Last Updated on March 14, 2023
Without jack stands, the vehicle would simply fall, potentially causing significant loss. But working underneath a car with an unstable jack stand can be risky and even deadly. The car’s weight resting on a wobbly jack stand can tip it over, resulting in a fall.
A stabilizer jack stand pad may be a lifesaver when a wobbly jack stand causes a car to fall. But are jack stand pads necessary to stabilize them? Jack stand stabilizer pads are designed to provide your jack with a solid, stable base to sit on.
These stabilizer pads are placed under the legs of the jack stand to prevent it from tipping over when working on uneven surfaces. Also, they distribute the car’s weight evenly, preventing unwanted dents or indentations in your driveway or garage floor. Keep reading for a better understanding of what makes these pads so valuable.
Are Jack Stand Pads Necessary for Stabilizing the Jack?
Jack-stand stabilizer pads are an essential safety measure when working under your vehicle. They help to keep the jack from slipping, and they also help to distribute the weight of the car more evenly.
This can be especially important if you are working on a large vehicle or have an object protruding from the car that could cause the jack to tip over.
When you have to change a tire or work on your car’s suspension, the best jack-stand stabilizer pad can help to keep your car level and prevent it from rolling off the jack. The jack pad is placed under the jack stand, which helps distribute the car’s weight more evenly.
How to Use Stabilizer Jack Stand Pads Effectively?
Stabilizer jack stand pads are necessary if you need to perform any type of maintenance on your vehicle. They are placed underneath the jacks to provide stability and prevent them from sinking into the ground. The stabilizer jack pad depends on the car and the weight it must support.
You must use two stabilizer jack stand pads if you have a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or SUV. Place one jack pad under each jack, then position the jacks so they are evenly spaced apart. The pads should be placed under the jacks before extending them. This will help to prevent the jacks from sinking into the ground.
Whenever possible, place the pads on a hard surface like concrete or asphalt. This will further distribute the weight and prevent the pads from sinking. Ensure the pads are firmly positioned under the jacks before you work on your vehicle.
You can use just one stabilizer jack stand pad for lighter vehicles like cars or motorcycles. Position the pad, so it is directly under the center of the jack, then lower the vehicle onto it. Again, ensure the jack pad is firmly in place before beginning any work.
What to Consider When Choosing Jack Stand Stabilizing Pads?
Jack stand stabilizing pads are an essential part of ensuring a safe and level work area when performing maintenance on your vehicle. There are a few things to consider when selecting the suitable jack stand pads for your needs:
- As a start, the pad should be the correct size. You should ensure that the pad is large enough to support the vehicle’s weight.
- Some pads are made from soft materials that can compress under the vehicle’s weight, so you should choose a pad made from a durable material that will not compress.
- The shape of the pad needs to be considered. Some pads are designed to fit under the tires, while others are designed to be placed under the jack stand only.
- Stabilizing pads must be able to support a certain amount of weight. Make sure to choose a pad that has a high weight capacity to avoid damage to your vehicle.
These factors will help you select the proper stabilizing pads for your jack stand.
Are Jack Stands With Stabilizer Pads Safe to Work?
As any experienced mechanic knows, safely lifting and supporting a vehicle is essential for ensuring quality repairs. There are various ways to accomplish this, but one of the most commonly used methods is to use jack stands with stabilizer pads.
Stabilizer pads are designed to distribute the vehicle’s weight evenly, preventing the jack stands from sinking into soft ground or becoming unbalanced. Also, they help to protect the vehicle’s frame from being harmed by the regular jack stands.
Due to this, many mechanics believe that stabilizer pads provide an extra layer of safety when working on vehicles. Even yet, you should note that stabilizer pads are not foolproof. They can become dislodged or fail if not used properly, so always exercise caution when using them.
How Many Jack Stand Stabilizer Pads Do I Need for My RV?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding how many jack-stand stabilizer pads you need for your RV. A bigger RV will need more support than a smaller one. If it is evenly balanced, you will need fewer pads than if it is not. Also, you will need more pads to level it out if it is uneven.
Depending on the size of your RV, you will need between 2 and 8 stabilizer pads. Using four jack stands, place a single jack pad under each frame. You can also use jack stand stabilizer pads with leveling blocks or chocks for added stability.
Also, you can use a stack of stabilizer pads if your jack stand is shorter than the required height. Place one jack pad on top and then put the jack stand on it, and repeat this process as many times as necessary to reach your desired height.
But be careful when working on your RV, as the pads can sink into the soft ground. Thus, always use a solid, level surface and position the pads firmly under the jack stand before lifting your vehicle.
Is it Safe to Leave Jack Stabilizer Pads With Jack Stand?
Most experts agree that leaving the pads in place when you use jack stands is perfectly safe. Many believe it is safer to leave them under the stands, as they help to provide additional grip and stability.
Jack stabilizer pads are made from high-quality materials that offer outstanding durability and firmness. These pads are also designed to work with jack stands made from high-quality materials.
When used together, these two products provide a very stable platform. But, if either the rubber pad or the stand is not of good quality, then there is a risk that the platform could collapse, which could lead to injury.
Also, you have to consider the level of activity that will be taking place on the platform. If there is a lot of movement, there is a greater risk of the platform collapsing. But, if the platform is used for static activities, there is a lower risk of collapse.
Do Jack Stand Stabilizer Pads Ever Fail?
Jack stand stabilizer pads are an integral part of any car maintenance routine. They help keep the jack from slipping and provide a wide surface area for stability.
But, they can eventually degrade and fail because they are made of rubber, polypropylene, resin, and plastic. When this happens, replacing them as soon as possible is essential.
There are a few signs that a jack stand stabilizer pad may fail, such as:
- A cracked or torn pad should be replaced immediately.
- You should also replace the pad if it is no longer sticky to the touch.
- When the pad begins to deform or compress.
Degraded jack stand pads do not provide the same level of stability and support and should be replaced. Replacing failed jack stand stabilizer pads can keep your car safe and in good condition.
How Long Can You Leave a Car On a Jack Stand with Stabilizer Pads?
Jack stand stabilizer pads are widely used for long-term storage, providing extra support and stability. It is generally safe to leave a car on a jack stand with stabilizer pads for days, weeks, or even months.
Of course, the manufacturer of your specific jack stand and stabilizer pad should be consulted for specific recommendations. Make sure the spot where the stabilizer pad is located is dry and that the pad is free of cracks and other imperfections if you are planning to store your car for an extended period.
Also, it’s a good idea to check on your car periodically to ensure that the jack stand is still in place and that the stabilizer pad has not shifted. Taking these precautions ensures that your car will be safe and sound while it’s being stored on a jack stand.
