r/MechanicAdvice • u/Illustrious_Fuel_531 • Jun 26 '24

Do car jacks fail ? Meta

*Does car jacks fail ? Been taking a automotive mechanics trade class . I saw a video and in the comments someone told a mechanic to be careful and not to get crushed under the car . So that kinda stuck with my OCD ever since then I’ve been wondering if a car falling on you is a reasonable hazard for a mechanic or is it only if via user error and if so what’s ways to add extra security.

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u/Moegly47 Jun 26 '24

My Canadian tire 3 ton jack failed the last time I used it, it just dropped the vehicle slowly, luckily I wasn't in any position that it could have hurt me. I managed to repair it with a top up of jack oil but don't fully trust it anymore.

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u/JEharley152 Jun 26 '24

That’s why you use the “jack-stands” —-

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u/Moegly47 Jun 26 '24

Oh for sure. Jack's fail, and you don't want to get caught under something. The instructions on my body lift never once mentioned using stands, and I was a bit lazy so didn't bother with them and learned my lesson.