Yes, jack stands can be safely placed on pinch welds when the vehicle manufacturer identifies the weld as a support point and the stand contacts it correctly. The seam must be strong, straight, and protected from a stand saddle that could crush or bend the metal. The real danger is not the pinch weld itself…
A leaking hydraulic jack can sometimes be repaired by replacing a worn seal, O-ring, or release-valve seal and refilling the reservoir with the correct hydraulic jack oil. If the cylinder, pump body, piston, or pressure components are cracked, deeply scored, badly corroded, or inaccessible, replacement is usually safer and more economical than rebuilding it. The…
Yes, Duralast floor jacks can be good for routine home and light-duty automotive work, but their value depends heavily on the specific model, capacity, condition, and how it is used. They are generally practical, accessible options rather than automatic substitutes for a professional-grade shop jack. The small detail that often changes the decision is not…
Yes, you can safely support a car on four jack stands, provided the stands are correctly rated, positioned on approved support points, and placed on a hard, level surface. A floor jack should raise the vehicle, but the jack stands—not the jack—must carry its weight while you work. A rushed setup can overlook more than…
Yes, you can usually clear diagnostic trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner by connecting it to the vehicle’s diagnostic port, turning the ignition on, and selecting the scanner’s erase or clear function. Clearing the code does not repair the fault, however, and the warning light may return if the underlying problem remains. The difficult part…
A 3-ton jack stand is rated for up to 6,000 pounds, but that figure may apply to one stand or to a matched pair, depending on the manufacturer’s labeling. Check the stand, packaging, and owner’s manual before treating the rating as a per-stand capacity. That distinction matters because a vehicle can look comfortably supported while…
Most hydraulic jacks need an oil check at every use and a fluid change about once a year under normal conditions. A jack used heavily, stored in moisture or dust, or showing sluggish movement may need service sooner, while a lightly used jack in clean storage may safely follow the manufacturer’s longer interval. The surprising…
No, Craftsman floor jacks are not automatically guaranteed for life. Warranty coverage depends on the specific model, purchase date, seller, and written warranty terms; many floor jacks carry limited coverage rather than the unconditional lifetime protection associated with some Craftsman hand tools. That distinction can be surprising because the Craftsman name is strongly associated with…
Yes, you can jack up an electric car, but only by using the lifting points and procedure specified for that particular model. The battery pack and high-voltage components under the floor make incorrect jack placement especially risky. The uncertainty is usually not whether the vehicle can be lifted, but whether a visible seam, shield, or…
Most OBD2 scanners plug into the vehicle’s 16-pin diagnostic connector under the driver’s side dashboard, usually near the steering column, fuse box, or lower dash panel. The port is commonly visible from the driver’s seat, although it may sit behind a small cover or slightly above the pedals. Finding the connector is usually simple; knowing…