Is It Safe to Jack a Car Up on an Angle? Best Practices and Precautions

The safety of jacking up a car on an incline is a critical concern for any automotive enthusiast, mechanic, or DIY vehicle owner. While it is sometimes necessary due to the layout of driveways or parking spaces, attempting to jack a car up on an angle comes with significant risks and should be approached with utmost caution.

Why Jacking a Car on an Angle is More Dangerous

Attempting to jack a car up on an incline can be extremely dangerous. The basic idea is to increase the stability of the vehicle by chocking the wheels. However, it is not a recommended practice without proper precautions. Here’s why:

Using Chocks for Stability

If you must jack a car up on an incline, chocks are essential. Chocks are blocks that are placed under the wheels to prevent the car from rolling. The direction of the chocks depends on the incline:

If the front of the car is downhill, turn the front wheels to the right. If the front of the car is uphill, turn the front wheels to the left.

This provides some stability, but the chocks alone are not enough. The car can still move if not properly secured.

Why NOT to Rely Solely on Jacks

The primary risk of jacking a car up on an incline is that the jack itself can flip the car. Standard car jacks are not designed for such unlevel conditions. The weight of the vehicle is a significant factor, and if the jack fails or shifts, the results can be catastrophic:

Emergency Stoppers: If you absolutely must jack a car up on an incline, it is crucial to use proper emergency stoppers such as axle stands. axle stands are specifically designed to provide secure support for vehicles in precarious situations. .Use Axle Stands: As always, use proper axle stands to lift the car. NEVER work under the car with just the jack supporting it. The weight of the car can cause the jack to fail, and the consequences can be deadly.

Practical Advice for Safely Jacking a Car on an Incline

Here are some practical tips for safely jacking a car up on an incline:

1. Only as a Last Resort

If it is not a true emergency, avoid jacking a car up on an incline altogether. Ideally, always jacking a car up on solid, level ground. If you must do it on an incline, take the necessary steps to ensure safety:

Install chocks under the wheels to prevent rolling. Position the car so that the wheels not being jacked are pointed away from you. Enable the handbrake to add an extra layer of security.

2. Detailed Steps for Incline Jacking

When jacking up a car on an incline, it is essential to follow these detailed steps:

Chocks: Ensure that chocks are placed securely under the wheels opposite the lift point to prevent the car from moving. Jack Points: Use appropriate jack points. In many cases, using a frame lift is a better option because it provides better stability. Step-by-step: Always lift one side of the car at a time, securing the other side with axle stands before proceeding to the next side.

By following these detailed steps, you can reduce the risks associated with jacking a car up on an incline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while jacking a car up on an incline may sometimes be necessary, it is inherently dangerous and should be approached with the utmost caution. Using proper precautions such as chocks, jack stands, and emergency stoppers can significantly reduce the risk. Always prioritize safety when working under a car, whether on a level surface or an incline.