Have you ever stood by a car with a broken tire, trying to remember the name of that piece of hardware that lifts the car off the ground? Or maybe you are planning to buy a jack for the garage, but are lost in the variety of types? This article will not just answer the question “what is the name of the thing that is used to lift a car,” but will also help you choose the best option for your tasks.

A jack is the main tool for lifting a car when repairing or replacing wheels. But not all jacks are the same: some are suitable for passenger cars, others for SUVs, and others for professional service stations. We'll sort it out 7 main types, their design, pros and cons, as well as critical errors that can lead to the car falling.

It is important to understand that choosing the wrong jack or violating safety precautions can result in serious injury or body damage. Therefore, in addition to theory, we will give practical advice on operation and storage.

1. Bottle jack: compactness vs load capacity

The most common type among car owners is bottle (hydraulic) jack. It is easily recognized by its vertical cylindrical shape, reminiscent of a bottle. It works on the principle of a hydraulic pump: when you press the lever, oil moves inside the cylinder, creating pressure for lifting.

Benefits:

  • 🔧 Compact size - fits easily in the trunk
  • 💪 High load capacity (up to 20 tons for professional models)
  • 🔝 Stability due to wide base

Disadvantages include slow operation (requires many clicks to lift) and sensitivity to horizontal position. If the jack is tilted, oil may leak out and it will no longer support weight.

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Always check the oil level through the fill plug before using a bottle jack. If there is a lack of oil, the load capacity is reduced by 30-40%.

For passenger cars, a model with a carrying capacity of 2-3 tons is sufficient. SUVs will need the 5-ton option. Professional bottle jacks (eg Matrix 50603 or Stark Professional) can withstand up to 50 tons and are used on trucks.

2. Rack and pinion jack: for off-road and extreme conditions

If you often drive over rough terrain or engage in off-roading, a rack and pinion jack (aka h-jack) will be your salvation. The design is a gear rack with a lifting mechanism and a lever. The main advantage is the ability to lift the car even on uneven surfaces.

Features of rack jacks:

  • 🌲 Works on any soil (sand, clay, snow)
  • 🔄 Climbing to a height of up to 1.5 meters
  • 🔧 Can be used as a winch in emergency situations

Among the popular models are Hi-Lift Jack HL485 (load capacity 2.3 tons) and T-Max T4805 (3 tons).

📊 What jack do you have in your car?
Bottled
Rack and pinion
Roll-up
Rhombic
Other
No jack
⚠️ Attention: Never use a rack and pinion jack without safety stops! If the lever slips, the machine may drop suddenly, resulting in serious injury. Always place a spare tire or special shoes under the body.

3. Rolling jack: a professional tool for service stations

Most often used in car service centers rolling jacks — they allow you to quickly lift cars with minimal effort. The design includes wheels for movement, a hydraulic pump and a long handle. The main difference from bottle ones is the horizontal arrangement of the cylinder.

Advantages of rolling models:

  • ⚡ Quick rise (3-4 presses on the lever are enough)
  • 🔄 Minimum pick-up height (suitable for low sports cars)
  • 🛠️ Possibility of precise height adjustment

Disadvantages: high price (from 5,000 rubles for high-quality models) and large dimensions - inconvenient to carry in the trunk. Popular brands: Nussbaum, JTC, Autoprof.

Characteristics Bottled Rack and pinion Roll-up
Load capacity (max.) 50 tons 5 tons 20 tons
Lifting height 30-50 cm up to 150 cm 40-70 cm
Lifting speed Slow Average Fast
Price (average) 1500-8000 rub. 3000-12000 rub. 5000-30000 rub.

4. Rhombic (screw) jack: simplicity and reliability

This type of jack is often included with new cars. The design is a diamond-shaped frame that unfolds when the screw rotates. The main advantages are simplicity of design and minimal maintenance.

Where it is used:

  • 🚗 Passenger cars (load capacity up to 2 tons)
  • 🔧 Emergency tire replacement kit
  • 💰 Budget option (from 800 rubles)

Disadvantages include low ascent speed and limited altitude. Popular models: Airline AJ-R-02, Autoprofi SK-02.

What happens if you overload a diamond jack?

If the permissible load is exceeded, the screw mechanism may jam or break, which will lead to a sharp fall of the car. This is especially dangerous on uneven surfaces where the jack could tip over.

5. Inflatable jack: an innovative solution for difficult conditions

Ideal for lifting vehicles on sandy or marshy soils inflatable (pneumatic) jack. It is powered by exhaust gases or a compressor: it is placed under the car and inflated like an air cushion.

