How to Lower a Floor Jack Slowly and Smoothly

On this page (7 sections)

1. How do you lower a floor jack slowly?
2. Why does the release valve control the descent?
3. What should you check before lowering a vehicle?
4. How do you lower a car off jack stands?
5. What if the jack lowers too quickly or won’t move?
6. How should you store a floor jack after lowering?
7. What’s the safest way to lower a floor jack?

To lower a floor jack slowly, open its release valve in small, controlled increments and watch the vehicle move down. Keep everyone clear, work on firm, level ground, and never rely on a floor jack alone to support a vehicle while you work beneath it.

The release valve controls how quickly the jack lowers. Its location and turning direction vary, so follow the jack’s manual and make a small adjustment before opening it further.

How do you lower a floor jack slowly?

Turn the release valve a little at a time, pausing to check the vehicle’s movement. Don’t swing the handle quickly or open the valve all at once.

1. Park on firm, level ground, switch off the engine, and secure the vehicle as its manual directs.
2. Check that the area around and beneath the vehicle is clear.
3. If the vehicle is on jack stands, use the floor jack at an approved lift point to raise it just enough to remove the stands.
4. From outside the vehicle’s path, remove the stands and put them aside.
5. Find the floor jack’s release valve and check the manual for its direction of travel.
6. Turn the valve slightly, then pause and watch the vehicle lower.
7. Continue in small increments until the wheels are firmly on the ground and the jack is unloaded.
8. Close the valve as directed before removing or storing the jack.

Keep hands, feet, and tools away from the vehicle’s path as it descends. If it shifts, the jack rolls unexpectedly, or lowering feels uncontrolled, stop and move clear.

Why does the release valve control the descent?

The release valve lets hydraulic fluid return so the jack’s lifting arm can descend. Opening it farther can increase the rate of descent, which is why a small turn is easier to control.

Don’t assume every floor jack uses the same valve position or handle direction. Check the instructions for your specific jack before lowering a load.

The BIG RED T83006 has a single-piston quick-lift pump and a safety bypass system. Its extra-long saddle neck is intended to help when lifting higher vehicles.

Use the jack only on a suitable surface and at the vehicle’s approved lift point. Its safety bypass system doesn’t replace proper support stands or safe lifting practice.

If the jack doesn’t raise as expected before you lower the vehicle, see why a floor jack won’t lift. The symptoms can help you decide whether to stop and inspect the equipment.

What should you check before lowering a vehicle?

Confirm the vehicle is stable and the lowering path is clear. Remove tools and loose items, and make sure no one is near the wheels, jack, or the space beneath the vehicle.

Check that the jack sits on firm, level ground and its saddle remains properly placed. Don’t reposition the jack while it carries the vehicle’s weight.

Wheel chocks can help prevent unwanted movement while a vehicle is being raised or lowered. Follow the vehicle and jack instructions for securing the wheels.

These chocks measure 8 x 4 x 6 in each and have molded handles. Place them as directed for your vehicle and work area, and keep them clear of the jack’s path.

How do you lower a car off jack stands?

Lift the vehicle just enough to take the weight off the stands, then remove the stands before lowering. Use the floor jack only at an approved lift point and keep your body outside the vehicle’s path.

Stand to the side while you remove each stand. Don’t reach under the vehicle to retrieve a stand that’s still loaded or trapped.

The BIG RED T43202 stands have a wide pyramid foot base, an adjustable ratchet bar, and a 3 ton capacity. The manufacturer says they are not suitable for SUVs and trucks, so check vehicle fit before using them.

Use stands on solid, level ground and at support points specified by the vehicle maker. For help matching stand height to your vehicle, read what size jack stands you need.

Never put any part of your body beneath a vehicle supported only by a floor jack. See whether you can leave a car on jack stands for guidance on keeping a supported vehicle in place.

What if the jack lowers too quickly or won’t move?

Stop if the jack drops suddenly, binds, or behaves differently than expected. Move clear of the vehicle and don’t try to catch, steady, or reposition the load by hand.

If the release valve seems stuck, don’t force the handle. Check the manual for the correct operating and maintenance steps, and take a damaged or unreliable jack out of service.

A jack that won’t lift or hold its position may need attention before it can be used safely. Our guide to common floor jack lifting problems covers issues such as a jack that won’t stay up or pump up.

The AV Steel 3 Ton Low Profile Dual Piston Floor Jack has a listed lifting range of 3-1/8 to 19-7/8 in and a dual-piston pump. AV Steel says it has overload protection and meets ANSI/ASME PASE safety standards.

Choose a jack based on your vehicle and the lift points you need to reach. A low minimum height can help with low-clearance vehicles, but it doesn’t make an unsuitable lift point safe.

How should you store a floor jack after lowering?

Lower the jack fully and follow its manual for storage. Keep it where it won’t block a walkway or sit in a spot where it could be struck or damaged.

Wipe away dirt and check the wheels, handle, and visible parts for damage. Don’t use the jack if you notice a leak, loose part, or other problem that affects its operation.

For more storage advice, see how to store a floor jack in your garage. Keeping it in a dry, accessible spot makes it easier to inspect before its next use.

What’s the safest way to lower a floor jack?

When you lower a floor jack, make small valve adjustments and watch the vehicle descend. Pause if anything shifts or moves unexpectedly, and keep people clear until the wheels are on the ground.

Use jack stands whenever you need to work beneath a raised vehicle, and remove them only after lifting the vehicle enough to free them. For the difference between the two tools, read floor jack vs. jack stands.

Frequently asked questions

How do you lower a floor jack slowly?

Turn the release valve gradually, following the jack manual, and watch the vehicle as it comes down. Stop if the jack shifts, the vehicle moves unexpectedly, or anything obstructs the path.

Keep everyone clear and never place any part of your body beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Which way do you turn a floor jack handle to lower it?

The direction varies by jack, so check its manual or markings before turning the handle. Many floor jacks lower when the handle turns the release valve counterclockwise, but don't assume that applies to yours.

Make a small adjustment and observe the response before opening the valve further.

Can you lower a car while it is on jack stands?

A floor jack can lift the vehicle enough to remove jack stands, but the jack stands must be clear before you lower it. Keep the jack saddle positioned at an approved lift point, remove stands from outside the vehicle's path, then lower the jack gradually.

Never work beneath the car during this step.

What should you do if a floor jack drops too quickly?

Stop using it and check the manual for the release-valve procedure. A valve opened too far can let the load descend quickly, while a damaged or malfunctioning jack may behave unpredictably.

Keep clear of the vehicle and use properly rated support equipment before inspecting or servicing the jack.