You never know when your car might get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. You might feel stuck and stressed, especially if you’re not sure how to use a car jack with a hook. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this article, you’ll learn the easiest and safest way to lift your car using a jack with a hook. This guide is perfect if you’ve never done it before. You’ll get real, simple instructions to help you feel confident and ready when the time comes.
Find a Safe and Flat Spot to Park Your Car
Before you do anything, you need to make sure you are in a safe place. Safety always comes first when working with a car jack. You should never try to jack up a car on a slope or on soft ground. This can be very dangerous. Always look for a flat and hard surface. This is important because it keeps the car from rolling or sinking while you’re lifting it.
If you get a flat tire while driving, pull over to the side of the road carefully. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. This is especially important if it is dark or raining. Try to find a parking lot, driveway, or even a solid patch of pavement away from traffic.
Once you’re parked, make sure the car is in gear if it’s a manual car. If it’s an automatic car, put it in ‘Park’. Then pull the parking brake up all the way. This helps keep the car from moving while you’re lifting it.
If you have wheel wedges or blocks, place them behind the wheels that will stay on the ground. This helps keep the car from rolling. If you don’t have them, you can use a large rock or a brick.
Now, gather your tools. Take out the jack, the hook, and your spare tire. Most of these are found in the trunk or under the floor mat in the back. Your car manual can show you where they are.
Before you go on, make sure you’re wearing safe shoes. Avoid flip-flops or sandals. Closed shoes are better. Also, remove any loose jewelry or clothing that could get caught.
This is not a step to rush. Take your time and make sure everything is set up right. Being careful at this point makes the rest of the job much easier and safer.
- Always park on flat, hard ground
- Turn on hazard lights for safety
- Put the car in gear or ‘Park’
- Use the parking brake
- Block the other wheels
- Gather your tools
- Wear safe clothing and shoes
Locate the Jack Point Under Your Car
Once your car is safely parked and secure, you need to find the right place to put the jack. This part is very important. If you put the jack in the wrong place, it could damage your car or even cause an accident. Every car has certain spots made for lifting. These are called jack points.
The jack point is usually behind the front wheel or in front of the back wheel. You’ll often find a small notch or line under the side of your car. Some cars even have a small symbol showing where to place the jack. If you’re not sure, check your car manual. It will show you pictures or explain where to find the correct spot.
Do not place the jack under the floor of the car or under a car part like the exhaust pipe. That is very dangerous. Only use the strong metal frame under the jack point.
Now, take your jack with the hook and place it right under that point. Make sure the jack is standing straight and flat on the ground. If it’s tilted or not touching the ground all the way, it could fall over while you’re lifting the car.
Some car jacks have a groove that fits right into the car’s jack point. Make sure it’s lined up correctly. If it’s not, move it slightly until it fits.
Keep your hands and feet away from the jack when you’re placing it. Always double-check that it’s in the right spot before you begin lifting. It’s better to take one more minute to check than to risk hurting yourself or damaging the car.
If the ground is a little soft, put a strong wooden board or a thick metal plate under the jack. This will help keep the jack steady.
This part may seem simple, but it’s one of the most important. Getting it right makes everything else go smoother and keeps you safe.
- Find the right jack point near the wheels
- Check your manual if unsure
- Never place the jack under weak parts
- Use a flat base under the jack if needed
- Make sure the jack is standing straight
- Fit the jack groove into the jack point
Insert and Use the Hook to Raise the Car
Now that your jack is in the right spot, it’s time to use the hook. This part may look tricky, but it’s easier than you think once you try it.
The hook usually comes with your jack. It may look like a long rod with a curve at the end. Insert the hook into the hole or loop on the jack. Make sure it fits tightly. You might hear a small click or feel it lock into place.
Now it’s time to turn the hook. You usually need to turn it clockwise to raise the car. This means turning it to the right. As you turn, you will see the jack slowly lift up. Keep turning until the jack touches the bottom of your car.
Once the jack is touching the car’s frame, check again to make sure everything is still straight and in the correct spot. This is a good time to double-check your setup. If everything looks good, keep turning the hook to raise the car higher.
You do not need to lift the car very high. You just need to raise it enough so the tire is off the ground. A few inches is usually enough. Keep watching the tire as you turn the hook. You’ll know when it’s high enough because the tire will not touch the ground anymore.
Take your time. Don’t rush this part. If you feel resistance or the jack starts to lean, stop. Go back and check everything.
