How Do I Choose the Right Car Jack?

Replacing a tire or performing (minor) maintenance on your car starts with a good car jack. Lifting your car with a jack is a piece of cake. However, with so many options available today, it can be quite challenging to determine which car jack you need. We're here to help guide you in the right direction! 

The Required Lifting Capacity of the Car Jack

Are you looking to buy a new car jack? Then the lifting capacity is one of the most important factors to base your choice on. If you choose a jack with too low a lifting capacity, you run the risk of it failing while lifting, which can lead to dangerous situations and significant damage to your vehicle—something we definitely want to avoid. 

How to Determine the Right Lifting Capacity

 To choose the right capacity, it's important to know your vehicle's weight. You can usually find this information in your car's manual or on the registration certificate. A general rule of thumb is to choose a jack that can lift at least 75% of your vehicle's total weight. For most passenger cars, a jack with a capacity of 2 tons is sufficient, but for an SUV or van, a jack with a capacity of 3 tons or more may be necessary. 

Examples of Lifting Capacity: 

• 1.5 tons: suitable for smaller cars 
• 2 tons: ideal for most standard passenger cars 
• 3 to 4 tons: recommended for larger and heavier vehicles like vans and SUVs 
• 5 tons: for lifting heavier vehicles like commercial vehicles 

The Ideal Height for the Car Jack 

Both the minimum and maximum height of the jack are important. For instance, if you have a low sports car, you’ll want to make sure the minimum height fits under your car. The maximum lift height tells you how high your car can be raised, which is essential for changing tires or inspections. Make sure to choose a jack that is both low enough to fit under your car and high enough to carry out the required tasks. 

Different Types of Car Jacks 

It's clear that lifting capacity and height are important factors, but there are still several types of car jacks to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. For example, the scissor jack is a compact and simple model, ideal for emergencies on the road and a must-have in your car. Then there’s the hydraulic jack, which offers more lifting power and is suitable for heavier vehicles—perfect for use in the garage. A bottle jack is the most robust option and can reach high lift heights, making it suitable for SUVs and trucks. 

Choose the jack that best fits your vehicle and the tasks you need to perform! Would you like advice on our car jacks? Then feel free to contact us!