility of lifting points (bumper, power threshold, wheel), indispensable for off-road and car evacuation from mud, ruts, ditches. It is ideal for owners of pickups, jeeps, and all-terrain vehicles, which is why it is popularly considered an “off-road” jack.
• Cons: large size and weight, requires considerable physical effort to lift, less stability compared to hydraulic jacks on hard surfaces, potentially dangerous if used incorrectly (skills and caution are required).

How to make the right choice: tips from Vnedorognik.ua

Choosing the best car jack depends on your individual needs, car type, and conditions of use.

For cars and “garage” work: If you need to buy a car jack for periodic tire changes or simple repairs, a rhombic or small bottle jack is a great choice. They are compact, affordable, and reliable enough for such tasks.

For a workshop, service station, tire service: If you are a professional repairman or have your own workshop, a hydraulic or pneumatic rolling jack will be an indispensable tool. Its convenience and speed will pay off.

For trucks and heavy machinery: Make sure you choose a powerful bottle-type hydraulic jack with a high lifting capacity.

For off-road vehicles and extreme conditions: If you own an off-road vehicle and frequently go off-road, you should definitely consider a rack and pinion jack. This is your reliable assistant in difficult situations when conventional jacks are powerless. An off-road jack should be as reliable and versatile as possible.

Where to buy a jack

Remember that the quality of the tool is your safety. Regardless of whether you want to buy a jack for a car or a powerful device for off-road use, choose trusted manufacturers and suppliers.

On the Vnedorognik.ua website, we offer a wide range of reliable car jacks of various types of jacks from leading manufacturers. Our specialists are always ready to provide expert advice and help you choose the perfect car jack that will serve you faithfully for many years.

Expert Consultation

The right car jack is an investment in your safety, comfort and independence on the road. We hope that this comprehensive guide has helped you to understand the variety of jacks and determine which tool best suits your needs. Choose wisely, use safely, and may your travels always be worry-free!

Follow us