Find the jack points on your vehicle's frame
Your vehicle has reinforced spots built into the frame specifically designed to support a jack. These are called jack points, and using them is the only safe way to lift your car. The frame everywhere else is hollow or too thin to hold the weight without buckling or tearing through.
Jack points are usually located along the rocker panel — the flat metal strip that runs along the bottom edge of your car's body, between the front and rear wheels. On most vehicles, there are two jack points per side: one near the front wheel and one near the rear wheel. Some vehicles have additional points, but the rocker panel points are the standard ones you'll use for a tire change.
Your owner's manual shows the exact location of these points with a diagram. If you don't have the manual, check the inside of your driver's side door jamb or the fuel door — many vehicles print a tire change diagram there. You can also search your vehicle's year, make, and model online with "jack points" to find the diagram.
Key Takeaways
- Jack points are reinforced metal spots on your vehicle's frame, usually on the rocker panel between the wheels, and your owner's manual shows exactly where they are.
- Never place a jack under the bumper, plastic trim, fuel tank, or anywhere on the frame that isn't a designated jack point, because the vehicle will collapse.
- Position the jack directly under the jack point so the lifting pad contacts the reinforced metal, not the surrounding area.
- Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove the tire and install the new one — typically 6 to 12 inches off the ground.
- Always place wheel chocks or heavy objects behind the wheels that remain on the ground to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Position the jack pad directly under the reinforced point
Once you've located the jack point, position your jack so the lifting pad sits directly under it. The pad needs to make full contact with the reinforced metal — not on the rubber trim, plastic molding, or the thin sheet metal around it. If the pad is even slightly off-center, the force concentrates on a weak spot and the vehicle can slip off the jack.
Place the jack on level, solid ground. Asphalt and concrete are fine. Avoid soft ground like dirt, gravel, or grass, because the jack will sink and the vehicle will tilt. If you're on a soft shoulder, place a flat board or piece of plywood under the jack base first to spread the weight.
Make sure the vehicle is in Park (automatic) or in gear (manual), and engage the parking brake. This prevents the car from rolling while you work. If you're on a slope, turn the wheels toward the curb or uphill to add a second barrier against rolling.
Raise the vehicle only as high as you need
Pump or crank the jack slowly until the tire clears the ground by a few inches — typically 6 to 12 inches depending on your vehicle's size. You don't need to raise it higher. The higher you lift, the less stable the vehicle becomes, and the greater the risk if the jack fails.
Stop raising once the tire is off the ground and you have enough room to work. You should be able to remove the lug nuts, slide the tire off, and slide the new tire on without the vehicle being dramatically high in the air. If you can't fit your hands under the tire to work, raise it a bit more — but no more than necessary.
Use wheel chocks to prevent rolling
Before you raise the vehicle, place wheel chocks (or heavy objects like cinder blocks or large rocks) behind the wheels that will remain on the ground. If you're changing the front driver's side tire, chock the rear driver's side wheel and the front passenger's side wheel. This creates a backup safety system if the jack slips.
Wheel chocks are wedge-shaped blocks designed for this purpose and cost $15 to $30 for a pair. Many people use bricks, wood blocks, or even heavy pieces of wood. The object needs to be heavy enough and positioned close enough to the wheel that it will stop the vehicle from rolling backward or forward.
Never place the jack in these locations
Do not place a jack under the bumper, whether plastic or metal. Bumpers are attached to the frame with bolts and brackets, not designed to support the vehicle's weight. The bumper will bend or tear away, and the vehicle will drop.
Do not place the jack under the fuel tank, transmission pan, oil pan, or any other component hanging from the frame. These will rupture or crack under the pressure. Do not place it on the thin sheet metal of the door sill or the area between the wheels. Do not place it on plastic trim, rubber molding, or any non-metal part of the body.
The only safe location is the reinforced jack point on the frame. If you cannot find it or are unsure, do not guess. Consult your owner's manual or call a tire shop for help before you lift the vehicle.
What to do if you can't find the jack point
If your owner's manual is missing and you cannot find the diagram on your vehicle, search online for "[your year, make, model] jack points" or "[your year, make, model] tire change." Most manufacturers publish this information, and you'll find a diagram within seconds.
If you're still unsure, call a tire shop or your vehicle's dealership and describe your vehicle. They can tell you the location over the phone. It's worth a five-minute call to avoid damaging your vehicle or creating a safety hazard.
Some newer vehicles have different jack point designs or multiple points per side. Your manual will show all of them. Use the one closest to the tire you're changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a floor jack instead of the jack that came with my car?
Yes. A floor jack is often easier to use and more stable than a scissor jack. Place it under the same jack point you would use with your vehicle's jack. A floor jack lifts more smoothly and holds the vehicle more securely, but you still need to use jack stands as a backup — never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
What if my vehicle is lowered or has a body kit?
Lowered vehicles and those with aftermarket body kits may have jack points that are harder to access or in slightly different locations. Your owner's manual still shows the frame jack points, which don't move. You may need to remove trim or use a different approach to reach them, but the reinforced points remain the same. If you cannot access them safely, a tire shop can change the tire for you.
Do I need to use jack stands?
For a tire change, most people rely on the jack alone because the job takes only a few minutes. However, using jack stands as a backup is the safest practice. Place the stands under the jack point or frame after raising the vehicle, then lower the vehicle slightly onto the stands. This way, if the jack fails, the stands catch the vehicle before it falls on you.
How do I know if the jack is positioned correctly?
The lifting pad should sit flat and fully in contact with the reinforced metal of the jack point. There should be no gap between the pad and the metal. If the pad is on an edge or corner, or if it's touching plastic or rubber trim, reposition the jack. The vehicle should lift smoothly and straight up without tilting or shifting to one side.