Best Car Jack

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Updated November 26, 2021

To help you find the best car jack for changing a tire or repairing your vehicle, we spent over 17 hours lifting and lowering our vehicles with 15 different jacks. As we tested the car jacks on our cars, trucks and SUVs, we looked specifically for durability, portability and safety features. You should feel confident in the car jack you’re using, so we also considered stability and features that make the jack easy to use.

After we tested each of the car jacks, we chose the Performance Tool W1606 as our top pick. Its extra-high lift capacity, built-in safety features and lightweight design gave us the most confidence. It can lift vehicles with ease and keep them stable while fully lifted, allowing you to get your work done without a worry. Keep reading to learn more about Performance Tool W1606 trolley car jack and the other top four picks on our list. It doesn’t matter what kind of car you have. This jack will lift the best electric cars and older models.

Top 7 Best Car Jack Compared

 #1  Performance Tool W1606 – Top Pick


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Performance Tool W1606 car jack is a heavy-duty jack that can handle cars and trucks with ease. If you need a 2 ton weight capacity, then this jack is the best choice for you.

Pros
  • Highest lift capacity
  • Compact, portable design
  • Overload protection
Cons
  • Could use more control while lowering
  • Could use a longer handle

If you need a lot of lift capacity without sacrificing portability or maneuverability, the Performance Tool W1606 jack is an excellent choice, and these features are also why we chose this jack for our top pick spot. For starters, you can lift up to 2 tons (4,000 pounds) total weight with this jack, which is the highest lift capacity on our list. Fortunately, the overall design of the jack is durable and heavy duty enough to handle higher lift weights, and it even includes a built-in overload protection bypass valve for added safety. Need new floor mats? Then check out our best car floor mats guide.

The Performance Tool W1606 jack is a little heavier than other similar jacks, weighing in close to 20 pounds, but it offers one of the most compact designs we tested. It can also roll around easy on its casters and wheels, which adds to its overall portability. The jack is also easy to use, although we wish it was a little more controlled on the descent while lowering your car. All in all, the Performance Tool jack is a great choice for all garage applications. Check out more best car accessories for your vehicle.

 #2  Powerbuilt All-In-One 3 Ton Bottle Jack – Honorable Mention


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Powerbuilt All-In-One is a powerful, three-ton bottle jack that features a unique hybrid design that includes both a jack and a stand. This jack is the perfect choice for mechanics looking to get under their car without needing a million different products to make it safe.

Pros
  • Best jack and stand combo
  • Ingenious locking safety bar
  • Wide lift range
Cons
  • Handle is a little short
  • Could use a slower release valve

The best part about the Powerbuilt bottle jack is its design. Typically, when you need to get under your vehicle to work, you need both a jack and jack stands for added support and safety. The Powerbuilt combines this idea into a single product. You can lift your vehicle with the Powerbuilt car jack and also use it as a stand once at your desired height. This level of security is only increased with the included locking safety bar that prevents the jack from lowering while locked. Keep your tablet secure with our best car tablet mount.

With a three ton capacity and 11 – 21 inch lift range, this bottle jack is perfect for trucks and SUVs, but you can also use it for vehicles that have a bit higher clearance from the ground. It’s also easy to operate with the included handle, which we wish was a little longer. Simply pump the handle once the jack is in position and watch the vehicle rise. Another thing we wish we could improve on this jack with jack stand is the release speed. During our testing, we found that the Powerbuilt lowered the vehicle a bit faster than we would have liked. You may also want to read about the best transmission jack.

 #3  Arcan XL20 Floor Jack – Best Low Profile


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Archa XL20 floor jack is a power and extremely easy to use floor jack that features an ultra-low profile to fit under any kind of vehicle. If you need a floor car jack that is durable, reliable and easy to use, the Arcan XL20 is an excellent choice.

Pros
  • Premium and reliable build quality
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Incredibly user friendly
Cons
  • Lift range could be higher
  • Heavier than other models

One of the first things that stood out to use after receiving the Arcan XL20 two ton car jack was its overall premium build quality. Made from durable steel and painted with chip-resistant black paint, the Arcan floor jack is one of the most well-designed jacks we tested. This build quality is reliable and long-lasting for many years of use. On the end of the lifting arm, you also get a durable rubber pad that protects and cushions the bottom of your car during use. This isn’t something you see a lot, especially with bottle and scissor jacks.

