The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Air Jacks: How to Use It Correctly

Whether you are a professional mechanic who has an auto repair shop or you’re someone who does occasional maintenance work on your vehicle, one essential equipment to have is the air jack. It helps lift your vehicle from the ground, making it easier for repairs and maintenance tasks. Unlike a traditional jack, an air jack doesn’t need any manual effort and this is a huge advantage. Without putting in much work, vehicles are lifted off the ground not only faster but in a much safer and efficient way, thereby, simplifying the lifting process and reducing the risk of any injury that could happen otherwise.

Air jacks are one of the most critical devices to have for repair and maintenance tasks. However, before you decide to purchase one, you should first understand how to use them correctly.

In this article, we will talk about air jacks, what they are, why they are useful, how to use it and more, so, read further to understand why air jacks are important for the upkeep of your vehicles.

Table of contents

• What are Air Jacks?
• Why Do We Use Air Jacks?
• What are the Advantages of Using Air Jacks?
• Types of Air Jacks
• How Air Jacks Operate: More Details
• How to Use an Air Jack Correctly: Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Choose the Correct Air Jack: Factors to Consider
• Tips for Using an Air Jack Like a Pro
• How to Maintain Air Jacks

What are Air Jacks?

An air jack is a pneumatic device that is particularly used for lifting vehicles off the ground so that repair and maintenance tasks can be done easily and efficiently. They are completely different from a conventional jack that generally operates manually and needs physical cranking. Air jacks use compressed air to raise vehicles off the ground not just effortlessly but also safely. With technical advancements over the years, air jacks have significantly changed as well. They have gone from basic to modern designs that are highly efficient.

Why Do We Use Air Jacks?

The purpose of an air jack is simple – lift vehicles off the ground easily, efficiently and safely. Let’s look at some points below as to why do we use air jacks.

To Lift Vehicles Efficiently:

Unlike a traditional jack that requires a lot of manual effort, air jacks use compressed air to lift vehicles up from the ground, hence, this makes the job way easier and efficient. Besides, a lot of time is saved, which is otherwise not possible when you are manually putting in the effort.

For Safety Reasons:

Safety is one of the main reasons to use air jacks. They come with built-in safety features that ensure the vehicle is lifted off the ground safely and securely. This reduces the risks of the vehicle slipping, thereby, minimizing any potential accidents.

What are the Advantages of Using Air Jacks?

Let’s take a look at the advantages of using an air jack.

i. Fast and Convenient:

Since air jacks use compressed air, manual work is completely done away with. Hence, vehicles are lifted off the ground much faster and maintenance and repair jobs are done with ease and convenience.

ii. Portable and Easy to Use:

The user-friendly design is what makes air jacks portable and easy to use. They are most often very light in weight and compact, making them easy to carry around and safe to use even for those people who may have never used one before.

iii. Operation Requires Minimal Effort:

Operating air jacks is super easy, all you need to do is push a button. Since air jacks use air compressors to lift vehicles, any physical strength is hardly ever needed, making it easy for anyone to operate.

iv. Improved Safety Features:

Air jacks are designed keeping safety in mind and hence, many air jacks have safety locks and overload protection systems in place to ensure that vehicles are raised safely from the ground without causing any potential mishaps.

Types of Air Jacks

There are different types of air jacks available on the market today that are designed to operate in a certain way with specific kinds of vehicles. Let’s take a look at some of these and understand how they operate, which vehicles they are suited for and what are their key features.

Hydraulic Air Jacks:

Hydraulic air jacks come with a combined hydraulic and pneumatic mechanism. The vehicle is raised with the help of a hydraulic cylinder driven by a hydraulic pump that is powered by compressed air. This combined mechanism of hydraulic jacks makes its lifting capabilities not just smooth but powerful as well. Generally, hydraulic air jacks are most suitable for SUVs, cars, lightweight trucks and a few others.

Key features:

• Strong and durable design
• Powerful and smooth lifting capabilities
• High lifting capacity

Heavy-duty Air Jacks:

With the help of a pneumatic cylinder, heavy-duty air jacks can lift cars or vehicles that are larger and heavier such as vans, SUVs, and trucks. The air compressor they are attached to powers the pneumatic piston, which helps raise the car or vehicle with ease.

Key features:

• High load capacity
• Robust design
• Wheels for convenient mobility

Portable Air Jacks:

Portable air jacks are designed for ease and convenience, particularly for emergencies or when traveling. They operate using air compressors which inflate a heavy-duty rubber bag that helps lift a vehicle off the ground. These are ideal air jacks for cars or any other small to medium-sized vehicle. As they are portable, they can be carried around in case of any uncalled-for situation.

Key features:

• Light in weight
• Can be carried around and stored easily
• Easy to setup
• Quick operation
• Often have safety valves to avoid over-inflation

Pneumatic Air Jacks:

In the case of pneumatic air jacks, compressed air is used to power a pneumatic cylinder. These jacks generally have many lifting stages because of which the lifting process is more gradual and controlled. These jacks are very versatile and can be used for small, medium and large vehicles. Since they are very reliable, most auto repair shops would have the pneumatic air jack.

Key features:

• Many lifting stages that ensure proper control
• Highly efficient and reliable
• Quick operation
• In-built safety features
• Versatile
• Suitable for all small, medium and large vehicles

How Air Jacks Operate: More Details

Air jacks operate using an air compressor to lift vehicles. Let’s look at some more detailed information below.

