Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and then either drive the front of the car onto ramps or use a jack to lift the car, always supporting it with jack stands before getting underneath.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of safely lifting your car to change the oil:
Safety First!
- Level Surface: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a hard, level surface like concrete. This prevents rolling and ensures stability.
- Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake firmly before starting any lifting procedure.
- Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires (if lifting the front) or in front of the front tires (if lifting the rear) for added safety.
- Never Work Under a Car Supported Only by a Jack: A jack is designed for lifting, not for supporting a vehicle. Always use jack stands. This is the MOST important safety rule.
Method 1: Using Ramps
Ramps offer a simple and relatively safe way to elevate the front of your vehicle.
- Alignment: Carefully align the ramps with your front tires.
- Slow and Steady: Slowly drive the car up the ramps. Have someone spot you if possible.
- Ramp Lock: Once the tires reach the top of the ramps, some ramps have a locking mechanism. Ensure this is engaged.
- Emergency Brake: Engage the parking brake once the vehicle is on the ramps.
- Caution: Be mindful of low-hanging bumpers or spoilers that might scrape against the ramps.
Method 2: Using a Jack and Jack Stands
This method provides more flexibility but requires extra caution.
- Consult Your Owner's Manual: Locate the recommended jacking points for your vehicle. Using the wrong jacking point can damage your car's frame.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point.
- Raise the Vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle to the desired height, providing enough clearance to comfortably work underneath.
- Place Jack Stands: Once the vehicle is raised, immediately position jack stands under the vehicle's frame near the jacking points. Consult your owner's manual for safe jack stand placement locations.
- Lower the Vehicle onto the Jack Stands: Carefully lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Ensure the stands are securely supporting the weight.
- Give it a Shake: Gently push on the car to ensure it's stable on the jack stands before getting underneath.
- Leave the Jack in Place (Optional): As an extra safety precaution, you can leave the jack in place, slightly raised, providing a backup support. Don't rely on it; the jack stands are the primary support.
Final Checks Before Getting Underneath:
- Double-Check: Before you get under the car, double-check that the jack stands are properly positioned and supporting the weight.
- Visual Inspection: Ensure there are no signs of instability or shifting.
- Inform Others: Let someone know you're working under the car.
Changing your oil requires safely lifting your vehicle. Prioritize safety by using jack stands or ramps and always following manufacturer recommendations.