Overall ease of use here is also something to be noted. It’s got an ultra-low profile of around 3.5 inches, making it easy to put under pretty much any vehicle. Like most floor jacks, the Arcan XL20 rolls around on four wheels, making it easy to move around. This is super helpful when you consider just how heavy the jack is at around 68 pounds. The low profile service jack also features a unique dual-pump design that makes the overall lifting process much easier on your arms. The only thing we would want to improve would be a higher lift range. The Arcan maxes out at 18.5 inches, which isn’t the best for bigger vehicles. Check out the best car subwoofer to punch up your audio as well.

 #4  Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack – Best Scissor Jack


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Torin Big Red scissor jack is one of the most portable and simplest options on our list, making it perfect for changing tires on the side of the road. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles that you can get on a car jack, the Torin Big Red scissor jack is a great option.

Pros
  • Super portable
  • Large, stable base
  • Quick to set up
Cons
  • Smaller lift capacity
  • Manual lifting can be hard

Durability and simplicity is the name of the game with the Torin Big Red steel scissor jack. It doesn’t have any extra features or special modes, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to do and does it well. It’s also super portable and easy to carry around in your car for immediate access when you need it most. When you need to change a tire, all you need to do is pull out the Big Red, place it under the lift point on your vehicle and start extending the arms with the included handle.

Unfortunately, the Big Red scissor jack is completely manual, which means you’ll need to do most of the work to lift the vehicle. As you lift your car, it can get a little bit more difficult as you get higher in the air. It also has a 1.5 ton lift capacity, which is good for sedans, but not for SUVs or trucks. If you need a quick fix for emergency situations, the Torin Big Red steel scissor jack is a perfect choice. The best radar detector is another great accessory.

 #5  Blackhawk B6350 Service Jack – Best Value


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Blackhawk B6350 service jack is one of the most heavy-duty floor jacks we’ve tested to date, making it the perfect choice for use in auto shops or garages. It also features built-in safety features and a unique design for maximum versatility.

Pros
  • High lift capacity
  • Tall lift range
  • Built-in safety valve
Cons
  • Casters sometimes get caught in cracks
  • Heaviest jack on the list

The Blackhawk B6350 floor jack is a heavy-duty option that can lift up to 3.5 tons of total vehicle weight, making it a versatile choice for any type of vehicle. One of the things we liked most about the Blackhawk is its unique body design, which features rear casters and a padded saddle that can both swivel. This makes it super flexible, allowing you to position the jack in whatever position you need. The casters can get caught on cracks sometimes, so just be aware of that during use in your garage.

You also get a tall lift range that maxes out at 22 inches, which is more than enough for most vehicles, even trucks and SUVs. Another really helpful aspect of this garage jack’s design is the built-in safety valve that protects against failure and internal bypass device that prevents you from over-pumping the jack. If you need a heavy-duty lift floor jack, look no further than the Blackhawk B6350. Have a look at the best car alarm while you are here. The best satellite radio for your car is also awesome.

 #6  Pro-Lift T-9456 – Best Budget


WHY WE LIKE IT: The Pro-Lift T-9456 is a compact, portable scissor car jack that’s perfect for changing tires and emergency road maintenance. It features a large base for extra stability and an extremely affordable price.

Pros
  • Most affordable on our list
  • Large base for added stability
  • Lightweight and portable
Cons
  • Not great for maintenance and repairs
  • Short jack handle

If you need an affordable and reliable scissor jack, don’t pass over the Pro-Lift 9456. It’s made from durable materials that can lift up to 3,000 pounds. While this may not be enough for SUVs or trucks, it’s the perfect lift capacity for economy cars and sedans. And with the jack’s large base, you get more stability than most other options. With the added stability, you can feel more confident while changing a tire on the side of the road.

Unfortunately, the Pro-Lift isn’t great for much more than lifting your vehicle to change a tire. We definitely don’t recommend using it for maintenance and repair, especially considering its low lift height and capacity. However, its portability and lightweight design more than make up for this fact. You may also like the best car charger and the best car stereo.

How We Decided

Lifting a heavy vehicle is made easy with a good car jack, but if done improperly, it can be one of the most dangerous things you will ever do. This is why we only found the most reliable and durable car jacks to include on our list. We only considered car jacks from reputable brands and a long history of positive customer response. The best car jacks are made from highly durable materials like forged heavy-duty steel.