Air jacks have to be connected to air compressors:

For an air jack to function, it needs to be connected to an air compressor and this is done with the help of a hose. The air compressor then provides the much-needed air pressure to the jack which then helps lift the vehicles off the ground.

Air jacks have to be activated:

Air jacks have to be activated for the compressed air to enter the lifting mechanism which could be a bladder or a cylinder. This is done by opening a valve or pushing a control button.

The lifting process once the air jack is activated:

The vehicle is raised off the ground when compressed air enters the lifting mechanism (bag or cylinder), causing it to expand or lengthen. Due to this controlled and seamless procedure, vehicles are lifted perfectly, thereby, allowing repairs to be done without any hassle.

The lowering process once the air pressure is released:

Once the maintenance and repair job is done, the vehicle has to be lowered back to the ground. This is again a non-complex process wherein the air pressure is released by pushing the control button or by closing the valve. As the air is released, the vehicle is slowly and gradually lowered to the ground by the jack.

How to Use an Air Jack Correctly: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s take a look at this step-by-step guide on how to use an air jack correctly.

i. Inspect the Air Jack Before Usage:

It’s common knowledge that before you use any auto repair equipment, always check to see if it’s working fine to avoid any mishaps, the same goes with an air jack. Since it’s an equipment that will help lift your vehicle off the ground, it’s important that you ensure it’s safe. Inspect it thoroughly and check to see the condition it is in. It should be in good working condition, should not be damaged, should have all parts intact, and the air hoses shouldn’t have any leaks, if this is not the case, then refrain from using it.

ii. Position the Air Jack Correctly:

It’s important to position the air jack correctly to avoid any unwanted incidents. Therefore, ensure that the jack is placed on a level surface so that it doesn’t fall off. Also, ensure it is placed at the designated lifting points and steer clear of sections under the vehicle or car that are fragile and don’t support lifting.

iii. Operate the Air Jack Carefully:

It’s imperative that you operate the air jack safely. When connecting the air jack to the air compressor make sure that you use a proper hose to do so. Push the control button or open the valve to activate the jack and ensure that the lifting process of the car is smooth and gradual, ensuring stability. Keep an eye out to make sure that the car is well-balanced to avoid any mishaps.

iv. Lower the Vehicle Properly and Cautiously:

Once the repair and maintenance job is done make sure to gradually release the air pressure by closing the valve or pushing the control button. Once the vehicle is on the ground, disconnect the air compressor from the air jack and put it away in a safe and secure place in your garage or your auto repair shop.

How to Choose the Correct Air Jack: Factors to Consider

It’s important to choose the correct air jack for your needs to do the job well enough. Below are some factors to consider when choosing the correct air jack.

Evaluate Your Vehicle and its Weight:

It’s very essential that you assess and take into consideration the kind of vehicle you have and what its weight is. Ensure that the air jack you choose should be able to handle your car or vehicle’s weight. Do check the maximum load capacity and make sure that the weight capacity either matches your vehicle or exceeds it.

Choose One Built of Quality and Durable Materials:

It’s essential that the air jack you choose is made up of good quality and durable materials. Poor-quality air jacks run the risk of causing potential mishaps. Hence, it goes without a doubt that you should buy one that is of high quality and can withstand regular usage.

Opt for an Easy-to-Use and Easy-to-Maintain Air Jack:

Always look for an air jack that is user-friendly – easy-to-use with simple controls and easy-to-maintain.

Check for Safety Mechanisms:

Safety is paramount when choosing an air jack, hence, ensure that it comes with built-in safety features – overload protection, safety locks and valves, a stable base and an emergency release mechanism. Make sure to get one that comes with a guarantee certificate that assures it meets all industry safety standards.

Take into Consideration Regularity of Usage:

If you are not someone who regularly uses an air jack, then an affordable and portable one would be a good choice for you. Since you would use it only occasionally purchasing an expensive air jack wouldn’t make sense, however, if you are someone who frequently uses an air jack or you’re someone who has an auto repair shop, ensure that you invest in good quality, high load capacity, built-in safety and durable air jack. These might be expensive but they are worth the money spent.

Check if it Meets Your Budget:

Since the market is flooded with a variety of air jacks with many features, ensure that whichever one you purchase, fits into your budget and offers the best value for the money spent on it.

Tips for Using an Air Jack Like a Pro

Here are some tips to help you when using an air jack.

• Don’t exceed load capacity, doing so can lead to uncalled-for accidents.
• Ensure that the jack is correctly positioned under the lifting points of the vehicle.
• Place the jack on a surface that is flat and stable.
• Use air compressors that have adequate capacity.
• Regularly check your air jack’s condition before usage.
• Use jack stands for safety purposes.
• Always wear safety gear when performing any repair and maintenance task.

How to Maintain Air Jacks

Like any other auto repair equipment, air jacks also need regular maintenance for them to function smoothly and keep them in good condition. Here are some maintenance tips for you to follow.

• Regularly check and maintain the air jack.
• Replace any damaged sections.
• Frequently lubricate moving parts.
• Store in a cool and dry place.

An air jack and jack stand is an essential device/equipment to have for your maintenance and repair tasks, however, take into consideration all the factors mentioned above – from how to choose the correct air jack to how to maintain it for smooth operation – before you finally decide on buying one. Make sure you also understand how to operate it and follow all safety protocols to get your job done properly.