If you are using a scissor jack, the turning may get harder as the car gets higher. That’s normal. Just keep a firm grip and go slowly. You might feel tired in your arms, but keep going gently.
Once the car is high enough, stop turning. Do not go any higher than you need to. Too high can be risky and make the car unstable.
Never go under the car when it’s only held up by the jack. This is very dangerous. If you need to go under the car, use jack stands.
- Insert the hook tightly into the jack
- Turn the hook clockwise to lift the car
- Raise the car until the tire is off the ground
- Go slowly and check alignment often
- Do not lift the car too high
- Never crawl under a car held by a jack only
Remove the Flat Tire Safely
With your car lifted, it’s time to take off the flat tire. This is one of the more physical parts of the job, but it’s still easy if you follow the steps right.
First, grab your lug wrench. This tool is usually shaped like an ‘L’ or a cross. It helps you remove the lug nuts, which are the small bolts holding the tire in place.
Before lifting the car earlier, you should have loosened the lug nuts just a little. If you haven’t, it’s okay—you can still try, but be gentle. If the car is already lifted too high, bring it down just a bit so the tire is still on the ground and the car is stable.
Now, turn each lug nut counterclockwise. That means to the left. Use your body weight if you need to. Sometimes the nuts are tight, especially if they haven’t been touched in a long time. You can even step on the wrench carefully to get more pressure, but do it slowly and with balance.
Once the nuts are loose, take them off one by one and put them in a safe place. A small container or cup can help so you don’t lose them.
Now, hold the tire with both hands and gently pull it towards you. It may be heavy, so bend your knees and use your legs, not your back. If it doesn’t come off easily, wiggle it a little. Sometimes dirt or rust makes it stick.
Once the tire is off, set it aside. Don’t leave it standing; it might roll away or fall over. Lay it flat on the ground.
Look at the area where the tire was. If it’s dirty, take a moment to clean it with a rag. This helps the new tire fit better.
You’re now ready to put on the spare or new tire. But this step ends with removing the flat one safely.
- Loosen and remove all lug nuts
- Use your body weight if needed
- Keep lug nuts in a safe spot
- Gently pull the flat tire off
- Use your legs to lift, not your back
- Clean the wheel area if dirty
Put on the Spare Tire and Tighten the Nuts
Now it’s time to install the spare tire. This is the part where your car starts to feel ready again. Hold the spare tire with both hands. Line up the holes in the tire with the bolts on the wheel hub. This part can take a little patience, but you’ll get it.
Push the tire onto the bolts. Make sure it fits in all the way. You might need to wiggle it a little to get it fully in place.
Once the tire is sitting right, take the lug nuts you saved earlier. Screw them on by hand, one at a time. Do not use the wrench yet. Just turn them with your fingers until they stop. This keeps the tire steady and helps avoid cross-threading, which means the nuts don’t go on straight.
Now, grab your wrench and begin tightening the nuts. Do not tighten them all the way just yet. Instead, tighten them halfway in a criss-cross pattern. For example, if you tighten the top bolt first, go to the bottom next. Then go to the left, then the right. This makes the tire sit evenly.
Once they are all halfway tight, now go around again and tighten each one fully. Make them as tight as you can using the wrench. You can even step on the wrench gently if you need to.
Make sure the tire is sitting straight and not wobbly. If it is, take the tire off and try again.
This part is very important for your safety. A loose tire can be dangerous. Always double-check your work before lowering the car.
- Line up the tire holes with the bolts
- Push the tire on gently
- Screw on nuts by hand first
- Use a criss-cross pattern to tighten
- Tighten nuts fully with the wrench
- Check that the tire is sitting straight
Lower the Car and Finish Up the Job
You’re almost done. Now you need to bring the car back down to the ground. This step is simple but still needs care.
Take the hook and put it back into the jack. Now, turn it slowly in the opposite direction—counterclockwise or to the left. This will lower the car gently. Don’t rush it. Lowering too fast can make the car drop suddenly, which is not safe.
Watch as the tire touches the ground. Once the full weight of the car is back on the tire, stop turning.
Now that the car is on the ground, grab your wrench and tighten the lug nuts again. Sometimes when the tire is off the ground, it’s hard to tighten them fully. Doing it now with the car’s weight helps make them more secure.
Go around all the nuts again in a criss-cross pattern. Try to make them as tight as you can. You can even press down on the wrench carefully for more power.