We also chose car jacks that were easy to use and easy to move around. Some jacks you’ll want to keep in your shop and some you’ll want to take along in your car with you. Regardless of where you’re using your car jack, you can be sure you want one that’s easy to get out, set up and use. This is especially true if you’re stranded with a flat tire on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

Finally, we only considered car jacks that meet or exceed ANSI/PALD standards, which are the safety standards for portable automotive devices. Car jacks with these standards are tested specifically for durability and reliability. Speaking of safety, it might be a good idea to have the best breathalyzer in the car with you.

Car Jack Buying Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Lift Capacity
    When it comes to car jacks, you need to be sure you purchase an option that can lift your vehicle. Each individual car jack has a lift capacity or weight rating that tells you how much it can lift, measured in tonnage. If you don’t know how much your car weighs, you can always consult the manual to ensure you’re purchasing a jack with the right lift capacity. Most of the car jacks we reviewed have lift capacities of either two or three tons. 2-ton hydraulic car jacks are best for economy and compact cars, while the 3-ton hydraulic car jacks are best for SUVs, trucks and vans.
  2. Height
    If you can’t get your car jack underneath your car, then it’s essentially a worthless product to you. This is why it’s so important to pay close attention to the height of the jack itself. Car jacks come in all shapes and sizes, and if there isn’t enough clearance between the ground and your car to fit the jack, then you’ll be out of luck when you need it the most. Measure how much space is between the bottom of your car and the ground, then purchase a hydraulic jack that has at least an inch between the jack lift pad and the lifting point.
  3. Type of Car Jack
    There are four main types of car jack that you need to consider when making your purchase. Each has its own pros and cons, and many are situation specific. Let’s take a look at these four different types of jack and the situations in which they perform the best:
    Floor Jack: The floor jack is the most common type of jack, and it also has the most versatility. You can use a floor jack for changing tires, changing your oil and general maintenance and repair. These jacks typically roll around on wheels, which helps offset their overall bulk and heavy weight.
    Scissor Jack: These car jacks are typically the ones that are included with your vehicle, making them the second most common you’ll see and the one you’ll most likely use if you ever need to change your tire. They’re often crafted specifically for your model of vehicle and fit perfectly on certain lift points. Scissor jacks use a long screw integrated into the “legs” of the jack to lift. As you turn the screw, the legs draw together and lift the car. Bottle Jack: These car jacks look almost exactly soda pop bottles and work very similarly to a floor jack. All you need to do is pump the included handle under the lift point of your vehicle and up it goes. This is much more portable than a traditional floor jack, but doesn’t feature any wheels.
    Hi-Lift Jack: If you have a lifted truck or SUV, you should use a hi-lift jack. They typically offer high lift capacities up to 7,000 pounds and taller bodies than any of the other jacks. They can even lift vehicles much higher than other jacks, sometimes up to five feet total.

Car Jack FAQs

How does a car jack work?

The way your car jack works depends on the type of jack you have available. If it’s a hydraulic jack, it uses pressurized fluid to generate force and lift the vehicle. If it’s a scissor jack, it uses a long screw to extend arms that generate force and lift the vehicle.

Can car jacks fail?

For the most part, car jacks are extremely safe to use when placed on flat ground, at the proper lift points and using the appropriate additional equipment. However, this doesn’t mean you are 100% protected from your car failing on you while using a car jack. If the jack is old or damaged, your risk for failure is higher. And there’s always a chance that your car can slide on the jack while doing maintenance. It’s of critical importance to follow safety standards when using a car jack.

Do you need jack stands as well as a car jack?

If you’re going to be going under your car to perform maintenance or repairs, you absolutely should use some jack stands along with your car jack. This gives you an additional layer of protection in case your car slides of the jack or in case the jack fails. However, if you’re just changing a tire, you don’t always need jack stands.

Can car jacks lift more than the specified lift capacity?

Technically yes, but we highly recommend you don’t try and lift weights heavier than the rated lift capacity on your car jack. Manufacturers always build in some safety margins in lift capacity, but you won’t know those exact margins and you definitely don’t want to exceed that weight only to have your car fall on you while you’re under it.