Car Jacks
Looking to get your car up off the tarmac for a quick repair, a bit of maintenance, or simply to swap a tyre after an unlucky run-in with a dodgy pothole? You’ll need a decent car jack – and possibly a couple of other bits – to do the job safely and easily. Here, we’ve got everything you need, from trusty scissor jacks for emergencies to proper workshop trolley jacks, ramps, stands, and all the handy extras.
What’s the point of a car jack, then?
Let’s keep it simple: a car jack is what allows you to lift part (or sometimes all) of your vehicle off the ground. Bung it under your car’s jacking point, get cranking (or pumping), and suddenly changing a wheel, having a nosey under the bonnet, or sorting those squeaky brakes isn’t quite so fiddly. Every driver needs one at some point – and when you do need one, you’ll want a reliable bit of kit at your side.
A quick tour of the different types
Now, car jacks come in all shapes and sizes, and each type has its own little niche. Take hydraulic jacks, for example. Bottle jacks look a bit like a mini milk bottle, but don’t let their size fool you—they’ve got loads of lifting power and are spot on for heavier cars, vans or SUVs. You just need to make sure you’ve got enough clearance underneath to fit them. Then you’ve got trolley jacks, which are a proper garage classic. They sit low to the ground, come on wheels and have a long handle, so you can just roll them into place and get cracking. They’re a dream to use if you’re doing a bit of DIY at home. Floor jacks do a very similar job (sometimes people use the name interchangeably), but the main thing is they can slide under even the lowest cars and lift them up smoothly—brilliant if you’re often under the bonnet.
Mechanical jacks are another story. Most cars come with a scissor jack—lightweight and easy to stash by the spare wheel. They’re really just there for emergencies, like when you get a flat on the motorway; don’t expect them to be up for anything more heavy duty. Then there are electric jacks. You plug these into your car’s 12V socket, press a button, and voilà—no need to break a sweat. They’re a real godsend, especially if you don’t fancy wrestling with a manual jack at the side of the road. Air jacks are a different kettle of fish and usually only found with folks who are into racing or have specialist gear; they work off compressed air and are lightning-quick, but most of us probably won’t need one in the garage at home.
Rack jacks have their own crowd too. You’d normally spot these in professional workshops or with serious off-roaders. They work using a ratchet system and can hoist really heavy motors, but they’re a bit OTT for everyday use.
Some bits aren’t technically “jacks” but are just as important—like axle stands. These are essential for actually supporting your car once it’s up in the air. Never trust a jack on its own; whip a pair of stands underneath for solid peace of mind. Car ramps are handy as well, especially if all you need is a bit of height for an oil change or a quick look underneath. Just drive on up and you’re sorted—no faffing with lifting required.
Then there’s wheel chocks, which might look simple but are absolutely crucial. They stop your car from rolling about while you’re working—so for just a few quid, it’s madness not to keep a set handy. For complete ease, you can pick up a jack kit too, which bundles together the essentials—like a jack, a wheel brace, maybe some chocks—so you’re all set, no matter what gets thrown at you.
And while we’re on the subject, don’t underestimate a decent wheel brace. It makes getting those wheel nuts off a breeze, and it’ll save your knuckles from a fair bit of grief. You’ll often find one included in jack kits, or just nab one on its own.
Should you pick one over the other?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s how it pans out for most folks:
➡️ Scissor jacks are spot-on for basic emergencies – nothing fancy, just practical. Wouldn’t want to rely on one every weekend, though.
➡️ Hydraulic bottle jacks pack a lot of power into a small size. Brilliant for heavier cars, but you do need a bit of clearance.
➡️ Trolley/floor jacks are what you want for home or workshop – they’re stable, quick, and you won’t put your back out using them.
➡️ Electric jacks are the friendliest for those with mobility issues or if you just don’t fancy a workout at the roadside.
➡️ Air and rack jacks are mostly for the pro crowd – if you’re racing at Brands Hatch or own a Landy kitted out for adventure, they come into their own.
Don’t forget, the jack lifts, but stands hold. Never stick your head under a car held up by a jack alone – always use axle stands (and chocks) for safety.
What matters when picking a jack?
When it comes to picking out the right jack, there are a few things you definitely don’t want to overlook. First off, always check your car’s weight before you buy anything. You’ll want a jack that can comfortably lift your vehicle—no point risking it with a lightweight jack that’s only up to the job on a little runabout, especially if you’re driving something heavier like a van. It’s also crucial to think about the lifting range. Make sure the jack will actually fit under your car, and that it can raise it high enough for whatever job you’ve got planned, whether that’s simply changing a tyre or getting right underneath for a repair.
Matching the type of jack to your car is just as important. If you’ve got a low-slung motor, something like a low-profile trolley or floor jack is a wise choice because it can get into those tight spaces. If you’re running a big 4×4 or a campervan, you’ll want something much more heavy-duty to do the job safely. And, of course, think about portability, especially if you want to keep a jack in your boot for emergencies. The smaller and lighter, the better in that case. On the other hand, for home or garage use, you’ll probably appreciate the extra stability and ease of use you get from the bigger, sturdier jacks, even if they take up a bit more space.
Staying safe – it’s non-negotiable
Jack safety’s not something to take lightly. Look for jacks with safety locks, wide sturdy bases, and proper construction – if it feels flimsy, it probably is. Always use axle stands once you’ve got the car up, and plonk a couple of wheel chocks behind the other tyres. If you want to keep your paintwork looking tidy, a rubber pad between the jack and your car’s jacking point is a smart move.
Who’s each car jack best for?
➡️ If you’re a bit of a DIYer or the sort who loves pottering about under the bonnet at home, you’ll find a trolley jack or floor jack makes life miles easier. These are much sturdier and a lot quicker to use than the basic scissor type, and when you pair them with a set of axle stands, you’re all set for pretty much any home maintenance or repair job. Whether it’s swapping your brake pads or giving the exhaust a once-over, this combination is the go-to for most car enthusiasts.
➡️ Owners of heavier vehicles, such as vans, big SUVs, or 4x4s, will want something a bit more robust. A heavy-duty bottle jack or a high-lift trolley jack has the muscle needed to lift larger motors safely and without fuss. If you’re regularly off-roading or carrying a lot of weight, having one of these in your kit means you can tackle any situation without breaking sweat.
➡️ For those in the professional world—mechanics, racers or anyone working in a workshop—nothing less than the serious kit will do. Air jacks and rack jacks, along with other professional-grade gear, are designed for fast, frequent use and handling all sorts of vehicles. They’re lightning-quick, reliable under daily pressure, and perfect when time and safety are both top priorities.
So, whether you just want to be prepared for a puncture or you’re genuinely passionate about getting stuck in with your car, there’s a jack to suit your needs and your motor.
Why buy with us?
We’ve sorted the lot, from household names like Bahco, Draper and Sealey, to every accessory you could want. Whatever you drive, we’ve got the right gear for you – all tried, tested and shipped quick-smart to your door, wherever you are in the UK. So, if you want to make car repairs safer and less of a pain, take a look at our range. We’ll help you find exactly what you need to get back on the road – sharpish and safe as houses!
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