When you’re working on your vehicle, using jack stands can be one of the safest and most efficient ways to lift your car. But, as with anything related to vehicle maintenance and safety, there are important guidelines you need to follow. You might have come across questions such as, “Is it illegal to leave a car on jack stands?” or “What should you know before you store a car on jack stands for an extended period?”
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about using jack stands correctly, the risks involved, and whether or not it’s illegal to leave your car on them for an extended period.
What Are Jack Stands?
Before we explore the topic of leaving a car on jack stands, it’s essential to understand what jack stands are and how they function.
Definition of Jack Stands:
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Jack stands are mechanical devices used to support a vehicle once it has been lifted using a hydraulic or scissor jack.
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They typically feature an adjustable height mechanism that allows them to provide stable support for the vehicle during maintenance tasks.
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They are designed to safely hold a car in an elevated position without putting any unnecessary strain on the jack itself.
Jack stands are usually made of steel or aluminum, with a sturdy base and a locking mechanism to keep them in place. It’s crucial to choose the right jack stands based on your car’s weight and the type of repair or maintenance you’re performing.
Is It Illegal to Leave a Car on Jack Stands?
There are no national laws that specifically make it illegal to leave your car on jack stands. However, there are several important considerations that affect whether or not it’s safe or advisable to do so.
Factors to Consider:
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Local Regulations: While there are no direct laws against leaving a car on jack stands, local building codes or zoning laws may come into play if your vehicle is left in a public space or on your property for an extended period. For example, if you park your car on jack stands in your driveway for several weeks or months, your city or municipality might have regulations about how long a vehicle can be stored in a residential area.
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Risk of Injury: Leaving a car on jack stands for a long period can increase the risk of accidental falls or other injuries. If the jack stands are not properly set, or if they fail, it could cause the car to fall, potentially leading to severe injury or damage.
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Property Damage: If the car falls while on jack stands, it could cause damage to your property or nearby structures, which may have legal implications for your home insurance or liability.
In general, if you are working on your car, leaving it on jack stands for a short period—such as a few hours or a day—should not be a legal issue. However, leaving a car unattended for weeks or months without proper support or storage could lead to legal trouble if it violates local ordinances.
Risks of Leaving Your Car on Jack Stands for Long Periods
Even if it’s not strictly illegal, leaving a car on jack stands for an extended time isn’t without its risks. Here are some of the most notable:
1. Safety Risks
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Jack Stand Failure: If jack stands are improperly set up or are of poor quality, they can fail. This is a critical safety issue and could cause the car to collapse, resulting in injury or damage to the car.
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Incorrect Placement: If the jack stands are placed incorrectly, they could slip or shift, leading to instability. Always ensure the jack stands are positioned on solid, level ground and are placed in the proper spots under the car’s frame.
2. Damage to the Vehicle
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Suspension Strain: Leaving a car on jack stands for too long can place stress on the suspension system. Some cars, particularly those with air suspension, may be negatively affected by being raised for long periods.
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Tire Deformation: If the car is left on jack stands with the tires off for too long, they may become misshapen or develop flat spots, especially if there is weight resting on them.
3. Potential Environmental Factors
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Weather Conditions: If your car is stored on jack stands outside, environmental factors such as wind, rain, or even extreme temperatures could cause damage. In addition, prolonged exposure to the elements can lead to rust or corrosion on exposed metal parts of the car.
Best Practices for Using Jack Stands Safely
If you do need to use jack stands to lift your car for maintenance, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Here are some important tips:
1. Ensure Stability
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Flat, Hard Surface: Always place the vehicle on a flat, solid surface such as a concrete driveway or garage floor. Avoid gravel, dirt, or other soft surfaces that could cause the jack stands to sink or shift.
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Use Multiple Jack Stands: If you’re lifting the entire car, use four jack stands—one under each corner. Never attempt to work on a car with only a single jack or stand in place.
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Lock the Jack Stand: Most jack stands come with a locking mechanism. Always make sure it’s securely locked before working on the car.
