How to Use Jack Stands | Safe Lifting Steps

Jack stands support a raised vehicle safely at its reinforced lift points after you remove the jack.

Working under a car held up only by a hydraulic jack is a gamble no one should take. Jack stands are the equipment that makes the job safe—but only when you place them correctly and confirm the vehicle is stable before you slide underneath.

What Are Jack Stands and Why Do You Need Them?

Jack stands are rigid metal supports that hold a vehicle’s weight after a jack lifts it. They come in pairs with a saddle on top that cradles the vehicle’s frame or designated support points, and they lock at set heights so the car stays put while you work.

A floor jack is for lifting only. Its hydraulic seals can fail without warning, which is why every major safety resource—including BendPak’s jack stand guide—states plainly that you should never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack alone.

The Step-by-Step Process for Setting Up Jack Stands

Park on flat, solid ground. Concrete or asphalt is ideal; gravel, grass, soft sand, and slopes are all unsafe. Set the parking brake, then place wheel chocks against the wheels that stay on the ground—especially the end opposite where you’re lifting.

Find your vehicle’s factory lift points before you lift anything. They’re listed in the owner’s manual and often marked near the frame rails or pinch welds. Never guess and place stands under control arms, exhaust parts, body panels, or unreinforced floor sections.

Lift the vehicle just high enough to slide the stands underneath. Position each stand directly under a reinforced point. The exact setup depends on your stand type:

• Ratchet stands: raise the column until it sits close to the contact point, then let it lock into place.
• Pin-type stands: insert the locking pin fully and confirm it engages before lowering the vehicle.

Lower the vehicle slowly so its full weight rests on the stands. Then perform the critical safety check: grip the vehicle and give it a firm shake. If it moves, shifts, or feels unstable, raise it again and reset the stands. Only when the vehicle holds steady should you get underneath.

Choosing the Right Stands and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Every pair of stands has a rated capacity, and that rating must exceed your vehicle’s weight. Using stands rated too low is dangerous, and mixing stands with different capacities on the same axle is just as risky—always use matching pairs at the same height so the vehicle stays level.

If your car has pinch welds, use a slotted saddle adapter so the seam isn’t crushed. Some vehicles have specific lift points that differ by model and drivetrain, which is why the owner’s manual takes priority over generic advice.

Skip these common mistakes and you avoid the worst outcomes:

• Lifting or supporting the car on slopes, soft ground, or slippery surfaces.
• Lowering onto stands that aren’t fully locked, centered, or standing vertical.
• Skipping the shake test before working underneath.
• Trusting a hydraulic jack alone to hold the car’s weight.

To remove the stands, raise the vehicle slightly with the jack, free the stands, then lower the car fully to the ground.

FAQs

Can I use jack stands on grass or gravel?

No. Jack stands need a firm, level surface like concrete or asphalt to stay stable. Soft ground allows the stands to sink or tilt under load, which can destabilize the vehicle and create a serious hazard. Always move the car to solid ground before lifting.

How do I know where to place jack stands on my car?

Your owner’s manual lists the factory-approved lift points, and many vehicles have visible markings near the frame rails. When in doubt, look for reinforced areas like frame rails or pinch welds designed for jacks and stands. Never place stands under suspension components or body panels.

What weight rating do I need for jack stands?

Choose stands rated for more than your vehicle’s gross weight. The rating must cover the load from both stands together.

For tested recommendations on which sets handle common vehicle weights, see our roundup of the best auto jack stands this year.