Vehicle Jacks and Stands for Bodyshops and Workshops

Vehicle jacks and stands are the basic lifting and support equipment used to gain safe access beneath a car or van. I use a jack to lift at the manufacturer’s recommended jacking points, then transfer the load onto stands positioned on stable, level ground before working beneath the vehicle. In a busy workshop this is routine for brake, suspension and exhaust work, and for removing wheels or axles. Key technical considerations are load capacity, saddle or pad contact area and the stability of the base. Check that a jack’s hydraulic control is smooth and that stands have secure locking pins or threaded height adjusters; poor compatibility with vehicle pinch welds or scuttle rails is a common cause of damage. A practical issue I see is operators relying on a jack alone instead of using correctly rated stands, or using equipment on uneven or soft floors without spreader plates. Used and maintained correctly, jacks and stands give reliable, efficient support — inspection and correct pairing of jack and stand are essential for safe use.