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In general, where is the best place to put a jack to prevent damage when lifting?

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The jack should be placed under a frame member or on the axle. Also, before you crawl underneath a vehicle that has been lifted by a jack, you should have an additional support in place, such as a jack stand, to protect yourself in case the jack fails.

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  • I had a feeling about the frame, didn't know I could use the axle and didn't think about the jack stands. Thank you
    – Bob Roberts
    Mar 8, 2011 at 17:57
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    I always use a block of wood beside the jack in case it fails.
    – Tom Macdonald
    Mar 8, 2011 at 17:58
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    Jack stands are an absolute must. Jacks slip all the time. +1 for this answer.
    – Annath
    Mar 8, 2011 at 18:08
  • also, most cars have markings along the underbody showing where the jackstand should be placed. I'm sure of the reliability of this, but my father, when a jack stand wasn't available, would use the car's tire (lying on it's side on the ground underneath the frame) as a safety precaution
    – Patrick
    Mar 8, 2011 at 18:11
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    Also, use the parking brake and wheel chocks if available. (Though you may want to skip the former, if you're working on the brakes.)
    – Iszi
    Mar 8, 2011 at 21:16
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Where the owner's manual / factory service manual say the lift points are.

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