Lifting a vehicle is one of the most critical tasks in automotive maintenance and repair. Whether you’re facing a sudden flat tire on the roadside or performing routine brake work in your garage, having the right jack is paramount for both safety and efficiency. The wrong equipment can lead to dangerous situations, while the right one makes the job straightforward and secure.
This roundup covers a diverse selection of automotive jacks, from compact emergency scissor jacks to powerful hydraulic floor jacks and innovative all-in-one designs. We have evaluated them based on lifting capacity, stability, ease of use, and specific use-case scenarios to help you find the perfect tool for your vehicle and needs, ensuring every lift is stable and safe.
Our Top Picks for Automotive Jacks
- VEVOR Electric Car Jack, 5 Ton Hydraulic Jack Lift with Electric Impact Wrench
- Scissor Car Jack 2 Ton Tire Changing Kit with Lug Wrench
- BIG RED T10152 Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit, 1.5 Ton
- TONDA Floor Jack, 2 Ton Hydraulic Car Jack for Sedan and Coupe
- Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack and Jack Stands in One
- Pro-LifT F-2315PE Grey Hydraulic Trolley Jack Car Lift
- Daytona 3 ton Long Reach Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack
- Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack
- Hein-Werner HW93506 Blue/Yellow Jack Stands, 6 Ton Capacity
- Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack
VEVOR Electric Car Jack, 5 Ton Hydraulic Jack Lift with Electric Impact Wrench
This all-in-one electric car jack is designed to be a complete roadside rescue kit. With a substantial 5-ton lifting capacity, it can handle everything from sedans to large SUVs and trucks. The electric hydraulic system lifts your vehicle to its maximum height of 17.7 inches in about two minutes, eliminating strenuous manual effort. An automatic stop function activates at the maximum height for an added layer of security.
Beyond lifting, the kit includes a high-efficiency impact wrench with 450 N.m of torque for quickly removing stubborn lug nuts. It also features a built-in air compressor for tire inflation and an LED light for working in low-light conditions. This makes it an exceptionally versatile tool for both emergency situations and home garage projects, providing multiple solutions in a single package.
Scissor Car Jack 2 Ton Tire Changing Kit with Lug Wrench
This comprehensive tire changing kit is an excellent choice for a compact and reliable emergency solution. The scissor jack has a 2-ton capacity and a wide lifting range from 4.33 to 15.75 inches, making it suitable for both low-slung sedans and higher-riding SUVs. Its simple mechanical design is time-tested for reliability when you need it most.
The value of this product is in its completeness. It comes with a ratchet wrench, a dual-size lug wrench, a pair of gloves, a tire pressure gauge, and a convenient storage bag. Made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, this all-in-one kit is built to withstand the elements while stored in your trunk, ensuring you are always prepared for a flat tire.
BIG RED T10152 Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit, 1.5 Ton
The BIG RED Torin scissor jack is a robust and compact tool perfect as a replacement for your vehicle’s original jack or as a reliable spare. With a 1.5-ton (3,000 lb) capacity, it provides a lifting range from 4-1/8 inches to 15-1/8 inches. Its collapsible design allows for easy storage in even the smallest of car trunks without taking up significant space.
Engineered from drop-forged alloy steel, this jack is built for quality and long-term durability. The sturdy construction ensures it can handle repeated use, providing a stable platform for tire changes. It’s a no-frills, dependable piece of equipment that focuses on doing its primary job effectively and safely.
TONDA Floor Jack, 2 Ton Hydraulic Car Jack for Sedan and Coupe
The TONDA 2-ton hydraulic floor jack is a great entry-level model for home mechanics working on standard sedans and coupes. It offers a practical lifting range from 4.9 inches to 11.8 inches, which is sufficient for many common maintenance tasks. Its design complies with ANSI/ASME safety standards, incorporating a built-in safety valve to prevent overloading and ensure safe operation.
Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant finish, this jack is made to last. It provides a more stable and easier-to-use alternative to scissor jacks for garage use, allowing for smoother lifting with less physical effort. It’s a solid, safe choice for those who need a reliable jack for light-duty vehicle maintenance.
Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack and Jack Stands in One
The Powerbuilt Unijack is an innovative tool that combines a 3-ton bottle jack with a built-in jack stand. This all-in-one design simplifies the lifting and securing process, as the unit automatically locks into place with a ratcheting safety bar once the vehicle is raised. This eliminates the need for separate jack stands, saving time and reducing the number of tools you need to handle.
With a lift range of 11 to 21 inches, it is perfectly suited for vehicles with higher ground clearance, such as pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans. Its wide base adds stability on various surfaces. This product is ideal for anyone who values efficiency and wants an integrated safety solution for working under their vehicle.
Pro-LifT F-2315PE Grey Hydraulic Trolley Jack Car Lift
The Pro-LifT F-2315PE is a sturdy 1.5-ton trolley jack that comes with the added convenience of a blow-molded carrying case for easy storage and transport. It features a low minimum saddle height of 5.25 inches and can lift up to 12 inches, making it a good fit for many passenger cars.
Built with an all-welded steel frame and a rust-resistant finish, this jack is designed for durability. Large steel casters and swivel casters make it easy to maneuver into position under your vehicle. It’s a practical and reliable hydraulic jack for general use in a home garage.
Daytona 3 ton Long Reach Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack
The Daytona 3-ton floor jack is a professional-grade tool built for versatility and heavy-duty use. Its long-reach, low-profile design allows it to easily slide under vehicles with very low ground clearance, while still providing an impressive maximum lift height of 24-1/4 inches for trucks and SUVs.
It features a dual-piston hydraulic system for fast and efficient lifting with minimal pump strokes. Premium ball-bearing rear swivel casters provide 360-degree mobility, making it easy to position precisely under the vehicle’s lift points. This jack is an excellent investment for serious DIYers and professionals who work on a wide variety of vehicles.
Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack
This Pittsburgh Automotive floor jack is engineered for strength and ease of use. Its 3-ton capacity and ultra-low profile allow it to fit under sports cars and other low-clearance vehicles with ease, offering a lifting range from 5 inches to 18-1/4 inches. The rapid pump feature enables quick lifting to the desired height.
The jack is constructed from heavy-duty, all-welded steel for maximum durability and stability. A simple half-turn release valve allows for smooth, controlled lowering of the vehicle. It’s a robust and user-friendly floor jack that provides great performance for demanding home garage tasks.
Hein-Werner HW93506 Blue/Yellow Jack Stands, 6 Ton Capacity
Safety is non-negotiable when working under a vehicle, and the Hein-Werner jack stands are built specifically for that purpose. This set of two has a combined 6-ton capacity, providing a strong and reliable support system. The formed steel frame construction adds significant strength and safety margin.
They feature a multi-position ratchet bar for secure height adjustments and a dual-purpose handle that serves both as a carry handle and a saddle column release. These stands are an essential companion to any hydraulic jack, ensuring your vehicle remains securely elevated while you work.
Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack
The Arcan ALJ3T is a high-performance floor jack notable for its aluminum construction, which makes it significantly lighter than comparable steel jacks without sacrificing strength or capacity. This lightweight design is a major advantage for anyone who needs to transport their jack or store it without straining their back.
Despite its light weight, it maintains a robust lifting capacity suitable for most cars and SUVs. It often features a low-profile design for accessing sports cars and a rapid lift mechanism for efficiency. For the DIYer or mobile mechanic who values portability and performance, an aluminum jack like the Arcan is an excellent choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Automotive Jack for Safe and Stable Vehicle Lifting
Choosing the right automotive jack isn’t just about convenience; it’s a critical safety decision. I’ve worked with many jacks over the years, and the wrong choice can lead to a dangerous situation. Your goal is to find a tool that provides safe and stable vehicle lifting every single time. Let’s break down what you need to consider.
First, you need to think about weight capacity. This is the most important number on the box. You must know your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Your jack’s capacity should exceed this weight. I always recommend getting a jack with at least a 25% higher rating than your vehicle’s weight for a good safety margin. Using a jack that’s under-capacity is a recipe for failure.
Next, consider the jack type. Floor jacks are the go-to for most home mechanics because they’re easy to maneuver and offer a good lift range. Bottle jacks are more compact and powerful for their size, making them great for off-road recovery kits, but they often have a lower starting height. Scissor jacks are the compact, lightweight jacks that come with your car for emergency tire changes; they get the job done in a pinch but are slow and not ideal for regular use. For the safest and most stable vehicle lifting, a good quality floor jack is usually your best bet.
Lift range is another big one. You need to know two measurements: the saddle’s minimum height and its maximum lift height. The minimum height must be low enough to slide under your car’s lift points, especially if your car is lowered. The maximum height needs to be sufficient to get your vehicle high enough for your intended work, whether that’s just swapping tires or getting underneath it on jack stands. Don’t forget to account for the height of your jack stands.
Finally, look at the build quality and features. A solid steel or aluminum construction is key. Hydraulic jacks should have a smooth, reliable pump and a precise release valve. Look for features like a large saddle to securely contact the lift point, sturdy wheels for easy movement, and a long handle for good leverage. Remember, a jack is only for lifting; you must always use jack stands to support the vehicle while you work. No exceptions.
FAQ
What is the safest type of automotive jack to use at home?
For regular home garage use, a hydraulic floor jack is generally considered the safest and most versatile option. They provide a wide, stable base, smooth lifting action, and are relatively easy to maneuver. Their design offers a great balance of power, control, and stability, which are all crucial for safe and stable vehicle lifting. While bottle jacks are powerful, their narrower base can be less stable, and scissor jacks are best reserved for emergencies.
Can I work under my car using just the jack?
Absolutely not. This is one of the most critical safety rules. A hydraulic jack is a lifting device, not a support device. Seals can fail, hydraulic fluid can leak, and the jack can lower unexpectedly. You must always, without exception, use a set of properly rated jack stands to support the vehicle once it’s lifted. The jack should be slightly raised to share a minimal amount of the load, but the jack stands are your primary safety backup.
Where should I place the jack under my car?
You should always lift from the vehicle’s designated lift points. These are reinforced sections of the frame or unibody designed to handle the concentrated load. You can find their locations in your owner’s manual. Common spots include a specific section of the frame rail behind the front wheels or ahead of the rear wheels. Never lift from body panels, rocker panels, the oil pan, or any part that looks like it could bend or crush. Using a puck or a block of wood on the jack’s saddle can help protect the lift point.
How often should I service my hydraulic floor jack?
For a jack used regularly in a home garage, a basic check before each use is a good habit. Look for any signs of hydraulic fluid leaks, check that the release valve turns smoothly, and ensure all wheels move freely. Most manufacturers recommend changing the hydraulic fluid annually for frequent use. If the jack starts to feel “spongy” or doesn’t hold pressure as well, it’s a clear sign it needs servicing. Always refer to your specific jack’s manual for detailed maintenance schedules.
What’s the difference between a 1.5-ton and a 3-ton jack?
The “ton” rating refers to the jack’s lifting capacity. A 1.5-ton jack can safely lift up to 3,000 pounds, while a 3-ton jack can handle 6,000 pounds. It’s not about how much the jack weighs, but how much weight it can lift. For most standard sedans and crossovers, a 2-ton or 3-ton jack is sufficient. If you have a heavier vehicle like a full-size truck or SUV, you’ll want a 3-ton jack or larger to ensure a safe capacity buffer.