When it comes to automotive maintenance and repair, few tools are as critical as a reliable auto jack. Whether you’re performing a simple tire rotation, conducting routine brake work, or tackling a more complex project, having a secure and efficient lifting solution is non-negotiable for both safety and productivity. The right jack can make the difference between a straightforward job and a hazardous situation.
The market offers a wide array of options, from traditional floor jacks and sturdy jack stands to innovative all-in-one and electric models. This variety ensures there is a perfect tool for every vehicle and every skill level. Our roundup is designed to help you navigate these choices and select the best auto jack for your garage, focusing on key factors like capacity, safety features, and ease of use.
Our Top Picks for Auto Jacks
- Amazon Basics Steel Jack Auto Stands
- Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack and Jack Stands
- Pro-LifT PL3300 Heavy Duty Jack Stands
- VEVOR Electric Car Jack with Impact Wrench
- TONDA Floor Jack, 2 Ton Hydraulic Car Jack
- Pro-LifT F-2315PE Grey Hydraulic Trolley Jack
- Sunex Tools 3.5 Ton Low Profile Steel Service Jack
- ROGTZ Electric Scissor Car Jack Kit 2 Ton
- Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack
Amazon Basics Steel Jack Auto Stands
For dependable and secure vehicle support, the Amazon Basics Steel Jack Stands are a fundamental choice. This pair offers a robust 3-ton (6,000-pound) capacity, providing a solid foundation for a wide range of vehicles. The self-locking ratchet mechanism is a key safety feature, eliminating the need for a separate locking pin and ensuring the stand remains securely at your chosen height.
These stands are designed for ease of use, allowing you to quickly raise or lower them to the precise height required for your task. They are constructed to meet the ASME PASE-2014 Safety Standard, giving you added confidence in their performance and reliability during critical automotive work.
Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack and Jack Stands
The Powerbuilt Unijack is an innovative all-in-one tool that combines a 3-ton bottle jack with a built-in jack stand. This clever design streamlines the lifting and securing process, making it faster and more convenient for the user. It’s an excellent space-saving solution for home garages.
With a lift range of 11 to 21 inches, this unit is particularly well-suited for vehicles with higher ground clearance, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans. The integrated ratcheting safety bar automatically locks the jack in the raised position, providing a secure hold so you can work under the vehicle with peace of mind.
Pro-LifT PL3300 Heavy Duty Jack Stands
Engineered for stability and durability, the Pro-LifT PL3300 jack stands feature a wide pyramid foot base that provides exceptional support on various surfaces. Constructed from sturdy stamped steel with a welded frame, these 3-ton stands are built to last through years of demanding use.
The ratchet bar, made from high-quality cast ductile iron, offers multiple locking positions for precise height adjustments between 11-1/4 and 16-3/4 inches. For added safety and control, the design includes both a handle lock and a mobility pin, ensuring smooth operation and a secure lock every time.
VEVOR Electric Car Jack with Impact Wrench
The VEVOR Electric Car Jack is a comprehensive roadside assistance and garage kit in one. With a formidable 5-ton lifting capacity, it can handle everything from sedans to large trucks. The main advantage is its electric operation, which can lift a vehicle to its maximum height of 17.7 inches in approximately two minutes, eliminating manual labor.
This kit goes beyond just lifting; it includes a high-efficiency impact wrench with a maximum torque of 450 N.M and multiple sockets for quickly removing lug nuts. An automatic stop function prevents over-lifting, and the built-in LED light and air pump add further utility for emergency situations.
TONDA Floor Jack, 2 Ton Hydraulic Car Jack
Ideal for lower-profile vehicles like sedans and coupes, the TONDA 2-Ton Hydraulic Floor Jack is a reliable and compact tool. Its lifting range from 4.9 inches to 11.8 inches makes it perfect for getting under cars with minimal ground clearance.
Built with heavy-duty steel and a rust-resistant finish, this jack is designed for long-term durability. It complies with ANSI/ASME safety standards and features a built-in safety valve as a crucial safeguard against overloading, ensuring safe operation during every use.
Pro-LifT F-2315PE Grey Hydraulic Trolley Jack
This Pro-LifT hydraulic trolley jack offers a great balance of performance and value for the home mechanic. With a 1.5-ton (3,000 lb) capacity and a lifting range from 5.25 inches to 12 inches, it is capable of handling a variety of common automotive lifting tasks.
The all-welded steel frame construction provides strength and stability, while the rust-resistant finish helps protect the tool from garage wear and tear. Large steel casters and swivel casters make it easy to maneuver the jack into the perfect position under your vehicle.
Sunex Tools 3.5 Ton Low Profile Steel Service Jack
The Sunex Tools Low Profile Service Jack is built for high performance and frequent use. Its 3.5-ton capacity and low-profile design make it suitable for both sports cars and heavier sedans. The standout feature is the Rapid-Rise Technology, which utilizes dual pump pistons to quickly raise the saddle to the load point, saving you time and effort.
Constructed from robust steel, this jack offers excellent stability and is easy to maneuver around the workshop. The upgraded power unit is equipped with long-lasting seals and hydraulic fluid, ensuring reliable performance over the long run.
