Yes, you can usually clear diagnostic trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner by connecting it to the vehicle’s diagnostic port, turning the ignition on, and selecting the scanner’s erase or clear function. Clearing the code does not repair the fault, however, and the warning light may return if the underlying problem remains. The difficult part…
A 3-ton jack stand is rated for up to 6,000 pounds, but that figure may apply to one stand or to a matched pair, depending on the manufacturer’s labeling. Check the stand, packaging, and owner’s manual before treating the rating as a per-stand capacity. That distinction matters because a vehicle can look comfortably supported while…
Most hydraulic jacks need an oil check at every use and a fluid change about once a year under normal conditions. A jack used heavily, stored in moisture or dust, or showing sluggish movement may need service sooner, while a lightly used jack in clean storage may safely follow the manufacturer’s longer interval. The surprising…
No, Craftsman floor jacks are not automatically guaranteed for life. Warranty coverage depends on the specific model, purchase date, seller, and written warranty terms; many floor jacks carry limited coverage rather than the unconditional lifetime protection associated with some Craftsman hand tools. That distinction can be surprising because the Craftsman name is strongly associated with…
Yes, you can jack up an electric car, but only by using the lifting points and procedure specified for that particular model. The battery pack and high-voltage components under the floor make incorrect jack placement especially risky. The uncertainty is usually not whether the vehicle can be lifted, but whether a visible seam, shield, or…
Most OBD2 scanners plug into the vehicle’s 16-pin diagnostic connector under the driver’s side dashboard, usually near the steering column, fuse box, or lower dash panel. The port is commonly visible from the driver’s seat, although it may sit behind a small cover or slightly above the pedals. Finding the connector is usually simple; knowing…
A 3-ton jack stand is generally rated to support up to 6,000 pounds, but that rating usually applies to one stand only. Some products advertise a 3-ton capacity for the pair, so the label, manual, and manufacturer’s instructions must be checked before relying on the number. That distinction matters because a vehicle can appear to…
Yes. A hydraulic jack lifts a vehicle, but a properly rated jack stand should support it whenever you work beneath it or leave it elevated. A jack alone is a lifting device, not a dependable long-term support system. The important detail is what you plan to do after the vehicle rises. A quick tire change…
Yes, aluminum floor jacks can be very good for home garages and mobile use, especially when low weight, easy handling, and a low-profile design matter more than the lowest purchase price. They are not automatically better than steel jacks, however; capacity, construction quality, stability, and safe support practices matter more than the material alone. A…
Yes, you can sometimes jack up a car by its crossmember, but only when that crossmember is an approved lifting point and the vehicle manufacturer allows it. A crossmember is not automatically safe to use simply because it is strong enough to support suspension or drivetrain loads. An unexpected consequence of choosing the wrong section…