How To Lower a Floor Jack

How To Lower a Floor Jack [Essential Tips & Techniques]

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If you are planning on handling any car maintenance or repair, especially changing the tires, you will eventually need to use a car jack.

This useful tool helps to lift, hold and lower your car allowing you to change the tire, check the brakes, and much more. To prevent any injuries or damage to your car, it’s important to learn how to properly operate your car jack.

Want to know how to lower the jack safely?

Keep reading!

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Preparing to Lower the Jack

Gather Necessary Tools and Equipment

There are three common types of car jack namely bottle, scissor, and floor/trolley.

Each carjack can help you raise or lower your car before making a tire change.

Besides the car jack, you’ll also need a jack stand, or wheel crib and rods.

Clear and Secure the Area

Start by removing any tools or the toolbox followed by the flat tire.

Place the flat tire in the boot of your car for repairs later.

Then inspect the ground area to ensure that there are no obstacles before you lower your vehicle.

Position the Jack Correctly

Before you lower the car jack, position it correctly.

This provides extra protection against your vehicle falling and seriously injuring yourself.

This is especially true when using a mechanical car jack as it can pop up and kick when the car is lifted.

Remember, a car jack is a useful and extremely safe tool but you must use it correctly.

Lowering the Jack

Release the Jack Handle Slowly and Carefully

If using the hydraulic floor or trolley car jack or bottle jack, locate the release valve or the screw key.

Place the rod over the screw and slowly turn it counterclockwise. As you turn the rod, the valve will slowly open and the car jack will drop.

If using the scissor car jack, place the rod onto the screw key then turn it in the opposite direction. Once you do so, the car jack will lower accordingly.

Allow the Jack to Lower Gradually, Using the Handle to Control the Descent

As you lower the car jack, use the handle to control the rate of descent of the car.

If people were helping you raise or repair the car, it’s recommended to say “clear” loudly before you lower the jack.

This is a safety measure that alerts others of what you’re about to do.

Stop Lowering the Jack When It Reaches the Desired Height

Once the car tire touches the ground, stop lowering the jack.

Once you do so, get the jack out from under the car.

If using the hydraulic car jack, push down on the saddle. This will manually lower the piston.

If the threaded saddle is already raised, turn it clockwise. Do so until it reaches the base of the bottle head.

Storing the Jack

Clean the Jack and Handle Thoroughly

Since the car jack is already exposed to grease, your jack will act like a magnet for dirt and dust.

To keep it clean, take a clean cloth and wipe the surfaces down. Then, wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth.

Once a year, give your car jack a thorough cleaning. This will help remove any buildup.

Secure the Handle in the Proper Storage Position

Once you wipe down and clean your car jack, release the pressure in the cylinder. This will alleviate stress on the jack.

When storing your car jack, secure the handle in the proper storage position. Then store the car back in the upright position. This will prevent hydraulic oil from leaking.

Store the Jack in a Dry, Secure Location

If using the bottle or scissor car jack, you can store it in the trunk of your car or your SUV’s way back under the cargo floor cover.

But, if using the hydraulic floor or trolley jack, store it in a dry and secure location in your garage.

Tips for Safely Lifting Heavy Loads With a Floor Jack

  • Before you lift your car, park it and switch off the engine
  • Make sure to park on a level surface and never on an incline
  • Never park your car on asphalt, especially on a hot day. If you jack up your car on asphalt on a hot day, the jack will sink causing the car to topple.
  • Check the jack’s load limit
  • Make sure your jack is in working order. Check for signs of wear and tear, and fluid leaks.
  • Ensure the car is in the park and the handbrake is on before you raise your car
  • Use wheel chocks to prevent your car from rolling
  • Place the car jack on a flat and stable surface
  • Lift your car at the correct points. Consult your owner’s manual
  • Test the stability of the load before reaching under the car
  • Take your time to lift and lower the car jack. Never rush the process.
  • Make sure every part of your body is clear before you lower the car jack

List of Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Floor Jack

  • Lifting a car that exceeds the jack’s capacity
  • Using the car jack as the only car support
  • Using a car jack on an incline
  • Using a car jack on asphalt on a hot day
  • Not using the designated jack points on your car
  • Failing to support your car with jack stands once lifted
  • Failure to clean and maintain your car jack
  • Improvising a jack extension

To ensure no accidents or injuries when lifting or lowering your car jack, follow the tips above and avoid mistakes.

Conclusion – How To Lower a Floor Jack

Safely lowering the jack is an important part of car maintenance and using a jack.

To lower your car jack safely, release the jack handle carefully and slowly then allow it to lower gradually.

Do not hurry the process.

Use the handle to control the jack’s descent and once you reach the desired height, remove the jack, clean and store it in a dry secure location.

To avoid any injuries or damage to your car, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions accompanying your car jack. This will ensure the safe use of your car jack.

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