Mechanics and garage owners may often use a floor jack for lifting vehicles when replacing their filters and changing oils. Hydraulic, bottle, and scissor are a few types of jacks you can choose from based on your specific lifting needs. Your vehicle capacity and the point size are some of the factors that determine the suitable tool. When you are in the market for a floor jack tool, these are some of the factors to look for:
Understand the Weight Factors
To safely lift your vehicle, understand the gross vehicle weight rating, which is available in the manual. The weight rating lets you know the minimum capacity required for your floor jack. If you have a compact vehicle like a semi-tractor, a standard scissor jack can be helpful, and trucks with heavy capacity may benefit from a hydraulic jack. Your vehicle’s weight distribution affects how much force you need to lift different lifting points, like the engine area.
Evaluate Jack Point Size
Some vehicles might have a designated jack point marked on the vehicle’s frame or in the manual to provide stable lifting. Align the point with saddle size to avoid slippage of your vehicle. Take measurements of the ground clearance in comparison with the jack’s height to get enough support. The variation in the shape of jack points necessitates consulting your vehicle’s manual for the appropriate jack type.
Examine Safety Features
Reliable weight lifting solutions help to eliminate cases of vehicle damage at the garage. A floor jack features an overload protection mechanism for regulating the lifted weight to address any failures. Choose jacks with a safety bypass configuration that stops weight lifting when the weight exceeds the jack’s capacity. Some jacks also come with locks that keep the weight in a position once a mechanic has achieved the desired height. When you choose hydraulic jacks, you get safety valves that are helpful for heavy lifting, like trucks, during repairs.
Assess the Usage Scenarios
Evaluate how often you will use your jack to perform routine repairs and the durability of the tool. For frequent users in the garage space, investing in a hydraulic jack can be beneficial due to its ease of use. Personal drivers who need a jack that is portable for emergencies opt for a scissor jack for its simplicity. Understand that you may need a tool with a high lifting range for your maintenance tasks, such as tire rotations.
Determine the Location
Vehicle owners who work in areas with limited height require a jack tool designed for low clearance areas. A low profile jack fits under the vehicle and requires minimal ground clearance, making it useful in tight spaces. This low profile jack can also be adjusted in a confined space to support heavy loads. For shared spaces, such as parking lots, you may invest in a hydraulic floor jack that handles both SUVs and compacted vehicles.
Check the Quality
When you are in the market for the right floor jack for your vehicle, quality forms the basis of the buying decision. The material composition, like the jack’s zinc plating, has a direct impact on longevity. Buying your jack from a trusted dealer allows you to get various options and expert guidance on usage and maintenance. Select a jack tool that doesn’t rust from exposure to weather elements.
Examine the Lift Height
A floor jack aids in lifting your semi-tractor to a suitable height and allows you to easily change your tires. The height of the lift determines how it will support your vehicle for undercarriage maintenance. Those who own semi-tractors and sedans may require a jack with a low minimum height. The lift height needs to be compatible with your vehicle, and you can find such details by checking the product’s description.
Improve Your Vehicle Maintenance with a Floor Jack
Mechanics require the right tools, like a floor jack, for effective routine flat tire repairs and oil changes. Partnering with a trusted jack dealer allows you to purchase maintenance tools and access different options based on preference. Quality jack tools support precise operation, as they may have features like adjustment valves, allowing for controlled lifting and lowering. Contact a supplier for various types of floor jack today.
