To raise a Honda Accord safely, use a floor jack and jack stands on the vehicle's designated jacking points, with wheel chocks and the parking brake engaged. Model-year differences exist, so consult the owner’s manual for exact locations and weight ratings. This guide walks you through preparation, lifting points, safety steps, and post-lift checks for maintenance or tire work.
Preparing for the lift
Before you lift, set up a safe work zone and gather the right gear. This stage minimizes risk and ensures you can lift, support, and lower the car without rushing or improvising.
- Park on level, solid ground (concrete or asphalt). Avoid soft, uneven, or sloped surfaces.
- Engage the parking brake. For automatics, set to Park; for manuals, leave in gear as appropriate and use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground.
- Chock the wheels on the opposite end of the lift to prevent rolling.
- Gather equipment: a floor jack with adequate capacity, a pair of jack stands rated to support the Accord’s weight, wheel chocks, a lug wrench, work gloves, and a flashlight.
- If you plan to remove a wheel, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the car is still on the ground.
Proper preparation reduces the risk of slips and instability once the car is raised, and it helps you work more efficiently beneath the vehicle.
Choosing the right lifting points
Using the correct lifting points protects the body, suspension, and undercarriage, and ensures stable support when the car is raised. Your model year may designate a few different spots; always verify with the manual.
- Front lifting point: use the reinforced pinch weld area along the rocker panel near the front wheels, or the front subframe crossmember if your manual specifies a center lift.
- Rear lifting point: use the corresponding pinch weld area along the rocker panel behind the rear wheels, or the rear subframe crossmember if a center lift is indicated in the manual.
- Center lift option: some generations provide a center crossmember lift point listed in the manual. Only use this point if your model year explicitly identifiers it as a safe center jack point.
- Avoid lifting from: bumper covers, exhaust components, engine oil pan, transmission pans, or any non-reinforced or non-designated suspension components.
Using the designated lifting points helps distribute weight evenly and reduces the risk of frame or undercarriage damage during maintenance.
Lifting the car safely
The actual lifting phase requires careful, incremental steps and unwavering attention to stability. Follow these steps to raise the Accord and prepare for underneath work.
Important safety reminder
Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a floor jack. Always place jack stands at the designated points and lower the car onto them before you go underneath.
- Position the floor jack under the chosen lifting point and, if needed, place a thin wooden block or mat to distribute load and protect paint.
- Slowly raise the car until the wheel clears the ground by a few inches, then slide jack stands under the corresponding support points. Do not rely on the jack alone to hold the car.
- Advance both sides evenly if you are lifting from multiple points or raising one end at a time. Secure each jack stand in place and gently test stability by giving the car a light push.
- If you plan to change a tire, loosen lug nuts further after the car is raised and supported, then remove the nuts and wheel once the stands are in place. Re-torque to spec after reseating the wheel.
- Keep all bystanders clear and avoid working beneath the vehicle if the ground is damp, loose, or unstable.
With the vehicle securely supported, you can safely perform the intended maintenance or tire work. Properly placed stands and a stable surface are your best defense against accidents.
Lowering and finishing up
When the work is complete, return the vehicle to the ground in a controlled, methodical sequence to avoid shocks or misalignment. This closing phase wraps up the lifting process and ensures the car is ready for road use.
- Remove any tools and ensure the workspace is clear.
- Use the floor jack to slowly raise the car just enough to remove the jack stands from under the vehicle.
- Slowly lower the car to the ground, until all weight rests on the tires and ground. Remove the floor jack once the car is fully lowered.
- Reinstall lug nuts and torque to the manufacturer’s specification, typically in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
- Re-check that parking brake is engaged and wheels are chocked as a precaution until you test drive the vehicle briefly to confirm normal operation.
Lowering carefully and rechecking fasteners and wheel retention helps ensure the Accord is ready for safe driving after maintenance.
Safety and model-specific notes
Honda Accord generations vary slightly in their recommended jacking points and procedures. Always consult your specific model year’s owner’s manual or official service documentation for exact locations and load ratings. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with lifting the vehicle, consider seeking help from a qualified mechanic or using a professional service bay with proper equipment.
Extra precautions for uneven or soft ground
In cases where the surface isn’t perfectly level, use thicker, stable boards (like plywood) to spread the load under the jack and stands, and ensure they won’t shift during lifting.
Summary
Raising a Honda Accord safely relies on clear planning, the right equipment, and strict adherence to designated lifting points. Start with thorough preparation, confirm model-specific jacking locations in the manual, and always secure the vehicle with jack stands and wheel chocks. Lift slowly, test stability, perform maintenance, and lower carefully, torquing fasteners to spec. If there’s any doubt about the process, consult a professional technician or local service center.