Lack of Preparation:
- Skipping the owner's manual: Missing crucial information like weight and jack points. Jacking at the incorrect areas, or jack points can lead to permanent damage to your vehicle and an unsafe situation.
- Using a scissor jack for anything except emergencies. When possible use a floor jack and the proper jack stands. Floor jacks tend to be more stable and resistant to tipping.
- Mismatching jack and jack stand capacity to vehicle weight. Don't overstress your jack or jack stands. Check vehicle weight and the capacity of your equipment.
- Neglecting wheel chocks or placing them incorrectly. In addition to using the parking brake, you should also use wheel chocks when jacking your vehicle. this will prevent the vehicle from moving while the weight is shifting due to jacking.
Lifting Procedure:
- Not having a safety observer, especially for beginners. Phone a friend, spouse or neighbor as a safety observer. Especially prior to the car resting safely on the jack stands.
- Choosing an unsafe work area like a sloped driveway or unlevel surface. Your jack and jack stands are only as stable as the ground underneath them. Ensure you are on a stable and flat surface when lifting a vehicle.
- Forgetting to engage the parking brake or put the car in park/first gear. In adding to wheel chocks, this will ensure the vehicle does not roll or move when lifting.
- Lifting at incorrect jack points, potentially damaging the vehicle. Hopefully you found the correct jack points, now lift in those locations.
- Rushing the lifting process or neglecting to monitor stability. Take your time and prepare, this is not race.
Additional Mistakes:
- Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack. This is a big NO NO. The floor jack is a hydraulic jack that could fail or lose lifting height over time. Always support a vehicle with a jack stand.
- Failing to double-check stability before proceeding with work.
- Not seeking professional help when unsure of procedures or encountering difficulties. If you hear, smell or feel anything that is out of the ordinary, call for help and get a professional to assist you. Damage to your vehicle or personal injury could result in lifting a vehicle incorrectly.
SAFETY FIRST! Remember, prioritizing safety and following instructions carefully is crucial. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly increase the safety and success of your DIY Brake Pro project.