Floor Jacks

Select a jack with a lifting capacity greater than your vehicle's gross weight on the lift point—common capacities are 2-3 tons for passenger cars and 3-4 tons for light trucks and SUVs. Check the vehicle owner's manual for axle or lift-point weights if unsure

Low-profile jacks have a lower minimum height to access lowered cars or sports cars, while standard jacks typically offer higher maximum lift and sometimes greater capacity; choose based on your vehicle's ground clearance and required lift height

Look for features such as a bypass or overload valve to prevent over-pumping, a wide stable base, a locking saddle or pad, and a built-in safety release mechanism; always use jack stands under a vehicle after lifting

Durability depends on build materials and seals; basic maintenance includes keeping the hydraulic fluid at the correct level, bleeding air from the system if the jack feels spongy, lubricating pivot points, and storing the jack clean and dry to prevent rust

Hydraulic floor jacks offer faster, more stable lifting and easier positioning under a vehicle, making them common for garage use; bottle jacks are more compact and can provide high lift in tight vertical spaces but require a stable base and are less convenient to position

Check the minimum height to ensure the jack fits under your vehicle and the maximum lift to reach the desired lift point; verify the saddle diameter and shape match common lift points or use an adapter if needed

Floor jacks in this category typically range from budget options under $50 to higher-quality shop jacks over $200, with many reliable mid-range models averaging around the category mean price; cost generally reflects capacity, materials, and build quality