Jacking and lifting cars

[lankybob]

So, it turns out I don't have too much money and a few things need doing to my car to keep it in good shape and I also want to learn more about my car and begin to work on it myself.

The problem here is that in Torbay, flat space is incredibly hard to come by and the only drive space I have is on a slight slope.

The question I have is, is it a complete no-no to jack up a car on a slope? I thought it is but its the only way I can really do it. It's not a steep gradient if that is any help.


Cheers,
Bob

[Simbu]

I used to jack my 106 up on a slight slope at the parents' house. Did all manner of work on that drive and it never seems to cause any problems. Make sure you use some good axle stands though. If you're only jacking one end of the car, use chocks on the grounded wheels too.

That said, there might be a good reason not to (safety aside) and i'm no mechanic so the above comes with no warranty

[XG332]

Should be fine, try no to jack the whole car on the slope. Jacking it front or rear will be ok, either put the handbrake on or leave in gear.
Alternativly invest in a pair of wheel chocks.

[LeoSayer]

I wouldn't even consider it. I'm sure if you look on your trolley jack and axle stands they will say the same. Those warnings are there for a good reason.

[LuS1fer]

A slight slope is no problem. Just chock the front wheels if you're lifting the rear using something stout like house bricks or tailor-made chocks and always jack so the car is becoming level, not the other way. Chock both sides of the wheel in the event the car may change it's angle of tilt. NEVER go under the car without axle stands and a thorough check the car won't move.

[Muncher]

It depends what you mean by a "slight" slope really. If I have to work underneath a car I really try and go overbaord on the supports, a couple of heavy duty trolley jacks which are left in place, a couple of axle stands, all wheels chocked. It's only a mistake you will ever make once...

[tegwin]

Do you need to jack it up?

My driveway is pretty steep... yes, I do frequently jack the car up to change wheels/brakes etc..

But if you want to work underneath, get a pair of ramps.. drive down the slope onto the ramps and it leaves the car parked almost level with plenty of space underneath to work!

[AJS-]

Try and have two different things holding the car so if one fails you don't get squashed. Eg hand brake and chocks if you're jacking the front up, leave it in gear and use chocks if you're jacking the back up (assuming it's a fwd car. Also make sure the jack is firmly planted and chocked as well if possible.

It should be ok so long as you're careful, just make sure it's firm before you get under it.

[Daston]

out of interest if your jack were to fail or your car fell off an axle stand and caused a fair amount of damage (thinking fibre glass etc here) could you claim on your insurance if your fully comp?

[Muncher]

Daston said:

out of interest if your jack were to fail or your car fell off an axle stand and caused a fair amount of damage (thinking fibre glass etc here) could you claim on your insurance if your fully comp?

Yes, it's accidental damage.