If you're still crawling under your car on a makeshift skateboard, you're way behind. Today several tools can make car repairs easier. An automotive ramp requires the car to be driven onto the ramp, which means it's not effective for fixing tires (figure A). But if you're a real do-it-yourself mechanic, a ramp is a must. To use it, slide the ramp under the wheel, and gently drive forward until you feel the wheel settle into the divot at the top of the ramp. Jack stands adjust up or down to give you more room underneath the car (figure B). Traditional jacks have a hook that grabs a point on the car's bumper (figure C). When using a jack, place bricks or heavy blocks on either side of the rear wheel opposite the side you're jacking up to prevent the car from rolling. Hydraulic or air-powered service jacks are placed underneath a car and lift it with a manual air pump (figure D). It's a good idea to put a scrap piece of wood over the cup of the hydraulic jack before lifting the car.
RESOURCES :
Shercom Industries
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