Lifting a vehicle for routine auto maintenance is nothing out of the ordinary for any mechanic. If a person decides to be their own auto mechanic there are many safety precautions that they need to take in order to safely lift and secure the automobile. Any mechanic needs a good set of axle stands to safely keep a vehicle lifted, if they are not used, it is not safe.
When selecting the correct type of stand to use, know the amount of weight you need the support for. Secondly, read the label on the stand and determine if the stand is large enough to support the automobile. Never use a stand rated below the weight that needs to be supported. Before each use, inspect the axle stand for any damage that will compromise the integrity of the stand.
Before lifting, the following are imperative safety measures to prevent serious injury or death to you or anyone around you. Make sure the automobile is on level ground, double check that the car is in park, apply the emergency brake, then block the tires to prevent the car from rolling off the stands if there is some malfunction with either parking device. This may seem excessive but it is better to be safe and it only takes a couple extra minuets.
To put the axle stands in place, use a floor jack, again rated large enough for the vehicle, and put it just to the side of where your are going to place the other stands. Never jack up the vehicle on the body, bumper or any random place. Use the car frame or axle , otherwise damage can be caused to yourself or your vehicle. Place the stand under the axle close to the tire not in the middle. Slowly lower the floor jack so the auto is resting on the axel stand. If need repeat on the other side to place another stand. After you correctly place the stands, remove the floor jack, stand away from the vehicle and gently move the vehicle to ensure it’s stability.
Working on a car is a bit like going skiing. Before hitting the slopes, warm clothing, ski boots, ski’s, a helmet and goggles are what you need to get ready. If you skip any of these you may be in trouble, just like if you skip proper setup when working on a vehicle serious injury can occur. Speed is not a tradeoff to your health and safety. Now that you know how to properly use axel stands have fun and feel the accomplishment of fixing something with your own two hands.
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