2. Use Proper Tools
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Quality Equipment: Invest in high-quality jacks and jack stands that are rated for the weight of your vehicle. Be sure to use a jack and jack stands that match your car’s weight and specifications.
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Check Load Capacity: Ensure your equipment can handle the weight of the car and any additional load. A rule of thumb is to use a jack stand with a weight capacity that’s at least 50% higher than your vehicle’s actual weight.
3. Don’t Leave the Car Unattended
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Time Limit: Never leave your car on jack stands for extended periods unless absolutely necessary. If the job takes longer than expected, consider lowering the vehicle and securing it on the ground until you can continue work.
4. Recheck Stability
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Test for Movement: Before working underneath your vehicle, give it a gentle shake to ensure it’s secure. If you notice any movement or instability, reassess the placement of your jack stands and adjust as necessary.
Storing Your Car on Jack Stands Long-Term
If you need to store your car on jack stands for an extended period—perhaps due to a major repair or restoration—take additional precautions:
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Ensure the car is properly supported: If you are storing your car for months, consider using additional support, such as wheel cribs or tire savers, to prevent damage to the suspension and tires.
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Protect from the elements: If storing outdoors, use a weatherproof car cover to protect the vehicle from the elements and prevent rust.
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Inspect periodically: Regularly check the stability of the car on the jack stands, especially if it is stored for a long time. Ensure there is no excessive strain on the suspension or frame.
Risks of Leaving a Car on Jack Stands for Extended Periods
Leaving your vehicle elevated on jack stands for an extended period may seem like a practical solution, but there are several risks associated with it. These risks go beyond just safety hazards and can affect your car’s condition and functionality. Below are some of the critical factors you should consider.
1. Risk of Jack Stand Failure
When jack stands are not used correctly, or if they are of poor quality, they pose a significant safety risk. The main issue with leaving your car on jack stands is that the stands can fail or shift, especially under heavy loads or if not correctly positioned. This can lead to the car falling unexpectedly, potentially causing damage to your vehicle and, more importantly, severe injury.
What to Look Out For:
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Signs of Wear and Tear: Regularly check your jack stands for any signs of damage, such as rust, bends, or wear in the locking mechanism.
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Load Capacity: Ensure that the jack stands you use have the appropriate load capacity for your vehicle. An incorrect match between the stand’s weight limit and the vehicle’s weight could lead to failure.
Pro Tip: Always place jack stands on level ground and avoid using makeshift supports, such as cinder blocks or bricks, as they are unreliable and unsafe.
2. Potential Suspension Damage
Another reason to avoid keeping a vehicle on jack stands for a long period is the potential stress on the suspension system. The suspension is designed to support the weight of the car while it’s in motion. When a car is lifted, and the suspension system is left hanging, the components may be stressed in ways they were not designed for. This can lead to misalignments or wear over time.
Why It Happens:
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Suspension Components: When the car is raised, parts like the shock absorbers and springs might experience unusual strain, leading to deterioration or misalignment.
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Risk of Permanent Damage: In some cases, leaving the car on jack stands for too long could result in the suspension becoming less effective, leading to a bumpy or unstable ride once the vehicle is back on the ground.
Pro Tip: If you need to keep your car elevated for long periods, consider supporting the suspension system with additional supports like wheel cribs or axle stands.
3. Tire Damage
Another concern when leaving a car on jack stands for an extended time is tire damage. While the tires are off the ground, they may begin to develop flat spots, especially if there is weight still resting on them or if the tires are left in one position for too long. This could potentially make the tires unsafe to drive on when the time comes to lower the vehicle back onto the ground.
Why It Happens:
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Uneven Load Distribution: Even if the tires are not in direct contact with the ground, the weight of the car might still be indirectly pushing down on the tires, causing deformation.
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Loss of Shape: Tires can lose their round shape, making them less effective when reinstalled. This can cause vibration, noise, and uneven wear once the car is driven.
