Using the correct car jack will keep you safe and save headaches. From basic scissor jacks to pro-grade hydraulics, here's what to know.
Which Car Jack Do You Need? A Breakdown of The Most Common Types
Published on Apr. 29, 2025
The first time we lifted up our high-top van to rotate the tires, the scissor jack that came with it buckled. Had someone been underneath it at the time, it could have been fatal. That was a stark illustration of just how important it is to learn how to use the various types of car jacks safely (and always include jack stands!), and to never assume that a jack is safe, even if it came stock with your vehicle.
“Safety is always of the utmost priority whenever doing any automotive work, whether you’re a novice or an expert,” says expert mechanic Alan Gelfand.
But also, so is convenience. If you’re just getting into fixing your own car, or upping your home mechanic game to the next level, getting the right jack will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Here’s how to pick the best car jack for your situation, plus pro-tips on safety and operation.
Scissor Jack
A scissor jack ($25-$80) is the basic, diamond-shaped jack that came with your car or SUV. Its main purpose is to allow you to change a flat on the side of the road. A scissor jack typically has a wider bottom and often a special top to lock onto a pinch weld on a unibody car, and when you hand-crank the handle, it moves a threaded rod.
“They are pretty safe if used correctly,” says master auto technician Chris “Moose” Pyle. “They can shrink down very small, they work fast, and they are lightweight.”
Pros
- Comes with most vehicles;
- Compact and lightweight;
- Can be easily stored in the trunk;
- Affordable.
Cons
- Slow operation;
- Limited height range;
- Less stable than other types;
- Limited weight capacity.
Safety precautions: “Never get under a car supported only by a scissor jack,” says Gelfand. “They’re designed exclusively for tire changes.”
Pro-tip: Lightly grease the screw mechanism periodically to avoid seizing.
Bottle Jack
If you have a higher-clearance or heavier vehicle, you might keep a bottle jack ($20-$100) on board or in your shop for tire changes and maintenance. Bottle jacks use hydraulic pressure to extend their ram straight up, usually by way of a hand pump, though some have air-powered cylinders.
“They can lift a crazy amount of weight,” says Pyle. “They are simple to use and very compact. However, the base and top of the jack are small, so they tend to sink into the ground, and the vehicle can fall off the jack if it moves excessively.”
Pros
- Very high-weight capacity for size;
- Compact design;
- Affordable;
- Heavy-duty ones can double for industrial applications.
Cons
- Requires higher initial ground clearance;
- Less stable base.
Safety pro-tip: “They can kick out if not placed on solid, level ground, so store a piece of plywood in your trunk as an emergency tool to create a solid surface for roadside repairs,” says Gelfand.
Rolling/Hydraulic Floor Jack
For most home DIY repairs, a floor jack ($50-$500) is the way to go. It’s like a bottle jack, but more stable, with a wider base and top. Roll it around by hand, then pump it up with a lever.
“They are designed not to be picked up, but still can be,” says Pyle. “The convenience is to just roll it around using the pump handle. This is the safest jack of them all, and most commonly seen in a shop”.
Pros
- Quickly lifts vehicles;
- Minimal effort;
- Relatively high lift capacity;
- Stable platform.
Cons
- Heavy and bulky;
- Can leak hydraulic fluid over time.
Safety precautions: Always use jack stands with floor jacks, check for hydraulic leaks before each use and never exceed its stated weight rating.
Pro-tip: “For European sports cars and lowered vehicles, select a low-profile model that provides about a 3-inch clearance,” says Gelfand.
Quick-Lift/Racing Jack
If you have the funds, you can upgrade your floor jack to an aluminum racing jack ($150-$1,000), which is lighter weight and often includes carry handles. These types of jacks use dual-pump mechanisms to lift vehicles quickly with minimal pumping.
“This is an investment worth making for car owners who tinker frequently, because this model features an easy-to-remove handle for improved storage,” says Gelfand.
Pros
- Extremely fast lifting;
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
Cons
- More expensive than standard floor jacks;
- Can be overkill for casual users.
- Safety pro-tip: Speed can lead to carelessness, so don’t forget that these still require jack stands for safety.
Service Jack
Professional auto service centers often use service jacks ($300-$1,500). They’re similar to floor jacks, but with pro-grade lifting capacities and higher-quality parts. Some models also use compressed air to activate hydraulic lifting ($200-$1,000+).
Pros
- Durability;
- Smooth, fast operation;
- Reliable for daily use and professional environments;
- Hydraulic versions minimize physical effort.
Cons
- Expensive;
- Unnecessary features for DIY repairs;
- Hydraulic versions require an external air compressor;
- Hydraulic versions are more complex, thus have more potential failure points.
Safety warnings: Despite being pro-grade, these still require proper jack stands. And if you’re using a hydraulic version, regularly check the air connections and hydraulic seals.
Pro-tip: “If your garage floor has uneven areas, then choose models featuring swivel casters installed on all wheels,” says Gelfand.
High Lift/Farm Jack
This multipurpose jack ($50 to $200) is popular with off-roaders as well as on farms. It doesn’t go under the car, but rather lifts it from the bumper, using a vertical rod with a notched lifting bar and moveable climbing mechanism. Each stroke of the handle moves it up around 1.5″, which means it can lift a lot of weight quickly, up to three or four feet in the air.
“They have more features than just lifting,” says Pyle. “A couple of guys can lift a jeep to max height and then push the jack and vehicle over to get the stuck tires out of ruts. It can be used vertically too, with chains attached to it, making it a come-along.”
Pros
- Extreme lift height, up to 60″;
- Versatile for off-road recovery;
- Can be used for winching.
Cons
- Requires steel bumper in some situations;
- Dangerous if used improperly;
- Heavy;
- Requires significant effort.
Safety warning: These are extremely dangerous if the handle slips, so they require careful attention when operating.
Pro-tip: Add a large baseplate accessory to prevent sinking in soft terrain, and never use this type of jack for standard vehicle maintenance, says Gelfand.
Transmission Jack
If you’re tackling a transmission swap, then this is your jack ($200-$1,000). It has an adjustable cradle, which is specifically designed to carry drivetrain components.
Pros
- Allows precise positioning;
- Specially designed for heavy, awkward components.
Cons
- Expensive;
- Single-purpose tool.
Safety warnings: Ensure the load is properly secured before moving, and check the hydraulic system regularly.
Pro-tip: Before removal or installation, always use ratchet straps to secure the transmission to the cradle, says Gelfand.
Jack Stands
Regardless of what type of jack you choose, jack stands ($20-$100) are an essential complement. They are designed specifically for safety, and once in place, offer firm support for vehicles raised into the air.
“The most essential safety rule, which applies to every type of jack, is that you should never depend solely on the hydraulic or mechanical lifting system to hold up a vehicle during maintenance work,” says Gelfand. “After lifting the vehicle, always move the weight to suitable jack stands.”
Pros
- Essential safety equipment;
- Inexpensive insurance against catastrophic failure.
Cons
- Additional step in the process that some people skip; Not buying a high-quality enough model for your vehicle’s weight capacity.
Safety warning: Never work under a vehicle without proper jack stands in place, and inspect the ratcheting mechanisms before each use. Before starting to work under a vehicle, double-check its stability and your jack stand placement. It’s also wise to keep a minimum of two pairs of jack stands with varying capacities around the shop.
About the Experts
- Alan Gelfand is owner of German Car Depot, an independent automotive service center in Hollywood, Florida. During his extensive career, he has used nearly every jack type for both professional work and in emergency situations.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
RELATED:Â
