It’s a humid Saturday morning in Hallandale Beach. The sun is just over the Atlantic horizon, and the smell of salty air mixes with the exhaust of a row of cars parked on the curb of West 1st Street. Your SUV is stuck on a patch of cracked asphalt, and the dashboard lights a red warning for the tire you’re about to change.
What are the first safety steps before placing a jack stand?
Before you lift anything, check the road surface. A jack stand is a jack stand (a metal support that holds a vehicle in place after the jack is raised). Make sure the car is on a flat, stable patch of asphalt or gravel. If the ground is uneven, the stand can tilt and your car could shift. Also, turn off the engine, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the wheels that stay on the ground. These chocks lock the vehicle in place and reduce the chance of it rolling.
How do you choose the right spot for a jack stand?
Look for a spot that is at least 12 feet from any curb or obstacle that could catch the jack stand. The ground should be firm—no soft sand or loose soil. Measure the distance from the wheel well to the jack stand’s foot. A 6‑inch clearance is the industry standard; it keeps the stand from striking the suspension or the vehicle’s frame. Use a tape measure or the car’s factory diagram to confirm the spacing.
Why should a jack stand be positioned 6 inches from the wheel‑well edge?
The wheel well houses the suspension components. If a jack stand sits too close, it can damage the strut or lower control arm. Think of the wheel well as the “hull” of a boat; keeping the stand 6 inches away is like leaving a safety margin between the hull and a dock. This prevents metal-to-metal contact that could crack the suspension.
How do you secure a jack stand to prevent it from slipping?
Once the stand is in place, lower the jack slowly until the car’s weight rests on the stand. The jack stand’s foot should be flat and fully contact the ground. If the ground is uneven, add a small piece of wood or a level block under the foot. Tighten the jack stand’s lock nut with a wrench—make sure it’s snug but not over‑tightened, which could strip the threads. A properly secured stand will feel solid, like a brick on a concrete floor.
What do you do if the surface under the jack stand isn’t level?
First, check the ground with a carpenter’s level. If the surface dips, place a small block of plywood or a metal plate under the jack stand’s foot to create a flat base. This compensates for unevenness and distributes the load evenly. If the area is too soft—think of a sand dune—move the stand to a more solid spot. A jack stand on soft ground can sink, causing the car to shift.
What’s the best way to double‑check your jack stand setup before getting under the car?
Give the vehicle a gentle shake. Feel the vibration travel through the jack stand. If you hear a rattling or feel wobble, the stand isn’t fully seated or the ground isn’t level. A quick visual check: is the stand’s foot flush with the ground? Are the locking nuts tight? If all checks pass, you’re ready to lower the wheel.
The video walks you through the exact steps to place jack stands safely. It shows how to select the correct spot, set the stand on a level surface, and lock it in place. Key points include keeping a 6‑inch gap from the wheel well, using a level block if the ground is uneven, and tightening the locking nut before you get under the car. The visual guide reinforces the safety checklist so you can see the process in action.
When to call us
If you notice sparks, a burning smell, or the car’s weight shifting after the jack stand is set, stop immediately. Hallandale Mobile Tire is ready to help with any emergency. Call (754) 243-8415 for service in Hallandale Beach and Broward. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Stuck on the Shoulder Right Now?
Hazards on, passenger-side exit, call dispatch. We roll in 15 minutes.
📞 Call (754) 243-8415If You Don't Have a Spare
Many newer vehicles (and most diplomat-garage vehicles) ship without a spare. If that's you, our Diagnostic is the next read: scenarios/no-spare-tire.html. Service call is $40 with a $40 booking hold, and we get you home or to a shop.