Best Floor Jack for Cars: 5 Picks by Capacity and Lift Range

Compare the picks

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 9 October 2026.

How we scored them

Each jack is scored out of 10 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. A verified ASME PASE or ASME PALD certification earns full safety points; an integrated overload bypass valve earns partial credit.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

What the listings tell you

We compared five floor jacks and lifting kits from Amazon listings. Two listings state formal ASME safety compliance (ASME PALD-2014 and ANSI/ASME PASE), while two others state built-in overload protection valves. Only one listing states a concrete manufacturer warranty term (180 days). We also noted contradictions in published listings, including conflicting minimum heights, maximum lift heights that actually apply to included stands, and conflicting paint colors.

Buying guide: best floor jack for cars

Tonnage and capacity

Vehicle curb weight determines the required jack capacity. The jacks in this comparison range from 1.5 tons (3,000 lb) to 3 tons (6,600 lb). Because a floor jack lifts only one corner or one axle at a time rather than the entire car, a 2 ton (4,000 lb) rating provides ample lifting margin for typical passenger sedans and hatchbacks. A 3 ton (6,600 lb) jack provides additional capacity and stability for heavier sedans, station wagons and crossovers.

Lifting range and minimum clearance

A floor jack must fit cleanly beneath your car’s lowest designated lift point and raise high enough to bring the tires off the floor. The lowest starting clearance among the hydraulic models is 3.35 in on the VEVOR K500, while the TONDA starts at 4.9 in and the DNA Motoring trolley jack starts at 5.1 in. For maximum reach, the VEVOR extends to 19.69 in and the Jack Boss reaches 18.3 in, whereas compact models stop at 11.8 in and 13 in. Always check your vehicle’s ground clearance before selecting a jack.

Hydraulic trolley vs scissor jacks

A hydraulic trolley jack uses fluid pressure and a pump piston to raise vehicles smoothly with minimal physical effort, rolling on steel casters for easy positioning in a garage. In contrast, a mechanical scissor jack relies on a threaded screw drive turned by a ratchet wrench or hand crank. While a scissor kit stores compactly in a trunk for roadside flat tire emergencies, a rolling hydraulic trolley jack is faster and far more practical for routine garage service.

Jack stands are mandatory

Never get under a vehicle on a jack alone. Hydraulic jacks are lifting mechanisms, not load-bearing supports; internal hydraulic seals or pressure valves can fail without warning. Always support the vehicle with properly rated stands on solid level ground placed squarely under the lift points designated in your vehicle owner’s manual before beginning any inspection or repair.

Safety valves and ASME standards

Automotive lifting equipment should feature built-in protection against overloading. The VEVOR jack complies with the ASME PALD-2014 safety standard, CE certification, and UKCA certification, while the Jack Boss model meets ANSI/ASME PASE safety standards. The TONDA and DNA Motoring models include integrated safety bypass valves designed to prevent lifting loads that exceed rated capacity.

For wheel service after lifting, a calibrated torque wrench ensures lug nuts are tightened to factory specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ton floor jack do I need for a car?

For passenger cars, a 2 ton (4,000 lb) or 3 ton (6,600 lb) floor jack is typical. A floor jack only lifts one corner or axle at a time, meaning a 2 ton rating handles most sedans and hatchbacks, while a 3 ton rating accommodates larger sedans, station wagons and crossovers.

How do I use a floor jack and jack stands to lift a car?

Park on solid level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the wheels that remain on the ground. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for designated lifting points. Position the jack saddle directly beneath the lift point and pump the handle to raise the car. Place a rated jack stand under an approved support location, raise the stand, and slowly lower the jack until the vehicle rests on the stand. Never get under a vehicle on a jack alone.

What is the difference between a floor jack and a scissor jack?

A hydraulic floor jack rolls on casters and uses hydraulic pressure to raise a vehicle with pump strokes, making it fast and convenient for garage maintenance. A scissor jack is a mechanical lift that uses a threaded screw drive; it folds into a compact footprint for roadside tire emergencies in a trunk, but requires manual effort and lacks wheels for garage positioning.

What minimum height is needed for a low-clearance car?

Low-profile passenger cars require a jack with low minimum saddle height so it slides under factory lift points. In this comparison, minimum heights range from 3.35 in on the low-profile VEVOR to 4.33 in on the scissor jack, 4.9 in on the TONDA, and 5.1 in on the DNA Motoring trolley jack. Measure your car’s clearance to confirm the saddle fits before lifting.

What do ANSI/ASME PASE and ASME PALD standards mean on a jack?

ANSI/ASME PASE and ASME PALD are safety standards established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for portable automotive service equipment. Listings that comply with these standards incorporate structural analysis, proof-load verification, and internal overload safety valves to ensure structural integrity and prevent operation beyond rated capacity.

Related: our guide to the best jack stands, the best low-profile floor jack, our review of car ramps, our jacks and stands hub and our garage safety notes. Also see our guide to the best mechanic creeper and our guide to the best torque wrench for wheel lug nuts.