What Tools Do You Need to Safely Lift and Support Your Car in a Home Garage?
Working underneath your car can be dangerous without the proper equipment. Whether you're performing an oil change, a brake change, or an inspection, safely lifting and supporting your vehicle is essential.
If you've ever wondered, "What tools do I need to safely lift and support my car in my home garage?" you've come to the right place.
In this article, we'll walk you through the must-have lifting tools every car owner should use, including jacks, jack stands, and ramps, along with expert safety tips and product recommendations from BullsArmor, a trusted brand of automotive tools.
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The Importance of Lifting Safety
Every year, hundreds of accidents occur in home garages due to improper vehicle lifting. Using unstable jacks or makeshift stands can lead to serious injury or damage to the vehicle.
That's why investing in quality lifting and support tools, such as BullsArmor's hydraulic jack kit and jack stands, is not optional, but essential.
Common mistakes when lifting vehicles include:
- Using a single jack without support stands
- Placing jacks on uneven surfaces
- Overloading with inadequate lifting capacity
- Working underneath an unsecured vehicle
Rule of thumb: Never crawl underneath a vehicle supported solely by a jack. Always use jack stands or ramps.
Essential Tools to Lift and Support Your Car
Here's a breakdown of the essential tools every car owner needs to safely lift and support their vehicle at home.
1. Electric Jack Kit
The cornerstone of any home garage is a reliable jack.
The BullsArmor Electric Jack Kit is designed for easy lifting with minimal effort: just plug it into your car battery or a 12V outlet.
Features:
- Safely lifts to 3-5 tons
- Built-in LED for nighttime use
- Compact and portable for roadside emergencies
- Automatic electric lift with overload protection
Why it's important:
Traditional jacks can be unstable; a jack provides a steady lift and greater control.
2. Jack Stands
After lifting your car, jack stands provide stable and durable support.
BullsArmor jack stands are made of heavy-duty steel and feature safety locking mechanisms for maximum reliability.
Choose the right capacity:
- 3-ton jack stands - Ideal for sedans and compact SUVs
- 6-ton jack stands - Perfect for large pickup trucks and RVs
Pro Tip: Always use two jack stands and place them on a firm, level surface, below the manufacturer's recommended jacking points.
3. Wheel Chocks
Before jacking up a vehicle, always use wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
BullsArmor heavy-duty rubber wheel chocks provide solid traction and stay in place even on slippery garage floors.
Safety Note:
Place chocks behind both rear wheels (if jacking up the front) or both front wheels (if jacking up the rear).
4. Car Ramps
If you're changing your oil or inspecting the underbody, car ramps are a safer alternative to jacks for quick access.
Look for BullsArmor lightweight access ramps with textured, non-slip surfaces that prevent wheel slippage.
Benefits:
- Perfect for oil changes
- Even weight distribution
- Easy to use for beginners
5. Mechanic's Stool and Platform
Once your car is properly raised, a rolling stool or kneeling creeper padallows for comfortable movement and access to the underside of the vehicle.
BullsArmor ergonomic workshop accessories combine support, mobility, and durability, reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency.
Step-by-Step - How to Safely Lift Your Car at Home
1. Park on a flat surface
Always work on firm, level ground, never on slopes.
2. Set the parking brake and use wheel chocks.
Prevent the vehicle from rolling before raising it.
3. Locate the jacking points
Consult your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer-approved jacking points.
4. Place and raise the hydraulic jack
Raise slowly until the vehicle reaches the desired height.
5. Place the jack stands
Slide the stands under the jacking points and lock them firmly.
6. Lower the vehicle onto the stands
Release pressure on the jack gradually so that the vehicle rests on the stands.
7. Check stability
Gently push the vehicle to confirm it is firmly supported.
Safety reminder: Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack; always use jack stands or ramps for support.
FAQs or Common Questions
Q1. What is the safest way to raise a car in a home garage?
Use a jack to raise the car and jack stands to support it. Always secure the wheels with wheel chocks.
Q2. Can I raise my car with just one jack?
Only temporarily. For repairs or inspections, always transfer the vehicle's weight to jack stands or ramps.
Q3. What size jack stands should I buy?
It depends on your vehicle. Compact cars work well with 3-ton jacks, while pickup trucks or RVs require 6-ton models.
Q4. Is it safe to use electric jacks at home?
Yes. Modern electric jacks, like those from BullsArmor, feature built-in overload protection and stable lifting arms.
Q5. Can I use a scissor jack for regular maintenance?
Scissor jacks are designed for emergency tire changes only, not for long-term support or garage use.
Q6. Should I buy a lifting platform to work under the car?
Yes. It increases comfort and mobility while preventing knee injuries or strains during repairs.
Conclusion
Knowing what tools you need to safely lift and support your car in a home garage can make your maintenance projects safer and more efficient.
With essential products like the BullsArmor electric jack kit, jack stands, wheel chocks, and a mechanic creeper, you'll have a complete and safe team for any repair or inspection.
Investing in BullsArmor garage tools guarantees safety, durability, and top-notch performance, trusted by mechanics and car owners alike.
Visit BullsArmor.com to explore our full line of lifting and support tools designed for every vehicle and every shop. Also see our article Top 5 Must-Have Garage Tools Every Car Owner Needs