Pro Tip: If you need to leave your car on jack stands for a long time, consider removing the tires and storing them properly. You can also use tire savers or rotate the tires every few weeks to avoid permanent flat spots.
4. Environmental Factors
Leaving your car outdoors on jack stands can expose it to environmental risks such as extreme weather, moisture, or even pests. These factors can lead to rust, corrosion, or damage to exposed components, which could worsen over time if not addressed.
Weather Risks:
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Rain and Humidity: Excess moisture can lead to the formation of rust on exposed parts like the brakes, suspension components, or the undercarriage.
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Cold Temperatures: In freezing climates, water that has accumulated on or inside the car can freeze, potentially causing damage to parts such as the braking system or even the vehicle’s battery.
Pro Tip: If storing the car outside, use a high-quality waterproof car cover to protect the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to periodically inspect for any signs of moisture accumulation.
5. Stress on Jack Stands and Other Supporting Equipment
If the car remains elevated on jack stands for too long, the stands themselves can experience stress. Over time, the pressure exerted on the stands can cause them to weaken or develop minor cracks that may not be immediately visible. This is why it’s essential to regularly check your jack stands and any additional supporting equipment for signs of failure.
What to Watch For:
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Cracks or Weak Points: Inspect the jack stands regularly for any signs of cracking or bending. Metal fatigue can occur if the load on the stands is consistently high.
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Locking Mechanism: The locking mechanism should always be in place and functioning. If the lock isn’t engaged, it could cause the jack stand to collapse unexpectedly.
Pro Tip: Always check the weight capacity of your equipment before use and ensure that all locking mechanisms are engaged and secure.
Best Practices for Long-Term Use of Jack Stands
If you plan to leave your car on jack stands for a longer period, perhaps during a restoration project or because of ongoing repairs, there are several best practices you should follow to minimize risks and ensure that your car and equipment remain safe.
1. Double-Check the Weight Distribution
It’s vital to ensure that the weight of the vehicle is evenly distributed across all the jack stands. Uneven weight distribution can place unnecessary stress on the stands and cause them to fail. For example, if only one corner of the vehicle is supported by a jack stand, the imbalance could lead to tipping or instability.
What to Do:
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Use Four Jack Stands: If lifting the entire car, use four jack stands. This ensures that the weight is distributed evenly, providing maximum stability.
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Check for Leveling: Ensure that the vehicle is perfectly level to avoid additional stress on the suspension and chassis.
2. Use Wheel Cribs for Extra Support
If you need to elevate your vehicle for an extended period, consider using additional supports like wheel cribs. These are designed to support the weight of the vehicle without putting pressure on the suspension system. Wheel cribs also help prevent damage to the tires, which can be a concern when leaving your vehicle raised.
Pro Tip: Wheel cribs can be especially useful for cars that will be stored on jack stands for months, such as during a restoration or major repair project. They provide support across the tires and suspension, reducing the risk of damage.
3. Check and Adjust Periodically
One of the key recommendations when storing a vehicle on jack stands long-term is to inspect the setup regularly. Don’t just set the car on the stands and forget about it. Over time, changes in temperature, humidity, or pressure could affect the car’s stability.
What to Look For:
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Jack Stand Position: Ensure that the stands haven’t shifted or become misaligned.
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Vehicle Condition: Check for any signs of stress, such as suspension misalignment or tire deformation.
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Stability Test: Periodically check the vehicle’s stability by gently shaking it to see if it remains firmly supported.
Conclusion
Leaving your car on jack stands isn’t inherently illegal, but it comes with several risks and considerations that should not be ignored. While it’s generally safe to use jack stands for short-term maintenance, leaving your vehicle elevated for extended periods requires careful attention to safety, equipment, and vehicle condition. To avoid damage and ensure your car remains safe, always use high-quality equipment, place the vehicle on solid ground, and perform regular inspections. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, consult a professional mechanic to help guide you through the process.
Meta Description:
Wondering if it’s illegal to leave your car on jack stands? Learn about the risks, safety tips, and best practices for using jack stands safely during car maintenance or long-term storage.