Now, put all your tools away. Don’t leave anything on the road or in the grass. Take the flat tire and place it back into your trunk. Some cars have a spot just for the old tire.
If your hands are dirty, wipe them with a towel or some wet wipes if you have them.
Before you drive away, take a moment to check everything. Make sure the car looks stable. Look at the tire you just changed. Does it look firm and not sagging? That’s a good sign.
Now you’re ready to go. You’ve done a great job, and you’ve learned something valuable.
- Turn the hook counterclockwise to lower the car
- Let the tire touch the ground fully
- Tighten all nuts again with the wrench
- Use criss-cross pattern for safety
- Put tools and flat tire away
- Clean up and check everything
Final Thoughts
Changing a tire with a car jack and hook may seem hard at first, but once you do it, you feel strong and ready. You don’t need to be a mechanic to handle a flat tire. Just stay calm, follow the steps, and be careful. With time, you’ll get faster and more confident. Every driver should know how to do this. It’s a skill that helps you stay safe and keeps you moving. And now, you know how to do it too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use a car jack with a hook on any surface?
No, it is not safe to use a car jack with a hook on just any surface. You should always use the jack on flat, solid ground like pavement or concrete. If the ground is soft, the jack can sink and the car might fall. That’s very dangerous. If you’re on a road or gravel, try putting a strong board or metal plate under the jack. Never use the jack on a hill or slope. The car could roll or slide. Safety comes first, so always choose the flattest and strongest place you can find.
Is it hard to turn the hook when lifting the car?
Yes, sometimes it can feel hard to turn the hook, especially as the car gets higher. The more you lift, the more weight the jack is holding, so it feels tighter. But that’s normal. Just keep turning slowly and use both hands if you need to. Take breaks if your arms get tired. If it feels stuck, stop and check if the jack is straight and placed right. Don’t force it too much. Slow and steady is the best way. You don’t need to rush. Being careful is more important than being fast.
Can I change a tire without using the hook?
No, not if your jack needs the hook to work. Most scissor jacks that come with cars need a hook or handle to turn them. Without it, you can’t lift the car. Some jacks use a crank or a different tool, but they still need something to turn. If you lose the hook, you may be able to use a strong wrench or pliers, but it’s not safe or easy. It’s best to always keep your jack and hook together in the car. If they’re missing, buy a replacement before you need them.
Do I need to lift the car very high?
No, you only need to lift the car high enough so the flat tire is off the ground. Usually, just a few inches is enough. Lifting too high can make the car unstable and more dangerous. The higher you go, the easier it is for the car to fall or for the jack to slip. So go slow and only lift until the tire is not touching the ground. That’s all you need. Lifting more doesn’t help and can be risky. Keep it low, steady, and safe.
Is it okay to leave the car on the jack for a long time?
No, it’s not safe to leave the car on a jack for a long time. Jacks are made to lift, not to hold the car for many hours. If you need to work under the car or wait a while, use jack stands. These are made to hold the weight safely. Leaving the car on just the jack can lead to a fall, and someone can get hurt. After you finish changing the tire, always lower the car right away and take the jack out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can I use any kind of jack for my car?
Not really. You should use the jack that fits your car’s type and weight. Small jacks work for small cars. Bigger cars or trucks need stronger jacks. If you try using a jack that’s too weak, it might break or slip. Always check your car manual to see the right kind. Most cars come with a scissor jack, and they often work well. But if you upgrade, make sure the new jack can hold your car’s weight. Safety matters, so don’t use the wrong one just because it’s there.
Do I need to check the tire pressure after putting on the spare?
Yes, always check the tire pressure after putting on the spare. Most spare tires are smaller and not made for long drives. They need the right air pressure to be safe. If the pressure is too low, the tire can be unsafe or wear out fast. Use a tire gauge to check it. If it’s low, drive slowly to a gas station and fill it up. Never drive fast or far on a spare. It’s just for getting you home or to a shop. Always fix or replace the flat tire soon.
Is it normal for the car to shake a little when lifting?
Yes, a small shake is normal when lifting, especially at the start. But the car should not rock or move a lot. If it does, stop right away. Make sure the jack is placed in the correct spot and the ground is flat. Also, double-check that the parking brake is on and the other wheels are blocked. A little movement is okay, but big shakes are not safe. Take your time to reset everything before trying again. Never lift the car if it feels unstable.