Short answer: place jack stands at the front and rear center jacking points—the reinforced crossmembers under the subframes—and support the car there. Always chock the wheels, work on level ground, and never rely on a floor jack alone to hold the vehicle.
What follows is a detailed guide on locating the correct points, how to position the stands safely, and essential safety steps for working under a 2016 Civic.
Identifying the correct jack points for lifting and supporting
The Civic provides two primary center jacking points for lifting the vehicle, plus secondary options if needed. Use the reinforced crossmembers under the front and rear subframes as the main contact points for jack stands. If you must use side pinch welds, ensure the stands sit on solid reinforcement rather than delicate sheet metal.
- Front center jack point: Under the front subframe crossmember (the engine cradle area, just behind the front bumper). Place the floor jack on this reinforced crossmember to lift the front of the car.
- Rear center jack point: Under the rear subframe crossmember (the rear cradle area). Place the floor jack on this reinforced crossmember to lift the rear of the car.
- Secondary contact points (if needed): Reinforced pinch weld areas along the rocker panels near the doors. Use these only if the stand feet align with solid metal reinforcement and not thin sheet metal.
- Important caution: Do not place jack stands on exhaust components, fuel lines, or any suspension components not designated as lifting points.
Using the front and rear crossmembers as your primary contact points ensures the vehicle is supported by structural members designed to bear load.
Step-by-step safety approach to using jack stands
Before raising the Civic, adopt a safety routine that minimizes risk and preserves the vehicle’s integrity.
- Park on a flat, hard surface and engage the parking brake. Ensure the wheels are chocked on both sides of the vehicle to prevent movement.
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the car is on the ground, then lift the vehicle using a floor jack placed at the appropriate front or rear center jacking point.
- Once the desired corner of the car is lifted, slide one or more sturdy jack stands under the appropriate center crossmember or reinforced contact point, and position them at the same height to keep the vehicle level.
- Slowly lower the floor jack until the vehicle sits firmly on the stands. Gently shake the car to verify stability before any work begins beneath it.
- Never crawl under a vehicle that is supported only by a floor jack. Keep the jack extended and in contact until all stands are securely in place, and lower the car only after confirming stable support.
Following these steps reduces the risk of accidental collapse and helps ensure a stable working environment under the Civic.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these pitfalls that can compromise safety when using jack stands on a 2016 Honda Civic:
- Using non-designated points or thin metal as support rather than the reinforced crossmembers or pinch-welds intended by Honda.
- Raising or lowering the vehicle with stands not fully seated or on uneven ground.
- Removing wheel chocks or attempting a undercarriage job without confirming stability.
- Leaving the vehicle supported solely by a hydraulic jack or relying on the jack to hold while working underneath.
Sticking to the manufacturer’s designated points and a conservative safety routine helps prevent accidents and damage.
Summary
For a 2016 Honda Civic, the recommended approach is to lift and support the vehicle at the front and rear center crossmembers—the reinforced points under the subframes. Use wheel chocks, work on level ground, and place jack stands securely on those structural points before any work beneath the car. Always consult the owner's manual for your exact vehicle variant and diagrams, as construction details can vary by model and trim.