MyVans Your Vehicle Solution If you own a Ford Fusion and need to change a tire or perform maintenance underneath your car, you’ll need to know how to jack it up safely. Jacking up a car can be dangerous if not done properly, so it’s important to follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Park on a Level Surface
Before you begin, make sure your car is parked on a flat, level surface. This will ensure that the car won’t roll or tip over while you’re jacking it up. Engage the parking brake and put the car in gear (or in park if it’s an automatic).
Step 2: Locate the Jacking Points
Next, you’ll need to locate the jacking points on your Ford Fusion. These are the designated areas where you should place the jack to lift the car. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location of these points, as they can vary depending on the year and model of your car.
Step 3: Prepare the Jack and Tools
Before you start jacking up the car, you’ll need to prepare your tools. Make sure you have a lug wrench to remove the wheel nuts, as well as a jack stand to support the car once it’s lifted. Also, ensure that the jack is in good working condition and has enough hydraulic fluid.
Step 4: Begin Jacking Up the Car
Now it’s time to start jacking up the car. Place the jack under the jacking point and pump the handle until the car starts to lift. Keep pumping until the car is high enough for you to work underneath it. Be sure to place the jack stand under the car as soon as it’s lifted.
Step 5: Remove the Wheel
Once the car is lifted and supported by the jack stand, you can remove the wheel using the lug wrench. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nuts, then remove them completely. Pull the wheel off the hub and set it aside.
Step 6: Perform Maintenance or Change the Tire
With the wheel removed, you can now perform any necessary maintenance or change the tire. If you’re changing a tire, replace it with the spare and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Then lower the car back down to the ground and use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts further.
Step 7: Lower the Car
Once you’re finished working underneath the car, it’s time to lower it back down to the ground. Use the jack to slowly lower the car until it’s resting on all four wheels again. Then remove the jack stand and store it away.
Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts
Finally, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. Tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even pressure, and use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Following these steps will ensure that you can safely jack up your Ford Fusion and perform any necessary maintenance or tire changes. Always be careful when working underneath a car, and never rely on just the jack to support the weight of the vehicle.
