Place the jack on the vehicle’s designated jack points—usually the reinforced pinch welds along the rocker panels or a central crossmember in the frame—per the owner's manual. Do not place it under the oil pan, transmission, or suspension components.
Jack points are built into most cars to carry weight when lifting. On unibody vehicles, look for reinforced seams along the rocker panels near each wheel; on body-on-frame models, use a robust crossmember or frame point. Because jack points vary by model, always check the owner's manual or the vehicle manufacturer’s guide for exact locations and any safety notes.
Primary jack points to use
Identify the correct locations on your car and use them consistently to reduce risk of damage or a jack slip.
- Front jack point: reinforced pinch weld along the rocker panel just behind the front wheel, or a designated front subframe crossmember if specified in the manual.
- Rear jack point: reinforced pinch weld along the rocker panel just ahead of the rear wheel, or a designated rear crossmember if specified.
- Center jack point (where equipped): a designated point on the front subframe or center crossmember for models that provide a single center lift point.
Always verify by checking the owner’s manual, the vehicle’s underbody markings, or the manufacturer’s guidance for your exact model.
What not to jack
Keep away from parts not meant to carry weight. Using the wrong spot can bend metal, damage components, or cause a fall.
- Oil pan, transmission pan, engine cradle, or other non-reinforced underbody parts.
- Suspension components such as control arms, steering knuckles, or struts.
- Exhaust system parts including catalytic converters and piping.
- Unreinforced floor panels or any area not designed as a load-bearing jack point.
If you’re unsure about a particular point, stop and consult the owner’s manual or a professional technician.
Safe lifting procedure
Follow these steps to lift a car safely and minimize risk. Before you begin, ensure the vehicle is on level ground and you have wheel chocks and a sturdy jack stand ready.
- Chock the wheels opposite the side you’ll lift; apply the parking brake and turn off the engine where applicable.
- Position the floor jack under the correct jack point and slowly lift until the wheel is a few inches off the ground.
- Place a jack stand under a solid support point near the lifting area and slowly transfer weight from the jack to the stand.
- Lower the vehicle slightly so it rests on the stands and test stability before getting under the vehicle.
Never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. Use jack stands on solid points as additional safety.
Summary
In short, always use the factory-designated jack points—pinch welds along the rocker panels or a central frame member—and never place a jack under oil pans, suspensions, or other unreinforced areas. Use wheel chocks, the parking brake, and jack stands to ensure stability while lifting and working under the vehicle. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for model-specific guidance or seek professional assistance.