How to Properly Jack Up a Hybrid Car for Repairs

Lifting a hybrid car may seem simple — grab a jack, find a sturdy point, and hoist it up. But hybrids aren’t quite like conventional petrol cars. Beneath the bonnet and bodywork, they contain high-voltage components, special weight distributions, and sensitive underbody areas that make lifting a hybrid safely a bit more nuanced.

Whether you’re rotating tyres, inspecting brakes, or doing a quick undercarriage check, learning to jack up a hybrid car properly is essential to your safety and the vehicle’s long-term performance. In this detailed guide, you’ll discover how to identify the right jack points, select the best hybrid maintenance tools, and follow step-by-step procedures for safe, effective DIY work.

Understanding the Basics: Why Hybrids Require Special Attention

Hybrid vehicles are heavier than traditional cars due to their battery packs. This added weight changes the vehicle’s balance and structural points of strength.

Key Considerations:

• High-voltage battery locations can be beneath the rear seats or the boot floor.
• Skid plates or covers often conceal underbody systems — improper lifting can damage them.
• Some hybrids have plastic aerodynamic panels that must not be used as jack points.

Lifting incorrectly can cause:

• Cracked battery casings
• Damaged wiring harnesses
• Twisted underframes or deformed pinch welds

That’s why lifting a hybrid safely is about more than brute strength — it’s about precision, patience, and the right approach.

Quick Reference: Steps to Jack Up a Hybrid Car Safely

1. Park on a flat, solid surface with the handbrake engaged
2. Locate jack points using the owner’s manual
3. Use the correct type of jack and axle stands
4. Disconnect READY mode; turn off the ignition
5. Place chocks on opposite wheels
6. Raise the car slowly, checking for stability
7. Insert axle stands and lower the car onto them carefully

Never lift a hybrid car from the battery area or subframe unless specifically instructed by your manufacturer.

Tools You’ll Need: Hybrid Maintenance Essentials

To lift a hybrid safely, you’ll need more than the jack that came in your boot.

Essential Hybrid Maintenance Tools:

• Trolley jack or scissor jack with adequate lift range (2-tonne minimum)
• Axle stands or jack stands rated for your vehicle’s weight
• Wheel chocks for stability
• Work gloves and safety glasses
• Owner’s manual to confirm jack points
• Torque wrench (if removing wheels)

Optional but Helpful:

• Low-profile ramps (if clearance is tight)
• A flashlight for spotting jack points
• A creeper or mat for sliding under the car

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Jack Up a Hybrid Car Safely

Step 1: Park and Prepare the Vehicle

• Choose a level, hard surface — avoid gravel, soft ground, or inclines
• Engage the handbrake
• Switch off the car and ensure it’s not in READY mode

Pro Tip: Wait 5 minutes before lifting to allow residual high-voltage components to power down.

Step 2: Locate the Proper Jack Points

Use your owner’s manual to find:

• Front jack points: Often located behind the front wheels at reinforced pinch welds
• Rear jack points: Usually in front of or behind the rear wheels
• Centre jack point (if available): Found on some hybrids for balanced lifting

Warning: Never jack the car from under the battery or floor pan.

Step 3: Place Wheel Chocks

• Place chocks diagonally opposite to the side being lifted
• For front lifts, chock the rear tyres
• For rear lifts, chock the front tyres

This prevents movement during the lift, even on seemingly flat ground.

Step 4: Position and Raise with the Jack

• Align the jack with the correct jack point
• Pump slowly and observe the car’s balance
• Raise just enough to insert your axle stand

Use a trolley jack with a rubber pad to avoid scraping or deforming the body.

Step 5: Secure with Axle Stands

• Slide the stand under a nearby approved support area (often near the jack point)
• Lower the jack slowly so the car rests fully on the stand
• Gently shake the vehicle to test stability

Never rely solely on a jack. Even hydraulic jacks can fail.

Step 6: Reverse the Process to Lower

• When finished, raise the car slightly with the jack
• Remove the stand
• Lower the car fully
• Remove wheel chocks last

Take your time — rushing increases the risk of missteps or part damage.

Best Practices to Extend the Life of Your Tools and Vehicle

• Clean the jack contact pads after each use
• Store jack stands indoors to prevent rust
• Use protective pads or rubber inserts to prevent scratching pinch welds
• Practice lifting the car on a dry run without going under it first

Pro Insight: Mechanics often mark jack points with chalk or tape when working on the same car frequently — feel free to do the same for quick identification.

FAQs: Lifting a Hybrid Car

Is lifting a hybrid different from a petrol car?

Yes. Hybrids have different weight distribution, sensitive battery locations, and often more underbody plastic shields that can’t support weight.

Can I use the jack that came with my car?

This is only for emergency tyre changes. For routine maintenance, a hydraulic trolley jack and axle stands are safer and more stable.

Where should I never place a jack under a hybrid?

Avoid areas near the battery casing, inverter, or high-voltage cabling. These components are fragile and expensive.

How do I know my hybrid is safe to jack up?

Always consult your owner’s manual and inspect jack points before lifting. If in doubt, consult a hybrid-qualified mechanic.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before jacking up the car?

Not for basic lifts. But always ensure the car is turned off and not in READY mode.

Further Learning and Interlinking

For those taking a proactive approach to hybrid upkeep, follow this up with our full guide to hybrid DIY vs professional maintenance to understand which tasks are safe at home and which are better left to the pros.

And after lifting your hybrid, you may want to explore our step-by-step on how to check and replace a hybrid car air filter while you’ve got clear access.

Conclusion: Safety and Precision Go Hand in Hand

Learning how to properly jack up a hybrid car is a powerful skill, not just because it saves you money, but because it builds confidence in maintaining your car safely.

Let’s recap:

• Use the right tools: jack, axle stands, chocks
• Lift from designated jack points only
• Never skip wheel chocks or support stands
• Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific advice

Whether you’re changing a tyre, inspecting brakes, or preparing for a DIY repair, following these steps ensures that you lift a hybrid safely and smartly — with your car’s performance and your safety intact.

Do you have your own lifting tips or tool recommendations? Leave a comment and help the community stay safe under the chassis.