SAFETY FIRST

CHOCKS

The first important operation when changing a wheel or working under your car is to prevent the car from moving. Do this by making sure the handbrake is on and there are chocks behind the wheels. If you don’t have purpose-made chocks in your car, look around for bricks or rocks to jam against the tyres.

AXLE STAND

The second necessity is to have blocks or axle stands as a backup to the jack. This is not something that most motorists will own, but all those who do some degree of work on their cars will most definitely have a set. It is a vital safety feature that should ideally be used every time you jack up a car. If you are changing brake pads and engine oil, or checking anything under your car, one thing you must never do is rely on the strength of your car jack. Whether a scissor, bottle or trolley jack (see opposite for more info), it can fail mechanically or hydraulically, tip over or sink into the ground. The only way to be safe is to use an axle stand, but even this is not fool proof and I always use two. For a cheaper option or as a backup, use blocks of hardwood (not pine).

As these axle blocks are quite bulky, even home mechanics are unlikely to cart one along in the boot of a car. If you get a puncture while driving, just make sure you don’t get underneath the car at any point.

JACKING POINTS

Every car has four underbody areas strengthened for lifting. These are often clearly visible and pointed out with arrows. Your owner’s manual will indicate where they are if you’re still unsure.