Picture this: you’re halfway to work, running just a bit late, and suddenly you feel that unmistakable wobble. You pull over, hop out, and yep—flat tyre. Classic. Now what?
Well, if you’ve got a spare and a jack in your trunk, you’re already ahead of the game. But here’s the catch: using a jack might seem simple, but doing it incorrectly can be downright dangerous. That’s why we’re breaking it down for you—step by step, without the technical mumbo-jumbo.
First Things First: Safety Gear and a Good Spot
Before you even touch the jack, check your surroundings. You want flat, solid ground—no gravel, no mud, and definitely not the soft shoulder of a freeway if you can help it. If you’re stuck on a busy road, it’s okay to call for help. Trust us, better safe than sorry.
Put on your hazard lights, and if you’ve got a reflective vest or warning triangles, now’s the time to use them. And never forget to apply the parking brake. It’s the easiest safety step people often miss.
Know Your Jack: Not All Are Created Equal
There are a few different types of jacks out there—scissor jacks, bottle jacks, trolley jacks. If you’re using the one that came with your car (usually a scissor jack), it’s designed for basic tyre changes. Trolley jacks are what the pros use at workshops—smooth, quick, and easy to control.
If you’re new to jacks, just stick with what came with your vehicle. The manufacturer chose it for a reason.
Find the Jacking Point (Yes, It Matters)
Every car has specific jack points, usually reinforced sections under the frame. They’re often marked with little notches or arrows along the rocker panel. If you try to lift from a random spot, you could crush part of the undercarriage or, worse, cause the jack to slip.
Grab your owner’s manual—yes, the one you usually ignore—and check the diagram for your car’s jacking points. A quick glance can save you from a costly mistake.
A quick story from our tow operator, Dan:
“I had a call last month—guy tried to lift his car from the floor pan instead of the jack point. The jack punched right through the metal. Ended up needing a flatbed tow and panel repair. Expensive day.”
Step-by-Step: How to Jack Up the Vehicle Safely
Now that we’ve got the groundwork laid, here’s how to actually get the car off the ground.
1. Loosen the Lug Nuts (Just a Bit)
Before lifting the vehicle, use your wheel wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tyre. Just crack them loose—you don’t want the wheel spinning in the air while you’re trying to apply torque.
2. Position the Jack Properly
Place the jack beneath the jack point. Double-check the alignment. Start turning the crank (or pumping, depending on the type), and keep your eye on the base—make sure it’s staying flat and stable.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a small piece of wood or a flat board, put it under the jack for extra stability, especially on hot asphalt.
3. Lift Slowly and Steadily
As the car begins to rise, watch how everything is moving. If the jack starts tilting or the car looks like it’s shifting, stop immediately and reassess.
Only lift the car high enough to remove the tyre—no need to take it to the moon. You want the wheel just a few inches off the ground.
4. Swap the Tyre and Tighten by Hand
Pull off the flat, put the spare on, and tighten the lug nuts by hand while the car is still up. Just snug, not super tight.
5. Lower the Vehicle Carefully
Once the tyre is in place, lower the jack slowly. Let the car settle back on the ground. Then tighten the lug nuts firmly in a criss-cross pattern. No need to overdo it—you can torque them properly when you get home or to a tyre shop.
A Few Don’ts That Are Worth Repeating
- Don’t crawl under the car when it’s only supported by a jack. Ever.
- Don’t use bricks or rocks in place of a proper jack.
- Don’t rush. A calm 10-minute job is way better than a panicked 3-minute mishap.
When to Call It Quits and Get Help
We’ve seen all kinds of roadside scenarios, and sometimes it’s best to step back and make the call. If your jack looks unstable, your wheel nuts are stuck solid, or you’re on a weird incline, let us handle it.
We’ve got hydraulic gear, wheel braces, and the experience to get you back on the road safely. And hey, you’ll probably be on your way faster than if you’d muscled through it alone.
We’ve all been there—stuck on the side of the road, second-guessing our next move. But with a little know-how, a calm head, and the right tools, lifting your car with a jack doesn’t have to be a stressful moment. Just remember: stay safe, stay smart, and don’t hesitate to reach out if things get tricky. That’s what we’re here for.
If you are in Hampton Park, Victoria 3976, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059