inflatable car jack

Types of Inflatable Car Jack

An inflatable car jack is a device that assists in lifting a car, especially in instances where the traditional jack is unsafe or impractical to use. There are different types of inflatable car jacks, including:

• Inflatable lift bag

  The inflatable lift bag is also known as a lift bag. It was initially designed for underwater use, such as lifting heavy objects in deep sea or wreck diving. The inflatable lift bag has become popular in vehicle recovery situations, especially for off-road vehicles. The vehicle's inflation points are located at the vehicle's corners. Once the lift bag is inflated, it lifts the vehicle by expanding upwards and outwards. In this case, the lifting mechanism is the upward force generated by the inflated bag, which displaces a volume of water equivalent to the bag's submerged portion.

• Air wedge

  An air wedge is a specialized inflatable tool used in vehicle entry situations. It is a slim, inflatable pouch that can be inserted into small gaps, such as between a vehicle door and the frame. Once inserted, the air wedge is inflated using a hand pump, which gradually expands the pouch and creates a larger opening. This process carefully pries apart without damaging the vehicle. After achieving the desired gap, technicians can insert appropriate tools, like a long reach tool or a lockout rod, to unlock the door from within. The air wedge is an essential tool in lockout situations where other methods cannot be applied without harming the vehicle.

• Inflatable high-lift jack

  The inflatable high-lift jack is a specialized tool designed to lift vehicles in challenging situations, such as soft sand, mud, or uneven terrain. The jack has a high-lift design that allows it to raise vehicles to considerable heights, enabling the extraction or repair of the underside. The inflatable high-lift jack is safe and easy to use, even by untrained individuals. It has a dual inflation system, allowing rapid and controlled vehicle lifting. Additionally, the jack has a built-in safety mechanism, such as a load-holding valve, to prevent accidental descent.

• Air jack

  An air jack is a type of car jack that uses compressed air or exhaust air to lift a vehicle. The air jack is very common in motorsport and other professional vehicle maintenance settings. The air jack is preferred because of its rapid lifting capability, stability, and safety features. The air jack has a low-profile design that allows insertion under vehicles with low clearance. It also has multiple lifting points, making it versatile for lifting different vehicle types.

Specification and maintenance of inflatable car jacks

• Load capacity

  This is the maximum weight the jack can lift. Typically, a mini inflatable car jack has a load capacity of 1 to 3 tons, while a standard model for larger vehicles can handle up to 5 tons or more.

• Lifting height

  It refers to the maximum height the vehicle can be raised. The lifting height of a small inflatable car jack is usually between 350 and 500 mm. In contrast, larger models designed for trucks or SUVs can achieve lifting heights of 700 mm or more.

• Power source

  Inflatable car jacks can be powered by petrol, 12v from the vehicle battery, or mains electricity. Petrol jacks are more powerful but also noisier and heavier. Electric jacks are portable and quieter but have limited lifting capacity.

• Material

  A nylon inflatable car jack is typically lighter and more affordable, while those made from PVC or TPU are more durable. The thickness of the material also affects durability and puncture resistance.

• Safety features

  These include overload protection to prevent lifting beyond the jack's capacity, stability features to prevent tipping, and emergency release valves for controlled deflation.

• Size and weight

  Inflatable car jacks for trucks are larger and heavier than those for smaller vehicles. For instance, a jack designed for a truck may weigh around 5 kg, while a jack for a small car may weigh only 2–3 kg.

• Accessories

  Some inflatable car jacks come with additional accessories, such as a repair kit, flashlight, or pressure gauge. A repair kit can be handy for quick fixes, while a flashlight can provide illumination in low-light conditions.

