Changing a tire on your Mercedes-Benz might seem daunting, but with the factory car jack, it’s a manageable task if done correctly. This guide will walk you through the proper procedure for using your Mercedes Car Jack, ensuring both your safety and the integrity of your vehicle. Misusing the jack can lead to vehicle damage and, more importantly, serious injury. Understanding the correct method is crucial for every Mercedes owner.
Identifying the Correct Mercedes Jacking Points
Before you even take out your jack, it’s vital to locate the designated jacking points on your Mercedes. These are specifically reinforced areas of the vehicle’s frame designed to safely bear the car’s weight. Never attempt to use the factory jack on the chassis itself. Doing so can cause significant damage to the undercarriage of your Mercedes.
Your Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual is your best resource for pinpointing these jacking points. If you don’t have a physical copy, the manual is often available for download on the Mercedes-Benz website. Typically, these points are located along the rocker panels, just behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels. You’ll often find a small arrow or indicator on the rocker panel trim to guide you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Mercedes Factory Jack
Once you’ve located the correct jacking point, you can proceed with lifting your Mercedes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preparation is Key: Ensure your Mercedes is parked on a level, stable surface, away from traffic. Engage your parking brake firmly to prevent any rolling. For added safety, you can also use wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground.
- Accessing the Jack Point: Mercedes often have a small plastic cover concealing the jacking point. To remove it, you’ll typically need a flathead screwdriver or even just your finger. Look for a small slit on the edge of the cover. Gently pry it open to expose the slot for the jack. Note the orientation of the cover before removal for easy reinstallation later.
- Positioning the Jack: Insert the spindle of the Mercedes car jack into the exposed slot at the jacking point. Ensure it is securely seated. The jack is designed to fit snugly into this slot, which is crucial for stability during lifting.
- Raising the Vehicle: Slowly and steadily crank the jack handle to lift the vehicle. You’ll notice the jack will be at an angle initially, but this is by design and will become more vertical as the car rises. Lift the car just enough to safely remove the flat tire and install the spare. Avoid lifting it excessively high.
- Lowering the Vehicle: After changing the tire, slowly and carefully lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle in the opposite direction. Ensure the car descends in a controlled manner.
- Replacing the Cover: Once the car is lowered and the jack is removed, simply pop the plastic cover back into place over the jacking point.
Why Chassis Jacking is Dangerous
It’s critical to reiterate: never use the Mercedes car jack directly on the chassis or any other und designated point. The Mercedes factory jack is specifically engineered to be used with the designated jacking points. Attempting to lift your car from the chassis presents several dangers:
- Chassis Damage: The chassis is not designed to withstand concentrated lifting forces at arbitrary points. You risk bending or damaging structural components.
- Jack Slippage: The spindle of the factory jack is designed to fit into the jacking point slot for stability. If you place it on a flat chassis surface, the round spindle is highly likely to slip out from under the car as weight is applied, potentially causing the vehicle to fall and leading to serious injury or damage.
- Inaccessibility of Jack Stand Points: If you incorrectly jack the car on the chassis, you will likely obstruct access to the actual jack stand points, which are essential if you need to work under the vehicle.
By always using your Mercedes car jack in the correct jacking points and following these safety guidelines, you can confidently and safely handle tire changes and minor roadside repairs. Always prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your Mercedes-Benz model.
