Which practice is unsafe when using a tire jack?

Which practice is unsafe when using a tire jack?

• A. Place the tire jack on the frame near the problem tire
• B. Place the body of the vehicle as the jack point
• C. Place the wheel on the ground
• D. Use a wheel chock under the tire

Answer: (B)

The key idea is safety comes from using a reinforced point that the vehicle is designed to bear the load on. Placing the jack on the body of the vehicle is unsafe because body panels aren’t built to carry lifting forces. A jack placed there can crush or bend the sheet metal, shift unexpectedly, or slip, causing the car to fall and risk serious injury. The correct practice is to position the jack on a designated jack point on the frame near the wheel being lifted—these points are reinforced and intended to support the weight. Using a wheel chock on the opposite tire adds stability and prevents the car from rolling while it’s jacked up.

The key idea is safety comes from using a reinforced point that the vehicle is designed to bear the load on. Placing the jack on the body of the vehicle is unsafe because body panels aren’t built to carry lifting forces. A jack placed there can crush or bend the sheet metal, shift unexpectedly, or slip, causing the car to fall and risk serious injury. The correct practice is to position the jack on a designated jack point on the frame near the wheel being lifted—these points are reinforced and intended to support the weight. Using a wheel chock on the opposite tire adds stability and prevents the car from rolling while it’s jacked up.