6 Types of Car Jacks You Should Know (and When to Use Each One)

Whether you're changing a tyre on the side of the road or doing maintenance at home, a good car jack is an essential tool for every vehicle owner. But not all jacks are created equal — and using the wrong one can be dangerous.

Here’s a breakdown of the 6 most common types of car jacks you'll find in South Africa, their pros and cons, and when to use them.

1. Scissor Jack

Best for: Emergency roadside tyre changes

Scissor jacks come standard with most vehicles. They’re compact, lightweight, and stored easily in the boot. You operate them by turning a crank, which extends the arms and lifts the vehicle.

Pros:

• Compact and portable
  
  
• No need for electricity or hydraulics
  
  
• Fits under low-clearance cars
  
  

Cons:

• Slow and laborious
  
  
• Not ideal for long-term use or heavy lifting
  

Pro tip: Only use a scissor jack on flat, solid ground. Always place a wheel chock behind the opposite tyre for safety.

2. Bottle Jack (Hydraulic)

Best for: Heavier vehicles like bakkies and SUVs

Bottle jacks use hydraulic force to lift vehicles quickly and with less effort. Their vertical design gives them a high lifting range, which is ideal for vehicles with more ground clearance.

Pros:

• Powerful and fast lifting
  
  
• Affordable and widely available in SA
  
  
• Great for bakkies, minibuses, and SUVs
  

Cons:

• Not suitable for cars with low ground clearance
  
  
• Must be used on a stable, level surface
  

Pro tip: Always use jack stands if you're working under the vehicle — never rely on a bottle jack alone.

3. Floor Jack (Trolley Jack)

Best for: Garage or workshop use

This is the go-to jack for home mechanics. It uses hydraulics and a long handle for fast lifting, and it rolls on wheels to position easily under the car.

Pros:

• Fast and easy to operate
  
  
• Wide base for stability
  
  
• Ideal for most sedans and hatchbacks
  

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy — not for roadside emergencies
  
  
• Takes up boot or garage space
  

Pro tip: Look for one with a lifting capacity of at least 2 tonnes to safely lift most passenger vehicles.

4. Hi-Lift Jack (Farm Jack)

Best for: Off-road vehicles, 4x4s, and bakkies

Hi-lift jacks are designed for off-road use and rugged conditions. They can lift a vehicle high enough to get out of mud or change a tyre on uneven terrain.

Pros:

• Extremely versatile
  
  
• Can be used for lifting, winching, and pulling
  
  
• Built for extreme off-road conditions
  

Cons:

• Heavy and dangerous if not used properly
  
  
• Requires training to operate safely
  

Pro tip: Don’t use a hi-lift jack on modern car chassis or bumpers unless they’re designed for it. Always practise in a safe area first.

5. Pneumatic Jack (Air Jack)

Best for: Quick lifts in a commercial or high-volume setting

These jacks use compressed air to lift the vehicle — often used in tyre shops or pit stop settings. They’re fast, efficient, and handle heavy loads with ease.

Pros:

• Extremely fast lifting
  
  
• Requires minimal physical effort
  
  
• Ideal for commercial or fleet environments
  

Cons:

• Requires a compressor
  
  
• Expensive and not ideal for casual use
  

Pro tip: Not practical for most DIYers — but a dream tool if you run a workshop or tyre service.

6. Electric Car Jack

Best for: Tech-savvy drivers and roadside convenience

These jacks plug into your car’s 12V socket (cigarette lighter) and lift the vehicle with the push of a button. Great for those who may struggle with manual jacks.

Pros:

• Effortless to use
  
  
• Often comes in a kit with impact wrench and cables
  
  
• Compact and designed for emergencies
  

Cons:

• Not as reliable as hydraulic options
  
  
• Requires power and can drain your car battery
  

Pro tip: Only use for emergencies, and make sure it’s charged or your vehicle’s battery is in good condition.

Every jack has its place, and the right one depends on what you drive, where you work, and how often you DIY. For the average South African motorist, a scissor jack and bottle jack combo is great for emergencies and occasional home use. If you're doing more serious work or maintaining multiple vehicles, invest in a floor jack and a reliable set of jack stands.

Just remember: safety first. Always lift on solid ground, use proper jack points, and never crawl under a car unless it's secured with stands.