A veteran mechanic uploaded a PSA to show people how to use a jack stand properly when changing a tire. According to him, most people use it incorrectly, which can lead to major accidents.
The TikTok account for My Mobile Mechanic (@mymobilemechanic978) claims that they posted this tip on the social media platform a year ago. Since then, he says it’s gained so much popularity that a number of other creators have uploaded videos about the same trick.
In his viral post, My Mobile Mechanic shows how to properly keep yourself safe while jacking up your car. He also explains why it’s an important extra step to take.
“If you’ve ever had a jack lose pressure and you witness the car drop on a stand, sometimes that stand will tilt, slide, move, etc. And then it’s coming down and killing you,” he says.
The mechanic places the jack stand under the jack itself and demonstrates how effective the stand is at keeping the jack in place.
He explains, “With the weight of the vehicle pressing down, this stand can never tip, move, slide. It’s locked in place, meaning you’re gonna live.”
The mechanic then removes the jack stand.
“If you have this on a pinch weld, the weight of the vehicle drops, crushes the pinch weld, tips, moves. That’s it. You’re done,” he says.
‘Dangerous and Improper’
My Mobile Mechanic’s post received over 798,000 views. But his advice was met with some skepticism from a number of people who believe that he is using jack stands incorrectly.
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“This is definitely NOT the way to do it. Jack the car up, put the stand under the car, lower the car onto the stand. You can leave the jack in or take it out. The most important thing is most or all of the car’s weight should be on the stand,” one person said.
“What you are telling people to do is actually dangerous and improper use of the equipment,” argued another.
“If this is how the guy uses jack stands, I shudder to think how he uses other tools,” a third commented.
One fan of the mechanic added, “Guys, this man is correct most of the time but on this let’s all agree [he is] not.”
What Is the Right Way?
When attempting to perform any repair that requires reaching under the car, it is essential to know the correct way to use a car jack. This prevents the car from falling and possibly crushing the person underneath the car. Home Depot recommends the following for anyone trying to use a car jack.
“First and foremost, never use the jack to hold the car in place while you are under it. Use only jack stands that are properly rated for the weight of your vehicle,” the home improvement retailer states.
To begin with, ensure the car is parked on level ground. If it must be on an incline, park close to the curb and turn the tires inward. Then, secure the downside wheels with wheel wedges or bricks to prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling. Also, make sure that the car is in park and the emergency brake is engaged.
Before using any jacks or jack stands, make sure they have an adequate weight capacity for the car. The owner’s manual can help determine the best placement of the jack. The jack stand can be positioned under the car frame at a reinforced point or “pinch weld.”
Only lower the car to rest on the jack stand once it is locked in place. Then remove the jack and push the car gently to ensure it is securely on the jack stand.
Home Depot notes that for safety, “never use a car jack on dirt or grass when changing a tire or making repairs. If needed, use car jack accessories such as stabilizer pads to ensure the jack is secure.”
Motor1 has reached out to My Mobile Mechanic via Instagram and TikTok direct message. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.
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