Jacking up one side of car for oil change

It is highly imperative that you change the vehicle engine oil regularly,  just so that all its moving parts are adequately lubricated to facilitate easy and smooth movements of all its internal parts.

In addition,  lubricating oils prevent needless damage to the vehicle’s internal moving parts. Due to their lubricating functions and the associated wear to its components, engine oil in the cavity of the engine usually becomes very dirty and weak.

When this happens, the oil must be changed immediately. But, do we really need to jack up the car before changing this oil?

You should not under any circumstances use a jack to hold the car up when changing the oil in your car. Before you attempt any such venture, make sure that the car is securely on jack stands. Also, never lean on either the car or into the engine bay whenever it is up in the air. Similarly, whenever you are ready to let the car down, jack it up from back to the front, and also remove the jacks two at a time to let it down.

Table Of Contents

• 1 How can I use jack to change oil?
• 2 Can you change oil without jacking car up?
• 3 Where can I put the jack when changing oil?
• 4 What happens if you don’t change oil?
• 5 Can you change oil with one jack?
• 6 Do I need four jack stands to change the oil?
• 7 Are ramps safer than jack stands?
• 8 Frequently asked questions(FAQ)
  • 8.1 How many miles should you change oil?
  • 8.2 Is it safe to look under a car jack stands?
  • 8.3 Can you change oil without jack?
  • 8.4 Is 2000 miles past oil change?
  • 8.5 Can you jack up a car on the subframe?
  • 8.6 Why are jacking points important?
  • 8.7 Is it okay to lift a car by the differential?
  • 8.8 Where are the jacking points of a car?
  • 8.9 Can I leave my car on a jack stand overnight?
  • 8.10 Are car ramps safe for oil changes?
  • 8.11 Can I change oil myself?
  • 8.12 Can you go under a car without a jack?
  • 8.13 Can you change oil with one jack?
  • 8.14 How much does an oil change typically cost?
  • 8.15 How can I raise my car without a jack?
• 9 Can I Use Tire Jack To Change oil – Conclusion

First, you will have to choose an area of the car’s frame to set it up. When it is securely in position, proceed to change the oil as recommended, but only after you are certain that it is secured before you make any attempt of climbing underneath it.

This can be done by unscrewing the bolts to drain most of the oil, before lowering it to drain the rest. Alternatively, you can jack up the rear of the car and put a plank or two beneath the rear wheels, before you do the same for the front to give you more height while still staying level, but only if lowering the car would hit the drain pan. Though doing this may not actually be mandatory, it is however still preferential.

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Can you change oil without jacking car up?

Of course, you can. To start with, it is not really necessary to remove any of the engines under covers before you can access the filter, which is in front of a semi-circular indentation in the oil pan and hangs down ( not sideways mounted).

All you may need to do is use a cap oil filter wrench if you brought a replacement filter with you when buying the oil filter wrench. Firstly, loosen the wheel nuts, assuming you are going for a wheel change. Then afterwards, raise the car to its maximum suspension height.

Next, place an axle stand or anything similar to it at the jacking point. Finally, you should lower the suspension to its minimum height and the wheel can then easily lift off the ground for you to conveniently change the oil. (Read Also: How long Does Tubeless Sealant Last?)

Where can I put the jack when changing oil?

Usually, there is always a  structural brace that comes out on either side of the frame. That is the point where you should place your jack stand under. Make sure that the vehicle is both level and stable before you proceed.

What happens if you don’t change oil?

If you don’t change the oil of your car, you are obviously risking poor lubrication and the ease with which all of its moving parts will effectively work the engine and move it forward as required.

This may lead to a complete engine failure that could eventually cost you the whole car. It is known that once motor oil becomes sludged, it no longer draws heat from the engine, which will obviously lead to overheating.

The resultant rise in engine temperature can either blow a gasket or in the extreme, seize it up completely. At this point, you really may not have any option but to change the complete engine. So, you can see the gravity of the problem associated with refusal or failure to change the oil in your vehicle engine.

Can you change oil with one jack?

Of course, it can be done, but only with the front end of the car lifted up. Look out for where the oil drain is on the pan( back, side, center, and so on). You actually may or may not drain the last of the oil while the front of the car is still lifted. (Read Also:Can Tire Shine Damage Rims?)

If you are not, you should wait until you are done with draining the oil, before you drop the car level in order to finish draining the oil.

Do I need four jack stands to change the oil?

No, you actually don’t. Normally, there are two ways using which you can safely lift up your vehicle in order to change the oil. 

First, you can either use two jacks positioned on either side of the front of the vehicle, or alternatively, you can use a set of ramps onto which you drive the vehicle before any oil change is done. Which one is used, depends entirely on you. (Read Also: Will Nissan Wheels Fit Chevy?)

Are ramps safer than jack stands?

It is common knowledge that ramps are cheaper, and hence more affordable, safer and easy to use. They are also more suitable for changing the oil and equally better for beginners or greenhorns, while jacks are for more advanced technicians or experts. The jacking equipment assists you with more intricate maintenance, such as working on the brakes, exhaust apparatus or even rotating your vehicle tires too. (Read Also: Can I Widen Lug Nut Holes?)

