Today, car owners use bottle jacks to lift their vehicles in the air while performing maintenance and changing flat tires.
How you use a bottle jack is the main concern, though. It can be very frustrating to be on your own when a car tire blows out, and there is no service station nearby.
So, if you’re a beginner considering purchasing a hydraulic bottle jack and looking for tips on using a bottle jack, you’ve come to the right place.
Because in this article, we’ll take you through simple steps to learn how to use a hydraulic bottle jack. So, let’s see what’s ahead.
What is a Hydraulic Bottle Jack?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s see what exactly is a hydraulic bottle jack and how it works. The bottle jack is a hydraulic jack used for lifting various heavy objects, such as cars.
They consist of a cylinder-shaped body in which there is a piston, and a hand pump mostly operates them. A piston contains a fluid that builds pressure to lift objects.
Since bottle jacks are lightweight, portable, and easy to store in your car, they are widely used for various automotive tasks. You must use the appropriate jack for the job because they come in various sizes and weight-lifting capacities.
How Does a Hydraulic Bottle Jack Works
Wondering how it works? It’s simple. When the jack is pumped, the fluid inside the cylinder fills to a certain level, creating pressure. This pressure causes the piston inside the cylinder to rise gently.
The pressure the fluid creates acts on an object, slowly lifting up through a circular top called a saddle. The object is raised to the desired height as the pressure increases.
If you want to lower the object, reduce the pressure by turning the valve in the counter-clockwise direction, and the object is gently lowered to the ground.
The Step-by-Step Guide For Using a Hydraulic Bottle Jack
Although using a hydraulic jack seems simple, you must do it the right way. And by the right way, we mean using it safely so you won’t end up in the hospital seeking medical assistance.
So, let’s look through the step-by-step guide and lift your car in the air.
Step 1: Find a Suitable Place
Find a suitable, level space for your car first, and park it there. The best option is to drive your vehicle to the garage.
Step 2: Place the Jack in the Right Position
The jack must be placed properly. The jack should be placed on the back wheels if you lift your car from the back, and vice versa.
Step 3: Use a Jack Stand
If you plan to spend a lot of time working underneath your car, you’ll need to use a jack stand.
Step 4: Check your Jack
In order to ensure proper contact with the car, thoroughly inspect your jack for any damages, ensure the release valve is securely closed, and clean any dirt from the saddle.
Step 5: Test your Jack
To check that it is operating properly, pump it a few times without any weight and release the valve by turning it counterclockwise.
Step 6: Find Lift Points
Locate your vehicle’s lift points immediately because they were created to withstand lifting pressure without cracking or bending.
Step 7: Insert the Handle
Pump the jack slowly until the saddle touches the car after inserting the handle into the jack. Now is the ideal time to make any adjustments you want. Pump the jack until the car is at an appropriate working level.
Step 8: Secure the Lifted Object
After lifting it, you must secure it with jack stands or other holding mechanisms. Never rely on the jack to hold something in position.
Step 9: Lower the Jack
Turn the release valve counterclockwise to release pressure after your work is finished and when you are ready to lower the jack.
Pro Tips for Using Hydraulic Bottle Jack
- Always check your jack for damage; if it is damaged, don’t use it until it is fixed.
- Try changing the oil if you notice that the jack isn’t operating as effectively as it did right out of the box.
- Drain the used hydraulic oil by removing the oil filler cap.
- Use the used oil in accordance with the local regulations for disposal.
- Once the jack housing has been filled with new oil, replace the tool’s oil filler plug.
- The environment where the jack will be used could occasionally result in it getting greasy, oily, or dirty. The jack can be cleaned with a dry cloth and mild detergent.
Conclusion
That’s it! It’s not difficult to use a bottle jack. It is actually one of the most practical types of jacks because of its simplicity.
Remember that it’s always important to work carefully and follow every step, regardless of how frequently you lift your car or how easily you use your hydraulic bottle jack.
