Changing a tire requires proper jack placement to ensure safety and avoid damage. This guide covers ten key considerations for finding and using the correct jack points, helping you lift your car securely during roadside flats or garage maintenance, keeping you safe and back on the road fast.

1. Consult Your Car’s Owner’s Manual

Your car’s owner’s manual specifies the exact jack points for safe lifting. These points are designed to support the vehicle’s weight without causing damage during a tire change.

Checking the manual ensures you place the jack correctly, especially for unfamiliar vehicles. Here’s how to use it.

• Find the manual. Check your glovebox or online for your car’s manual, which details jack point locations.

• Locate jack points. Look for diagrams showing reinforced areas near each wheel, typically on the frame.

• Follow instructions. The manual guides precise placement, taking 1-2 minutes, ensuring a safe lift at no cost.

• Keep it handy. Store the manual or a digital copy for quick reference during emergencies.

2. Identify Reinforced Frame Points

Cars have reinforced frame points near each wheel, designed to handle the jack’s lifting force. These spots ensure stability and prevent damage to the undercarriage.

Locating these points is critical for safe tire changes, especially on unfamiliar vehicles. Here’s how to find them.

• Look under the car. Check near the wheel for a reinforced metal area, often a pinch weld or frame rail.

• Avoid weak spots. Don’t place the jack under plastic panels or soft undercarriage parts, which can bend.

• Take 1-2 minutes. Finding the point is quick, keeping the tire change safe and cost-free.

• Confirm stability. Ensure the jack sits flat on the reinforced area to prevent slipping.

3. Locate Pinch Welds Near Wheels

Most cars have pinch welds, metal flanges along the rocker panel, designed as jack points. These are sturdy spots for lifting during tire changes.

Pinch welds are common on sedans and SUVs, ensuring a secure lift. Here’s how to use them effectively.

• Find the pinch weld. Look along the rocker panel near the flat tire for a metal flange.

• Position the jack. Align the jack’s saddle with the weld, ensuring full contact for stability.

• Avoid damage. Incorrect placement can bend the weld, costing $100-$300 to repair at a shop.

• Check in 1-2 minutes. Locating and setting up on the weld is quick and safe.

4. Check for Notches or Markers

Many cars have notches or markers on the frame or pinch weld indicating exact jack points. These guide precise placement for safe lifting.

These markers simplify the process, especially for beginners. Here’s how to identify and use them.

• Look for notches. Check the pinch weld or frame for small cutouts or arrows marking jack points.

• Align the jack. Position the jack directly under the marker for a secure, damage-free lift.

• Take 1-2 minutes. Finding markers is quick, ensuring a safe tire change at no extra cost.

• Confirm fit. Ensure the jack’s saddle fits the marker to prevent slipping or damage.

5. Use the Front Subframe for Front Tires

For front tire changes, locksmiths often use the front subframe—a reinforced metal structure under the car—as a jack point. This ensures stability when lifting the front end.

The subframe is ideal for safe, balanced lifting. Here’s how to locate and use it.

• Find the subframe. Look under the front bumper for a solid metal crossmember or frame section.

• Position the jack centrally. Place the jack under the subframe’s strongest point to lift both front wheels.

• Avoid engine parts. Don’t jack under the oil pan or weak components, risking $200-$500 repairs.

• Take 2-3 minutes. Locating and setting up on the subframe ensures a safe, quick lift.

6. Use the Rear Axle or Differential for Rear Tires

For rear tire changes, locksmiths use the rear axle or differential as a jack point. These reinforced areas support the car’s weight securely when lifting the back.

Proper placement here ensures a stable lift for rear tires. Here’s how to use these points.

• Locate the axle or differential. Check under the rear for a solid metal axle or differential housing.

• Position the jack. Place it under the center of the axle or differential for balanced lifting.

• Avoid weak parts. Don’t jack under suspension components, which can cause $100-$400 in damage.

• Set up in 2-3 minutes. Correct placement ensures a safe, efficient tire change.

7. Ensure a Flat, Stable Surface

Placing the jack on a flat, stable surface is crucial for safety. Uneven or soft ground can cause the jack to slip, delaying the tire change.

A solid surface ensures the jack stays secure during lifting. Here’s how to choose the right spot.

• Find level ground. Park on a flat surface, like a driveway or paved shoulder, for stability.

• Avoid soft terrain. Grass or gravel can cause slipping, risking injury or $200-$500 in repairs.

• Check in 1-2 minutes. Confirming a stable surface is quick, keeping the tire change safe.

• Use a board if needed. Place a flat board under the jack on soft ground for extra stability.

8. Avoid Common Mistake Areas

Knowing where not to place the jack is as important as finding the right spot. Incorrect placement can damage the car or cause instability.

Avoiding weak areas ensures a safe tire change. Here’s how to steer clear of common mistakes.

• Avoid plastic panels. Don’t jack under underbody trim or bumpers, which can crack, costing $100-$300 to fix.

• Steer clear of suspension. Suspension parts aren’t strong enough, risking $200-$500 in repairs if damaged.

• Check the manual. Confirm jack points to avoid mistakes, taking 1-2 minutes for safety.

• Inspect before lifting. Ensure the jack is on a reinforced point to prevent costly errors.

9. Use Jack Stands for Extra Safety

For added stability, locksmiths may use jack stands alongside the jack, especially in garages. These support the car after lifting, ensuring safety during the tire change.

Jack stands prevent accidents if the jack fails. Here’s how to incorporate them.

• Place jack stands. After lifting, position stands under reinforced frame points near the jack.

• Lower onto stands. Gently lower the car onto the stands for secure support, taking 3-5 minutes.

• Cost-effective safety. Stands cost $20-$50 and prevent accidents, saving potential repair costs.

• Confirm stability. Ensure stands are secure before working, enhancing safety during the change.

10. Double-Check Jack Placement

Before lifting, locksmiths double-check the jack’s position to ensure it’s on the correct point. This final verification prevents slipping or damage during the tire change.

Confirming placement adds a quick but critical step for safety. Here’s how to do it.

• Verify alignment. Ensure the jack’s saddle fully contacts the reinforced point, like the pinch weld or frame.

• Test stability. Push the jack lightly to confirm it won’t slip, taking 1-2 minutes.

• Adjust if needed. Reposition the jack if it’s off-center to avoid $100-$500 in undercarriage damage.

• Lift confidently. Double-checking ensures a safe lift, keeping the tire change smooth and cost-free.

Conclusion

Proper jack placement is key to a safe tire change, guided by these ten considerations. From pinch welds to subframes, know where to lift.

For expert help, our mobile tire change service in Detroit, Michigan connects you to trusted tire professionals 24/7. Change your tire safely and drive with confidence!