Frequently asked questions(FAQ)

How many miles should you change oil?

It is normal to change oil after driving for at least about 3 000 miles, but with the advent of modern lubricants, most engines today have been recommended for oil change at intervals of between 5 000 to 7 500 miles. Moreover, if your vehicle’s engine needs fully synthetic motor oil, for instance, it might go for as far as 15 000 miles in between services!

Is it safe to look under a car jack stands?

Never endeavor to look under the jack stands of any vehicle without the actual jack. If for anything, car jacks can slip and the whole vehicle may come down on you.

Therefore, make sure that your parking brake is activated and your wheels are choked so that the vehicle cannot roll away. However,  for the sake of safety, if you must look under your jack stands while changing oil, you can always use the actual jack as a third source of support along with the two stands.

There is really no reason whatsoever to have the whole car lifted off the ground just to change its oil. In summary, you can look under the jack stands, but be sure to take all the necessary precautions first.

Can you change oil without jack?

It is actually not necessary to remove any of the engine covers to access the filter, which is in front of a semi-circular indentation in the oil pan that hangs down( not sideways mounted).

You will only need to use a cap oil filter wrench. You should bring a replacement filter with you when you are getting the oil filter wrench. So, yes, you can change oil without a jack, but do it strictly as recommended, and you’ll be good.

Is 2000 miles past oil change?

It is very common for drivers to push it to an additional 1 000 or 2 000 miles, though even changing your car oil that frequently may not really be necessary. Depending on your car model and make, you may be able to drive about 7 500 or even 10 000 miles before any oil changes without really putting its life expectancy at any risks.

Can you jack up a car on the subframe?

Virtually all unibody cars have front lift points, where their subframe is located. In addition, they also have rear jacking points. They are not called jacking points without a reason. Therefore, use them, if your jack can, in order to lift up each end of the car,

Why are jacking points important?

The jacking points ensure that the jack’s wheels are facing in the correct directions and will easily roll without binding. This is particularly important if the vehicle’s wheels at the opposite end have been chocked or one end of the car is already sitting on jack stands, as the car cannot roll in such a situation.

Is it okay to lift a car by the differential?

Whenever the guy in the tire shoplifts up a car by the differential, they are possibly very safe. If your vehicle manufacturer says that the differential is certified as a lifting point, then you rest assured it is. However, in all likelihood, your manual may tell you to lift from either the pinch weld or frame.

Where are the jacking points of a car?

For most vehicles, the jacking points are reinforced metal ribs specifically produced to safely lift the car. However, on most vehicles, there are four jacking points, which are located under the vehicle’s rocker panels, directly behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.

Can I leave my car on a jack stand overnight?

Most qualified mechanics leave the car on jack stands for even much longer periods without any complaints. However, be sure that the car is mounted on its proper jacking points and that your jack stands are rated for the appropriate weight and there will be no issues whatsoever.

Are car ramps safe for oil changes?

When used correctly, ramps can be a safer option in raising your car than jack and jack stands. As a result, ramps are not advised for changing fluids, such as motor oil, because having the car tipped up at an angle can prevent fluids from draining fully.

Can I change oil myself?

Yes, you can, unless your car’s oil filter or oil drain plug is not within reach. You can also save money by changing the oil and oil filter yourself, and your vehicle’s manual ought to tell you how much oil to get and also how often to change your oil as well. Look under your vehicle to locate the drain plug.

Can you go under a car without a jack?

You must not, for whatever reason, go under a car without a jack. If your vehicle is really low, you can place small wooden boards in front of your tires and drive forward in order to give your car a little bit of extra height. After that, you can then jack it up and place jack stands.

Can you change oil with one jack?

Of course, you can, especially with the front end lifted up. Look at where the oil drain is on the pan ( back, side, center, etc). Though you may not really drain the last oil with the front lifted. If that is so, then wait until you are done draining, before you drop the car level to finish draining the oil.

How much does an oil change typically cost?

The price for this varies from place to place, but on average it is from 20 to 100 dollars at most lube shops, and 25 to 40 dollars, if you do it yourself. At the higher end is fully synthetic oil, which has other additives to keep your engine safe, but they cost a lot more, as should be expected.

How can I raise my car without a jack?

First, loosen the wheel nuts, assuming it is only for a wheel change. Then, raise the car to its maximum suspension height, before placing an axle stand or any similar objects at the jacking point. Finally, lower the suspension to a minimum height and the wheel will definitely lift off the ground.

Can I Use Tire Jack To Change oil – Conclusion

Changing your engine oil is mandatory every now and then, and so, any refusal or failure to do so, will portend serious risks to the whole car.

In extreme circumstances, you may lose the whole engine itself. Despite this mandatory condition, there are safe and reliable means through which you can successfully accomplish the process, either all by yourself or through the use of a qualified auto mechanic.

Whichever you choose, do it as it should( or rather must) be done, and you’ll be glad you did. Thank you for the time spent with us, which will definitely be worth it in the end.