Benefits:

  • 🏜️ Works on any ground (including snow and mud)
  • 🔄 Lift up to 50 cm in a few minutes
  • 🛡️ Safe for the body (no metal parts)

The main disadvantage is the high price (from 10,000 rubles) and the need for a source of compressed air. Popular models: Air Jack, Pneumatic Lift Bag.

⚠️ Attention: Inflatable jacks are sensitive to sharp objects! Before use, be sure to clear the lifting area of ​​stones, glass and metal fragments that could puncture the material.

6. How to choose a jack: 5 key parameters

When choosing a jack, pay attention to the following characteristics:

  1. Load capacity - must exceed the weight of the car by at least 20%. For sedan 2 tons is enough for crossover — 2.5-3 tons, for SUV — 3-5 tons.
  2. Pickup height — the minimum distance from the ground to the lifting point. Consider the ground clearance of your car.
  3. Lifting height - the maximum height to which the jack can lift the car. To change a wheel, 30-40 cm is enough.
  4. Drive type — mechanical (screw), hydraulic or pneumatic.
  5. Material — steel models are more durable than aluminum ones, but heavier.

Study the weight of your car (indicated in the PTS)|Check the ground clearance (distance from the ground to the threshold)|Determine the type of surface where you will use|Compare the pick-up height with the jack point on your car|Check for a quality certificate-->

For most passenger cars, the optimal choice is a 2-3 ton bottle jack. Owners of SUVs are better off considering rack and pinion models. For professional use in service stations, rolling jacks with a lifting capacity of 4 tons or more are suitable.

7. Safety precautions: 8 rules that will save lives

Even the most reliable jack can become dangerous if the operating instructions are not followed. Here are the key points to follow:

Preparing for the climb:

  • 🚫 Never lift the car on a slope of more than 5 degrees
  • 🔒 Secure the car with the handbrake and engage first gear (or “Parking” for automatic transmission)
  • 🪨 Place wheel chocks on the opposite side of the lift

Lifting process:

  • 🎯 Install the jack only at specially designated points (indicated in the car’s operating manual)
  • 🚗 Lift the car smoothly, without jerking
  • 👀 Do not leave the jack unattended with the car raised

After rising:

  • 🪜 Always use safety stands or supports
  • 👨‍🔧 Do not work under a car that is supported only by a jack
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Safety stands are not a luxury, but a necessity! Even professional jacks can fail due to worn seals or air entering the hydraulic system.

Remember that More than 30% of injuries during DIY car repairs occur due to improper use of jacks. Don't skimp on safety - buy certified models and always follow the instructions.

Is it possible to use a jack for long-term work under a car?

No, the jack is intended for short-term lifting only. For long-term work (for example, suspension repairs), it is necessary to use safety stands or a lift. Even the most reliable jacks can be slow to lower due to oil leaks or deformed seals.

How often should a hydraulic jack be serviced?

Hydraulic jacks require maintenance every 6-12 months or after 50-100 lifting cycles. Required:

  1. Check oil level
  2. Clean the valve from dirt
  3. Check O-rings for wear
  4. Lubricate moving parts

To change the oil, use only special hydraulic fluids (for example, Shell Tellus or Mobil DTE).

How do jack points differ on different cars?

The jack points (also called “jack points”) are specially reinforced by the manufacturer for safe lifting. Their location depends on the body type:

  • Sedan/hatchback: there are usually recesses in the sills behind the front and rear wheels
  • SUV: reinforced platforms on a frame or pallet
  • Pickup: special recesses on the side members

Use of other points (such as plastic bumpers or suspension arms) may cause body damage or cause the vehicle to fall.

Is it possible to make a jack with your own hands?

Technically yes, but we highly recommend against it. Homemade jacks:

  • Not certified for safety
  • May have hidden metal defects
  • Often do not withstand the declared load
  • Do not have manufacturer's insurance

If you need a non-standard jack (for example, for a tuned car with very low ground clearance), it is better to order it from professional manufacturers, such as Norco or Hein-Werner.

How to transport a jack in a car?

Proper transportation extends the life of the jack:

  • Store hydraulic jacks in a vertical position (valve up) to avoid oil leaks.
  • Secure rack jacks with belts to avoid damage to the rack
  • Transport jacks in a cover to protect them from dirt.
  • Avoid getting wet - rust can block the mechanism

The ideal place for storage is in the trunk in a special compartment or mounted on the wall of the garage.