ROGTZ Electric Scissor Car Jack Kit 2 Ton
Designed for ultimate convenience during roadside emergencies, the ROGTZ Electric Scissor Jack operates with the simple push of a button. This 2-ton, 12V-powered jack can lift a vehicle to 14.6 inches in just minutes, making tire changes significantly faster and less physically demanding than with a manual jack.
Built from corrosion-resistant alloy steel, it is both durable and compact enough to store under most car seats. The jack includes a safety auto-stop and a built-in LED light for visibility in low-light conditions, adding crucial safety features for unexpected situations.
Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack
A classic and widely trusted option, the Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack is the simple, manual solution found in many vehicle trunks. Its reliable scissor mechanism provides a stable lift for emergency tire changes. The compact and straightforward design makes it easy to use and store.
While it requires more physical effort than electric models, its mechanical simplicity is a virtue, with fewer parts that can potentially fail. It’s a no-frills tool that gets the job done when you need to change a tire on the side of the road.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Auto Jack
When I’m looking for a new tool to lift my car, I don’t just grab the first one I see. Choosing the right auto jack is about balancing safety, convenience, and the specific jobs I plan to tackle. Getting this wrong isn’t just annoying; it can be downright dangerous. So, let’s talk about what I always consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost is lift capacity. This is the maximum weight the jack can safely handle. I always check my vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is usually on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. I make sure the jack’s capacity is well above that weight. For a typical sedan, a 2-ton (4,000 lb) jack might be fine, but for my SUV or truck, I look for at least 3 tons. It’s better to have more capacity than I think I need.
Next, I look at the lift range. This tells me how high the jack can raise the vehicle. The minimum height (saddle height) is crucial for getting the jack under a low car. The maximum height determines what kind of work I can do. If I’m just rotating tires, I don’t need a huge lift. But if I’m dropping a transmission, I need as much height as I can get. I also pay close attention to the jack’s weight and construction. A heavy steel floor jack is sturdy but a pain to move around. An aluminum racing jack is lightweight and easy to transport, which is great for track days, but it might not be as durable for daily shop use.
The type of jack is another big decision. A hydraulic floor jack is my go-to for most garage work—it’s fast and powerful. A scissor jack is compact and comes with most cars, but it’s slow and I only use it for emergencies. For long-term security, nothing beats jack stands. I never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Finally, I think about little things that make a big difference: a well-designed handle for easy pumping, a large saddle that won’t damage my car’s lift points, and smooth-rolling casters that let me position the jack easily. Taking the time to find the right one from the 9 best auto jacks for secure and efficient lifting means I can work confidently and get the job done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest type of jack to use for working under a car?
The only safe way to work under a car is with a combination of a jack and jack stands. A hydraulic jack or scissor jack is designed for lifting, not for supporting the vehicle’s weight while you are underneath it. Mechanical failure can happen. Once the car is lifted to the desired height, I immediately place rated jack stands under the vehicle’s secure lift points and gently lower the car onto them. The jack can then be removed, or I sometimes leave it as a secondary backup, but the jack stands are the primary support.
Can I use my car’s factory scissor jack for all my repair jobs?
I strongly advise against it. The factory scissor jack is a fantastic tool for one thing: changing a flat tire on the side of the road in an emergency. It’s compact and gets the job done. However, it’s not stable, it’s slow to operate, and it’s not designed for repeated use or for giving you the kind of lift height needed for most repairs. For any work in your garage, investing in a proper hydraulic floor jack is a much safer and more efficient choice.
How often should I service my hydraulic floor jack?
Like any tool with moving parts and hydraulic fluid, a floor jack needs some occasional love. I check the hydraulic fluid level about once a year or if I notice the jack isn’t lifting as high as it used to. It’s also a good idea to check for any hydraulic fluid leaks before each use. Many jacks have a release valve that can be adjusted; if the handle feels too loose or the lowering speed is hard to control, it might need a simple adjustment. For a full fluid change or major service, I consult the owner’s manual. Keeping it maintained is key to its longevity and, more importantly, your safety.
What does the “ton” rating on a jack mean?
The “ton” rating refers to the jack’s lift capacity. A 2-ton jack can lift up to 4,000 pounds, a 3-ton jack can lift 6,000 pounds, and so on. It’s critical to remember that this is the capacity for the jack itself. When I’m looking at the 9 best auto jacks for secure and efficient lifting, I always choose one with a capacity that exceeds my vehicle’s weight. For example, my midsize SUV weighs around 4,500 pounds, so I use a 3-ton (6,000 lb) jack to have a safe margin. It’s always better to have more capacity than you need.
Where are the correct lift points on my vehicle?
This is one of the most important safety questions. I never just stick the jack under a random part of the frame or body. The correct lift points are specific spots designed by the manufacturer to handle the concentrated stress of lifting. You can find them listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. They are typically notched sections of the frame or dedicated reinforced metal pads located just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels. Placing the jack anywhere else, like on the oil pan, floorboards, or suspension components, can cause serious and expensive damage to your car and create a very unsafe situation.