Lift pucks are protective jack pads that provide a safe, load-distributing contact patch for a Tesla’s designated jacking points when using a floor jack or service lift.
They are designed to protect the battery pack and undercarriage during lifting and are typically included in Tesla’s service tooling or sold as DIY accessories. This article explains what lift pucks are, why they matter, where to find them, and how to use them across Tesla’s current lineup.
What lift pucks are and why they matter
Lift pucks, sometimes called jack pads, are small, removable disks or pads that align with a vehicle’s official jacking points. They provide a stable contact surface for lifting equipment and help spread the load to avoid concentrating stress on the battery enclosure or underbody panels. For electric vehicles like Tesla, this is especially important to minimize the risk of damage to the battery and chassis during maintenance or tire changes.
In practice, lift pucks help technicians and informed owners lift the car safely, reducing the chance of slipping, denting, or puncturing protective coatings. They are part of the standard toolkit used in service environments and are available as official accessories or through authorized retailers.
- Protect the battery pack and underside from direct contact with lifting hardware
- Distribute weight over a defined contact area for safer lifts
- Compatibility with floor jacks and two-/four-post lifts
- Often included in Tesla service tool kits or offered as aftermarket/jack-pad accessories
- Designed to fit the jacking points specified in Tesla's manuals for various models
Using lift pucks correctly helps ensure that lifts are stable, precise, and less likely to cause cosmetic or structural damage during maintenance tasks.
Where to find lift pucks and how to use them
To lift a Tesla safely, rely on the car’s designated jacking points and the corresponding lift pucks or jack pads recommended by Tesla. The exact placement and whether a puck must be used can vary by model and generation, so always consult the owner’s manual or Tesla’s service documentation for your vehicle.
- Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and chock the opposite wheels.
- Identify the official jacking points shown in the manual for your model.
- Attach or insert the lift pucks onto the appropriate jacking points if required by your lifting system.
- Position the jack or lift so it makes contact with the puck and lift slowly and evenly.
- Perform the maintenance work, then lower the vehicle carefully and remove the pucks if they are not designed to stay installed.
Always verify that the pads are clean, properly seated, and compatible with your specific Tesla model before lifting. If you’re unsure, seek assistance from a qualified technician or refer to Tesla’s official guidelines.
Model compatibility and sourcing
Lift pucks are designed to work with Tesla’s jacking points across Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. While the core concept is consistent, the exact shapes, sizes, and attachment methods can differ by model and generation. Official lift-pad kits are typically sold through Tesla’s service tools program or authorized retailers, and some third-party pads advertise compatibility with Tesla jacking points. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing or using a pad set.
Model-specific notes
- Model S and X share similar undercarriage regions for jacking, but variations in battery and suspension layouts can influence puck placement. Check model-specific guidance.
- Model 3 and Model Y generally share a common platform; pads may be identical or slightly different in footprint. Refer to the kit documentation for exact fitment.
Practical considerations for owners
Beyond model differences, keep these considerations in mind when using lift pucks:
- Only use pads designed for your Tesla model and lifting system to avoid slip or damage
- Inspect pads for wear or cracks and replace as needed
- Keep contact surfaces clean and dry to ensure a secure seat for lifting
Used correctly, lift pucks reduce risk and enable safer maintenance and tire work on Tesla vehicles.
Summary
Lift pucks, or jack pads, are small, purpose-built pads that sit at Tesla’s designated lifting points to provide a safe, stable contact surface for jacks and lifts. They protect the battery and undercarriage, help distribute load, and are available as official service tools or accessories for all current Tesla models. Always follow Tesla’s jacking-point guidelines and use the correct pads for your model to ensure a safe lift.