Is It Worth Buying a Floor Jack?
Yes, a floor jack is worth buying if you do tire changes, brake jobs or oil changes at home even a few times a year. It is faster, steadier and easier to position than the scissor jack that comes with most cars. If you only need a lift once, renting or borrowing makes more sense.
YELLOW JACKET AS84009Best overall
BIG RED AT84007RBest heavy-duty steel
SATA 3T AluminumBest aluminum jackWhen a floor jack is worth it
A floor jack is a rolling hydraulic jack with a long handle. You pump the handle, and the lift arm raises one corner or one end of the car. Compared with the small scissor jack in your trunk, it is more stable and much quicker to use.
It pays off when you do any of these jobs yourself:
- Seasonal tire swaps or rotations
- Brake pad and rotor work
- Oil and filter changes that need room underneath
- Any repair where you need to raise one end of the car
When it is not worth it
If you will lift a car once or twice in your life, a floor jack may sit in the garage unused. A roadside flat is usually handled by the jack that came with the vehicle. Storage also matters, because even compact floor jacks are long and heavy.
If you only need one big job done, borrowing from a friend is a fair option. Just check the rating and condition before you use it.
Can you rent a floor jack?
In many areas, yes. Some auto parts stores and equipment rental shops loan or rent jacks and related tools. Policies vary by store, so call ahead and ask what is available and what the terms are.
Renting suits a one-off project. If you will use the jack every season, owning one is more convenient, since you can start a job without a trip to the store. Whatever you rent, ask for jack stands as well, because the jack alone is not enough to work under a car safely.
What to look for if you buy
Start with capacity. A 3 ton jack lifts one end of most cars and SUVs. Choose 4 ton for trucks and heavier SUVs. Jacks on our spec sheet run from 2 to 4 tons.
Next, check height. Low-profile jacks start under 4 in so they slide under lowered and sporty cars. The antlevix 3-ton jack, for example, starts at 2.9 in, while the AV Steel 3-ton jack starts at 3.125 in. For trucks and SUVs, maximum height matters more, and the Big Red 4 ton reaches 20 in.
Then think about weight and material. Steel is tougher but heavy, and the Big Red steel jack weighs 100.8 lb. Aluminum is easier to move around. The Jack Boss 3-ton jack weighs 58.5 lb. Features like a dual-piston pump (fewer strokes to lift) and overload protection are also worth having.
You can compare options side by side on our best floor jack page. If you have a lowered car, see our best low profile floor jack picks. If you want something lighter to carry and roll, look at the best aluminum floor jack page.
| Jack | Capacity | Min height (in) | Max height (in) | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big RED AT84007R | 4 ton | 3.875 | 20 | Steel |
| SATA 3T Aluminum | 3 ton | 3.75 | 19.125 | Aluminum |
| Jack Boss AS830011L | 3 ton | 3.9375 | 18.3125 | Steel and aluminum |
| antlevix ALFJ3L01-BKG | 3 ton | 2.9 | 19.8 | Steel |
Safety comes first
A floor jack is a lifting tool, not a support tool. Hydraulic seals can fail, and a car can slip off a jack. Never get under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
Follow these steps every time:
- Work on flat, hard, level ground, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
- Lift only at the lifting points listed in your owner's manual.
- Place jack stands under solid support points, then lower the car onto them.
- Keep the jack under the car as a backup, and never exceed the rated capacity.
- Wear safety glasses, since dirt and rust can fall when you work under a car.
How many floor jacks do you need?
One is enough for most home garages. A single jack plus a pair of jack stands covers tire changes, brakes and oil changes, because you lift one end at a time and rest it on the stands.
A second jack can help if you want to raise both ends of a car at once or work on several vehicles. Some people also keep a compact aluminum jack for travel and a heavier steel one for the garage. This is a convenience, not a requirement. Spend any extra effort on a good set of jack stands first.
Frequently asked questions
Is a floor jack better than the jack that came with my car?
For home work, usually yes. A floor jack rolls into position, lifts with fewer pumps and sits on a wider base. The factory jack is meant only for emergency tire changes.
Do I need jack stands as well?
Yes. A floor jack lifts the car, but jack stands hold it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
What size floor jack suits a small car?
A 3 ton jack is plenty for most cars and SUVs. Pick a low saddle height if your car sits close to the ground.
Can I carry a floor jack in my trunk?
Some aluminum models are lighter and easier to carry, but floor jacks are still long and bulky. Check the length and weight on the spec sheet before you decide.