Floor Jacks

Select a jack with a rated lifting capacity at or above your vehicle's gross weight; common capacities are 1.5, 2, 3 and 4 tons, and you should allow margin for added load from passengers or cargo

The main types are hydraulic low-profile (steel), high-lift, and aluminum trolley jacks; hydraulic low-profile steel jacks are a good general-purpose choice for most passenger cars and SUVs, while aluminum jacks are lighter for portability and high-lift models suit taller trucks

Look for features such as a bypass valve to prevent over-pumping, a safety overload indicator, wide saddle contact, durable wheels for stability, and always use rated jack stands to support the vehicle after lifting

Keep it clean and lubricated, regularly check and top up hydraulic oil per the manufacturer's guidelines, inspect seals and hoses for leaks, bleed air from the system if recommended, and store it indoors to prevent rust

Check the jack's minimum saddle height and overall low-profile clearance against your vehicle's jack points and ground clearance; also verify wheelbase and swivel casters for maneuverability in your workspace

Yes—look for compliance with recognized safety standards such as ISO or ASME test certifications and clear rated capacities on the jack; these indicate tested load-bearing and safety characteristics

For a decent 2-3 ton floor jack suitable for most DIY garage work, expect to find options spanning budget models under $100 to higher-quality or lighter-weight models above that range; shop by capacity and build materials for