Proper maintenance of an inflatable jack after use is crucial since it prolongs the lifespan and ensures optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to maintain an inflatable jack:

• After each use, the jack should be cleaned to remove debris, dirt, or sand. A soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent solution can do the cleaning.
• The inflatable jack should be inspected for damages such as punctures, tears, or leaks. If any, they should be repaired immediately before the next use.
• The inflatable car jack should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This prevents material degradation and extends the jack's lifespan.
• Once a month, the inflatable car jack should be inflated and fully extended to check for leaks and ensure it holds air. This helps maintain the air pressure and prevents permanent deformation of the material.
• Lubrication of the moving parts using a silicone-based lubricant prevents wear and tear, ensuring smooth operation of the jack.
• It is important to periodically check the air pressure of the inflatable jack using a pressure gauge. This ensures the jack is inflated to the manufacturer's recommended level.
• The user's manual should be referred to for specific maintenance instructions and guidelines for the inflatable car jack. Different models may have additional requirements.

How to Choose Inflatable Car Jack

When buying an inflatable car jack, consider the following factors to ensure customers' needs are met.

• Load capacity

  Business owners should select inflatable jacks with higher load capacities than the vehicles their customers drive. A car jack with a load capacity of 3 tons is suitable for small vehicles, while larger trucks and SUVs require a jack with a load capacity of 5 tons.

• Size and weight

  Business owners should choose lightweight and compact inflatable jacks. Their customers will use the inflatable jacks for camping, off-road adventures, and road trips. The jacks should be easy to carry and fit in the trunk of a car.

• Inflation time

  Business owners should select inflatable jacks with fast inflation times. The jacks should be ready to lift a vehicle in five minutes or less. The quick inflation time will help their customers save time during roadside emergencies.

• Safety features

  Business owners should choose inflatable jacks with safety features such as overload protection and anti-slip mechanisms. The jacks should also have safety certifications from testing organizations. The safety features and certifications will give their customers peace of mind.

• Ease of use

  Business owners should select inflatable jacks that are easy to operate. The jacks should have a simple control mechanism and clear instructions. They could choose jacks with additional features such as an integrated pressure gauge and a built-in flashlight.

• Durability

  Business owners should select inflatable jacks made from high-quality and durable materials. The jacks should withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use. They can read customer reviews to find out the durability of different inflatable jacks.

• Price and warranty

  Business owners should compare the prices of inflatable jacks from different suppliers. They should also check the warranty terms and conditions. Some suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases.

How to DIY and Replace Inflatable Car Jack

Replacing a traditional car jack with an inflatable one is quite simple. With an inflatable car jack, the process of lifting a vehicle is much more straightforward. The instructions for using an inflatable car jack are as follows:

• 1. Remove the air and flat surface: Before attempting any vehicle maintenance, ensure that the air is removed from the inflatable jack and that the surface is flat.
• 2. Prepare the Vehicle: The vehicle that requires jacking up should be moved away from traffic and level. This is to ensure that the inflatable jack can work effectively and not deflate.
• 3. Look for the Jacking Points: Every vehicle has specific locations where a jack can be placed without causing damage. Consult the vehicle's owner's manual to find these points.
• 4. Position the Jack: The inflatable car jack should be positioned near the jacking point and aligned with the jack's center to the vehicle's center.
• 5. Inflate the Jack: The inflatable car jack should be attached to the vehicle's exhaust pipe or a 12V power outlet. Once connected, the valve should be opened to begin the inflation process.
• 6. Monitor the Vehicle: The driver or any other person should keep an eye on the vehicle while the jack is being inflated. This is to ensure that the inflation is even and the vehicle's stability is maintained.
• 7. Complete the Inflation: Once the vehicle is lifted to the desired height, the inflation should be completely stopped. The valve should be closed to maintain the jack's pressure.
• 8. Deflate and Replace: After the work is completed, the inflatable car jack should be deflated and cleaned. All components of the inflatable car jack should be replaced in their respective cases.

FAQ

Q1: Can an inflatable car jack lift any vehicle?

A1: A suitable inflatable car jack appropriate for the size and weight of the vehicle can lift any vehicle. When selecting a jack, consider the vehicle's ground clearance and weight.

Q2: Is an inflatable car jack safe to use?

A2: An inflatable car jack can be safe if used correctly and maintained properly. Always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

Q3: How long does an inflatable car jack take to lift a vehicle?

A3: The time it takes to lift a vehicle using an inflatable car jack varies depending on the jack and the vehicle. Typically, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to raise the vehicle.