Last Updated on April 17, 2023
Lifting a car with four scissor jacks gives you an alternative to traditional floor jacks, as they are cheaper, lighter, and easier to operate. But is it really safe to use scissor jacks for lifting cars?
Scissor jacks can be risky when they’re tasked with doing more than just changing a spare tire. Their unsteady nature on soft or uneven grounds makes them only unsuitable for lifting heavy weights. Even on solid ground, these jacks lack the muscle to lift too much at once.
We’ll dive into detailed instructions on how to use these tools like a pro.
Is It Safe To Lift a Car Using 4 Scissor Jacks: Benefits
Scissor jacks have some benefits, including low cost, lightweight, and easy to operate with minimal effort. They can reach higher ground clearance than other types of jacks.
1. Lower Cost than Other Jacks:
A scissor jack is generally less expensive than a traditional bottle jack or hydraulic jack, making it an accessible choice for most people. It doesn’t require much maintenance and can be used multiple times without needing auto repair or parts replacements.
So, if you need to lift something often, it’s better and cheaper in the long run to get a scissor jack instead of buying more expensive ones each time.
2. Lightweight and Easy to Carry Around:
Scissor jacks are incredibly lightweight compared to other types of car lifts, which makes them much easier to transport from one place to another. Their small size also allows them to take up very little storage space when not in use. So they’re great if you want a jack that won’t take up too much room in your garage or car.
3. Easily Operated with Minimal Effort:
Operating a scissor jack is easy and requires minimal effort compared with standard car lifts or jacks. It works by turning a crank handle which moves two interlocking arms across each other until they reach their maximum height. Then, it forms an X-shaped base that lifts the vehicle into the air.
As such, it can be operated by almost anyone without any special training or experience required.
4. Reach Higher Ground Clearance:
Scissor jacks are great because they can raise your car up to 24″ off the ground, which is higher than many other floor jacks. This is important for cars that have been lowered or have low-profile tires.
It gives you access to areas that would be difficult to reach otherwise. So they’re good for fixing cars with different heights off the ground.
Disadvantages of Raising a Car with Scissor Jacks
Using a scissor jack to lift a car is popular but has some drawbacks. It can’t hold as much weight as other jacks, and soft or uneven ground can cause it to buckle.
1. Limited Load Capacity Compared to Other Types Of Jacks:
One of the most important considerations when thinking about lifting a car with a scissor jack is its limited load capacity compared to a floor jack. Generally, scissor jacks can only lift up to around one tonne in weight, which may be significantly less than what an engine or transmission needs in order to be serviced properly.
These jacks are often not suitable for heavier vehicles such as trucks and SUVs where the weight may exceed their maximum lift range. Therefore, it is essential for anyone considering using this type of jack for vehicle service work to check the weight limit beforehand.
This investigation helps to avoid any potential accidents or damage caused by its use beyond its safe capacity.
2. Risk Of Falls Due To Buckling On Uneven Or Soft Ground:
When you use a scissor jack, it can buckle if the ground is uneven or soft. This means that your vehicle could fall and get damaged or hurt someone. To ensure this doesn’t happen, always place your jack on solid ground like concrete or asphalt so the car can stay safe while being lifted up.
How to Raise a Car on 4 Scissor Jacks?
Raising a vehicle on 4 scissor jacks is an important task to perform when changing tires or oil. It is essential to ensure that the car is securely lifted in an even place so that it does not move or slip when you are underneath.
Step 1: Positioning Your Car:
Begin by positioning your car on an even spot. Remove any other obstructions, such as rocks or debris, from underneath the car.
Step 2: Placing The Jacks in Position:
Position your jack stands directly underneath each corner of your vehicle’s frame at four different points. Put each scissor of the designated lifting points near a wheel well or under the frame of your car. Make sure that each jack stand is sturdy and even with no wobbling or movement.
Step 3: Lifting The Car With Scissor Jacks:
To lift the car, start turning the handle on each jack clockwise until they have reached their maximum height (typically around 18 inches). Then slowly apply pressure across both sides simultaneously until your vehicle has been fully lifted off of the ground (around 5-6 inches).
Make sure that all four jacks are evenly placed at each corner of your car with only a small amount of pressure before you keep going.
Step 4: Start Necessary Maintenance or Repair (Optional):
Start with any necessary repairs or maintenance work such as oil or a tire change underneath your vehicle. Be careful when removing a wheel from its respective corners. Ensure all lug nuts are loose enough for easy removal but still tight enough so as not to risk them inadvertently coming off mid-change.
After removing any old tires from their positions, move on to replacing them with new ones carefully. Ensure they are properly aligned before tightening their respective lug nuts down firmly yet cautiously.
Once finished changing out tires, set aside any old ones/parts as needed then slowly lower down your jack stands back onto their normal positions.
Cautions:
Never attempt raising more than two sides at once on uneven surfaces such as dirt roads. It increases the risk factor substantially due to potential instability or slippage when having more than two wheels off of solid terrain simultaneously.
Therefore, use caution when doing so and always refer back to the manufacturer’s manual whenever possible for additional advice beforehand if needed.
How Much Weight Can a Scissor Jack Support?
A scissor jack can support or lift between 1.5 tons and 4.5 tons (9000 lbs or 4082 kg) of weight. It is capable of bearing more than many other kinds of jacks on the market due to its strong steel construction.
Are Scissor Jacks Better Than Hydraulic Jacks?
Scissor jacks are safer and easier for people who aren’t mechanics because they can lift things, but it takes longer than a hydraulic jack. These jacks are easier to use than hydraulic jacks. You don’t have to set them up or get extra pumps or motors.
What is the Safest Way to Jack Up a Car?
The safest way to raise a car is to use jack stands or wheel cribs. Ensure that the jack stands can support the weight of your car, as well as that they are placed on level ground and secured in place.
The jacking points should also be checked for corrosion or cracks before use. It’s essential to use chocks and other stabilizers when working underneath a vehicle.
How Strong Does a Car Jack Need To Be?
A car jack must be strong enough to lift three quarters of your car’s weight. This ensures that the car will remain securely elevated while you are working on it. In addition, some cars may require multiple jacks due to their size, so an even stronger jack may be necessary for those vehicles.
How Many Scissor Jack Stands Do I Need To Change A Tire?
Typically, you will need one jack stand when changing a tire. You should always check if your vehicle requires additional support before beginning any work under it.
The exact number of scissor jacks you need will depend on the size and weight of your particular car. So consult your owner’s manual first before lifting a vehicle with multiple scissor jacks.
Where is The Safest Place to Jack Up a Car Using 4 Scissor Jacks?
To safely jack up a car using four scissor jacks, it is important to ensure the surface is even and hard. The best place to position the jacks is under the vehicle’s rocker panels which can be found near the front and back wheels.
Can a 2 Ton Scissor Jack Lift a Car?
A 2 ton scissor jack is capable of lifting a car. This type of jack is designed to lift up to two tons of weight, so it is more than adequate to support the weight of most cars. These jacks are essential pieces of equipment in any garage or workshop and can be used for changing tires, performing oil changes, and other maintenance tasks.
Lift Your Vehicle With 4 Scissor Jacks and Minimize the Risk
Scissor jacks may be an attractive choice for those looking to save some money when lifting their cars. Ensure you always follow the correct safety procedures when lifting a car with 4 scissor jacks.
Before you lift your vehicle, it’s important to make sure it’s in the right position. Then you have to carefully place the jack stands in the right spots to support them. That way, you can safely lift your vehicle and keep your risk low.