Anyone who owns a Tesla knows that maintenance can sometimes feel like a whole new ball game. One thing we often get asked is how to safely lift a Tesla for repairs or tire changes. You must use the specific jack points to avoid damaging the battery or the car’s underbody. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than learning the hard way that you’ve missed the mark.
Before we lift our Tesla, we need to get familiar with the Controls menu, which allows us to adjust the car’s suspension. Under Controls, set the suspension to “Very High” mode. This gives us enough clearance to work safely. Don’t forget to enable Jack Mode to prevent the car from self-leveling during the lift.
When positioning the lift arm pads, make sure they are correctly aligned with the designated body lift points. Misalignment can cause serious damage.
We need to be precise. Use the Tesla’s manual to identify the lift points. If you’re at a non-Tesla repair shop, ensure they follow these guidelines too. Having the right jack pads can make a world of difference, reducing the risk of costly damage to the car’s battery. 💡🔧
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Essentials of Tesla Jacking
Lifting a Tesla involves understanding the correct jack points, selecting proper equipment, and following safety measures to avoid damage and ensure safety.
Understanding Jack Points and Lift Points
Jack points are crucial for safely lifting your Tesla. Our models have specific jack points located near the wheels. Position the jack pads under the designated lift points to avoid damage to the side skirts and battery.
| Vehicle Model | Jack Points Location |
| Model 3 | Near the wheels, under the rocker panels |
| Model S | Similar areas as Model 3, with inserts |
| Model X | Near wheels, lift arm pads under points |
Use a jack pad to provide a cushion between the jack and the car, ensuring the expensive battery pack stays intact.
Selecting the Right Jack and Jack Stands
Choosing the right tools is essential. For Teslas, use jacks that can reach the height required while still being stable.
Recommended Jack Types:
- Floor Jack (3 ton) with a rubber pad top
- Scissor Jack for emergencies
Jack stands are necessary after lifting. Ensure they are placed under strong lift points and safety locks are engaged. Jack stands should have a load capacity higher than the car’s weight to ensure stability.
Safety Precautions and Procedures
Safety first! Always follow these steps:
- Park on a flat, solid surface, and engage the parking brake.
- Use wheel chocks to prevent movement.
- Engage “Jack Mode” if your Tesla has air suspension.
- Lift the car at designated points only.
- Use jack stands with safety locks engaged before working under the car.
Incorrectly supported vehicles can cause injury or damage the car’s battery.
Never trust a jack alone. Always use jack stands for support. Practice these safety steps and maintain your Tesla without worries!
Step-By-Step Lifting Guide
When lifting a Tesla, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps for safety and vehicle integrity. We’ll guide you through positioning the jack correctly, ensuring your safety, and engaging Jack Mode and air suspension tips.
How to Position Jack and Lift a Tesla
Make sure to park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Before lifting, you’ll want to identify the jack points, which are reinforced areas beneath the car designed for lifting.
Use a hydraulic floor jack positioned under the jacking points. A lifting puck placed on the jack’s saddle will help distribute the load and prevent damage to the underside.
Remember:
- Park on a level surface
- Engage parking brake
- Position jack under jacking points
This method helps avoid damaging the battery or other vital components.
Jacking Up Safely and Avoiding Injury
Safety is paramount when jacking up your Tesla. Always wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself. Don’t rush the process; take your time to ensure everything is positioned correctly.
Never get under a car that isn’t secured on jack stands. Once the car is raised enough to remove the wheels, place jack stands at the lifting points. Make sure they are stable before proceeding.
Important Things to Remember:
- Wear protective gear
- Use jack stands
- Ensure stability before working
Using jack stands reduces the risk of vehicle movement and potential injury, ensuring you stay safe throughout the process.
Engaging Jack Mode and Air Suspension Tips
Tesla vehicles come with a feature called Jack Mode, which disables the self-leveling function of the air suspension. To activate Jack Mode:
- Press Controls on the touchscreen.
- Select Service, then Jack Mode.
Use Very High suspension setting by pressing the brake pedal, navigating to Controls > Suspension, then selecting Very High. This maximizes the height, making it easier to position your jack and stands properly.
Key Steps:
- Activate Jack Mode
- Use Very High suspension
- Press brake pedal to ensure stability
Using Jack Mode ensures your Tesla remains stable while lifted, preventing self-leveling from causing any issues during maintenance or repairs.
Tesla Model Variants and Their Specifics
Each Tesla model has its unique features and requirements for jacking up safely. Let’s explore the primary differences and essential details for jacking up the Model 3 and Model S, plus tips on handling the smaller models’ clearance and chassis.
Differences in Jacking Up Tesla Model 3 and Model S
When jacking up a Model 3, place the lift arm pads precisely under the designated lift points. This prevents damage to the battery casing and other critical components.
The Model S has an air suspension system. This means it may automatically self-level, even when the touchscreen is off. Engage “Jack Mode” to avoid unwanted adjustments.
Key considerations for both models:
- Centralize the vehicle between the lift posts.
- Keep the surface stable and level to prevent shifts.
Understanding the Clearance and Chassis of Compact Models
Compact models like the Model 3 have lower clearance, making precise placement crucial. This means ensuring the lift points are accurately identified and used.
Chassis concerns for these models include the layout around the battery and motor, which are more susceptible to damage if the lift points are ignored.
Tips for success:
- Always check the surface is stable.
- Use proper jack pads to avoid harming the battery.
Being mindful of the vehicle’s clearance and making sure the chassis is supported properly helps keep your Tesla in top form while lifting. Ignoring these precautions can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. 🔧
Aftercare and Maintenance Post-Jacking
Let’s talk about what needs to be done after jacking up your Tesla.
🔧 Inspecting Jack Points
After we’ve lowered the car, it’s important to inspect the jack points. Any damage here can affect how the car is lifted next time. Make sure they’re not bent or warped.
🛠️ Double-check Underbody
We should always inspect the underbody of the car. Look for any signs of leakage, damage, or anything unusual. If we spot something, it’s best to consult a repair facility.
⛽ Hydraulic Jack and Floor Jack Maintenance
Clean and store our hydraulic jacks and floor jacks properly. Check if there’s any fluid leakage or rust, and ensure they are in good working condition for next use.
✨ Check Bumpers and Liftgate
Make sure our bumpers and liftgate are properly aligned and working smoothly. Any misalignments may indicate issues from the lifting process.
🚗 Tire and Suspension Inspection
Let’s inspect our tires for wear and ensure the suspension is behaving normally. Press “Very High” on the suspension controls to ensure it’s functioning smoothly.
Essential Tools in Our Toolkit
- Hydraulic Jack
- Jack Point Insert
- Floor Jack
- Safety Precautions Equipment
- Basic Toolkit
This checklist helps keep our Tesla in tip-top shape. Let’s make sure to follow these steps for a safe and maintained vehicle.
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