I've got a set of 2 2-ton jack stands and a floor jack so I can work on my car (a smaller car . . . Chevy Cavalier), and I was thinking that there are times when it would be really handy to have the whole car off the ground, say for example when you want to change your oil and fuel filter.
Do you think it'd be safe to put the car up on 4 jack stands?
Thanks!
2006-09-26 07:50:53 · 10 answers · asked by Mike D! 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Well, I used oil and fuel filter as an example. My fuel filter is located in the center, below the rear seating area, rear passenger side of fuel tank while I'd need to get under my engine to mess with oil changes . . . you can't get to both with only one end of the car up in the air.
There are other reasons I'd like to be able to get access to 4 wheels above ground, such as rotating my tires and I'd like to get underneath for maintainence and stuff :)
Thanks everyone for your input!
2006-09-26 10:41:53 · update #1
I put my cavalier up on 4 jack stands all the time. I jack one side place both stands front and rear then do the other side. Just make sure it's level and you're good. I do this for brakes, under body work etc. If there's no wheel on the ground it can't roll away. And for the guy who suggested ramps how do you get the wheel off if you use drive on ramps? So long as the jack stands are in good shape and rated for the weight you're fine. I use 4 rated at 2 tons each on my cavalier and 4 rated at 6 tons on my jeep. The 6 tons are more for height than capacity.
2006-09-26 08:25:06 · answer #1 · answered by iwingameover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're changing the oil and fuel filter, you should only need two tires off of the ground. If you only need access to one end of the car, you should only use two jack stands. If it were me, I would only use two just so that when you life one end of the car up with a floor jack, the other supported parts aren't moved.
2006-09-26 09:14:47 · answer #2 · answered by Tay From Da Bay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had some car jack stands and I had one break once. The casting part broke. I just had an Oldsmobile Cutlass on the stands, with a 4 cylinder engine. Ever since that happened I have used cement blocks and 8x8 wooden blocks. I also have a set of truck jack stands. I think they are rated at 6 tons, I do not use them on my Ford Power Stroke, I have used them on the rear axle of my Chevy pickup. If you look at the cast iron that is made in a foreign country you will se that the cast is quite porous. If you have good American made jack stands you may be safe. I might trust them on a GEO but that is about it.
2006-09-26 08:07:26 · answer #3 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 ton jack stands on a stable surface would be safe enough. Jack each tire up separately and put the jack stand in place. But if you're just changing oil and filter probably the front end raised would be enough.
2006-09-26 07:55:05 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why are you putting all 4 wheels off ground to change oil or fuel filter? I've never had to do that and I've had plenty of vehicles. Just lift the front or side of vehicle.
2006-09-26 08:02:54 · answer #5 · answered by usaf.primebeef 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i do not think it is safe. the best bet it to jack up each corner and put it up on concrete blocks along with the jack stands. it a stand shifts the blocks will catch the vehicle. but is it worth it? you might safe alot of trouble and effort taking your vehicle in for service. usually a oil change costs 20-25.00 and fuel filter between 30-50.00 depending on your area.
2006-09-26 13:38:57 · answer #6 · answered by Todd V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the stands are placed in the recommended places under the car. I do it on level ground and place the stands in the proper postion.
Just remember: "Safety First!"
2006-09-26 08:35:05 · answer #7 · answered by 1moe4u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Id have to say no but I have seen people do it. I wouldnt trust 4 jackstands with my life. If you need some clearence under the car use ramps. You can also drive your car on blocks of wood with combination of ramps.
2006-09-26 10:02:51 · answer #8 · answered by MK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is more stable to have one end of up and the other end down. There is less chance of it falling on two as opposed to four.
2006-09-26 08:00:55 · answer #9 · answered by butterflykisses427 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not only NO, but #$%^ NO. Use drive on ramps if you have to get all four feet off the ground.
2006-09-26 07:54:07 · answer #10 · answered by RANDLE W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