How to choose a jack

Auto and Moto

Modern jacks have a reliable and stable design, are unpretentious and make it possible to replace a wheel or perform service work practically in the field. All that is required is to select a suitable device and read the instructions for its use.

choose a jack for a car

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We recommend reading the articles on choosing a pressure gauge for measuring tire pressure and the secrets of choosing a compressor for inflating tires.

Top jack manufacturers

There are a lot of reliable and functional devices of this class. The choice is best made in favor of the following manufacturers:

  1. AE&T

  2. Zubr

  3. Forsage

  4. Matrix

  5. Airline

The catalog of each of them contains many different devices. Before choosing, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics, as well as with the reviews of experienced users who have tested a particular model in practice.

Types of jacks

Modern devices of this class are divided into several categories.

Mechanical jacks

Mechanical jacks

Traditional type, the lifting height of which is carried out by turning the handle on the side. They are distinguished by simplicity and reliability of the design, and are suitable for the most part for work with passenger cars.

Advantages

  • Simple and stable design;

  • Suitable for everyday use;

  • Inexpensive;

disadvantages

  • Over time, the structure is prone to loosening and decreasing strength;

  • When working, a significant effort is required;

  • Not suitable for frequent use;

Hydraulic jacks

Hydraulic jacks

The operation of such devices is based on a special hydraulic fluid, which creates pressure, due to which the car rises to the required height. The main control element here is also the handle, but the effort required to operate the device is minimal.

Advantages

  • Easy to operate;

  • Allows you to lift a lot of weight;

  • Suitable for daily use;

  • Reliable construction;

disadvantages

  • Large dimensions, rather heavy;

  • High price;

Pneumatic jacks

Pneumatic jacks

The principle of operation of devices of this class is to use the energy of compressed air pumped into a special tank. Devices of this type differ in functionality and are used in almost any conditions, including field ones. They are widely used at various service stations to work with both passenger cars and trucks.

Advantages

  • Functional;

  • Large adjustment range;

  • Suitable for cars and trucks;

  • Strong and durable;

  • Used in any environment;

disadvantages

  • Expensive;

  • Requires a source that pumps air – a compressor;

The main criteria for choosing a jack

jack selection criteria

Having decided on the type of a specific device and the principle of its operation, it is necessary to closely consider its working features.

Jack lifting capacity

A criterion that has an important influence on the performance of the jack.

  1. If the device is selected for domestic use, the carrying capacity must be selected based on the weight of the car plus 200-250 kilograms. Such a formula is more than enough to protect against falls and other force majeure circumstances. In general, a jack with a carrying capacity of 2100-2200 kilograms is quite enough for domestic use;

  2. When buying a device for frequent operation in service station mode, preference should be given to the maximum lifting devices – who knows which car will arrive for tire fitting. In some cases, the threshold of 2.5-2.7 tons is not enough, more powerful devices may be required.

Maximum lifting height

Reflects the range of height that the jack is capable of lifting the vehicle. Traditionally, it is believed that the higher this value, the more functional the jack is and the more operations it allows it to perform, avoiding the use of a pit or a lift. For household use and performing the simplest operations like changing wheels, a mechanical jack with a lifting height of up to 40-50 centimeters is sufficient.

Features of choosing a jack for a car

  1. If the jack will be used a couple of times a season to perform the simplest manipulations, like 're-shoeing' wheels, there is no point in overpaying for expensive hydraulic models. These functions can be easily performed by an inexpensive mechanical jack made of reinforced steel with a lifting height of up to 40-50 centimeters. The carrying capacity must be calculated taking into account the maximum possible usable weight with an addition of 100-200 kilograms;

  2. If you need to frequently use and perform various operations to repair a car, as well as when operating the jack with various cars, including minivans and SUVs, preference should be given to a hydraulic jack capable of lifting weight up to 3-3.5 tons;

Features of choosing a jack for a gazelle

Due to the technical features, the Gazelle, like any other freight and commercial transport, will require the use of a very specific jack.

In commercial operation and there are several vehicles that need to be serviced, preference should be given to a powerful hydraulic jack with an adjustable support height and the ability to raise the vehicle up to 70-80 centimeters;

In case the Gazelle is a personal car, the jack should have maximum versatility. It is best to choose a pneumatic model powered by a compact blower with a voltage of 220 volts. If there is a full-fledged compressor in the garage, you can pay attention to the device powered by it.


Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.

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