QuickJack, Ramps, or Jack Stands: Lifting Your EV Safely
By Tesla Accessories | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Compare QuickJack, 30-inch ramps, and jack stands for lifting your Tesla. Learn EV jacking points, tool trade-offs, and safe garage procedures.
Quick answer
For most home garage work on a Tesla, use a QuickJack portable car lift when you need all four wheels off the ground, 30-inch car ramps for front-end access like oil changes or detailing, and jack stands only as a secondary support after lifting with a floor jack. Always consult your Tesla owner's manual for exact jacking points before lifting.
Why EV lifting differs from gas-car lifting
Tesla models carry a heavy battery pack along the floor, which shifts the center of gravity and changes how the car behaves when raised. The reinforced jacking points are specific to each model, and using the wrong spot can damage the battery enclosure or rocker panels. Unlike many gas cars, you should never lift a Tesla by the battery pack or suspension components.
The three common home-garage options each serve a different purpose. QuickJack gives you a portable, low-profile lift that raises all four wheels for tire rotations, brake work, and underbody inspection. Ramps are ideal for front-end access and are the lightest option. Jack stands are the most basic support but require a separate floor jack and careful placement.
Tool trade-offs: cost, space, and speed
QuickJack costs more upfront but replaces a floor jack and stands for many jobs, stores against a wall, and lifts in seconds. Ramps are the least expensive and easiest to carry, but they only raise one end of the car and can be awkward on lowered Teslas. Jack stands are cheap and compact but demand the most attention to setup and are only as safe as the jack that raised the car.
If you plan to do regular tire rotations or brake work, a portable lift for Tesla like QuickJack is the most efficient long-term choice. If you mostly do detailing or light front-end checks, 30-inch car ramps Tesla owners commonly use are sufficient. Jack stands make sense as a backup or for occasional use when storage space is tight.
When to choose each option
Choose QuickJack when you need the car level and all four wheels off the ground, such as for tire rotations, brake pad changes, or suspension inspections. Choose ramps when you only need front-end access and want a quick, lightweight setup. Choose jack stands when you already own a floor jack and need a simple, low-cost way to support the car for a short job.
Regardless of tool, never work under a car supported only by a jack. Always use a secondary support like jack stands or a locking lift mechanism. And always check your Tesla's owner's manual for the exact jacking points for your model year.
Step-by-step: lifting your Tesla safely
- Check your owner's manual for jacking points: Locate the exact jacking points for your Tesla model and year in the owner's manual. These are typically reinforced areas near the rocker panels. Common mistake: assuming all Teslas share the same points; they don't, and using the wrong spot can damage the battery or body. Mark the points with tape if they are hard to see.
- Park on a flat, solid surface: Choose a level, hard surface like concrete or asphalt. Avoid gravel, dirt, or sloped driveways. Common mistake: lifting on a slight incline, which can cause the car to shift or the lift to tip. Use wheel chocks on the wheels that stay on the ground.
- Engage parking brake and prepare the car: Set the parking brake, put the car in Park, and turn off the ignition. For push-button start Teslas, ensure the car is fully off. Common mistake: leaving the car in Neutral or Accessory mode, which can allow it to roll. Double-check that the car cannot roll before lifting.
- Position the lift or ramps correctly: For QuickJack, align the lift blocks with the jacking points and raise slowly, checking for stability. For ramps, center the ramp on the tire path and drive up slowly with a spotter. For jack stands, lift with a floor jack at the jacking point, then place the stand under a reinforced area. Common mistake: placing stands under suspension or battery components. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Raise and secure: Raise the car to the desired height. For QuickJack, lock the safety bars. For jack stands, lower the car onto the stands and ensure they are seated correctly. Common mistake: forgetting to engage the safety lock on a lift. Give the car a gentle shake to confirm stability before working.
- Lower the car slowly: When finished, lower the car slowly and smoothly. For ramps, drive down carefully with a spotter. Common mistake: rushing the descent, which can cause the car to bottom out or the ramps to kick out. Remove wheel chocks only after the car is fully on the ground.
Product facts
- Quickjacks Portable Car Lifts for EV Owners: Quickjacks Portable Car Lifts for EV Owners sets up in minutes and lifts to service height in seconds, with a space-saving design that can be hung on a wall or stored under the car. This makes it a practical choice for home garages where space is limited and you need frequent access to all four wheels.
Quickjacks Portable Car Lifts for EV Owners - Schwaben 30" Car Ramps for EV Owners: Schwaben 30" Car Ramps for EV Owners are lightweight at only 4 lbs each and feature a special anti-skid coating. They are easy to carry and position, and the anti-skid coating helps prevent slipping when you drive up, which is especially important on smooth garage floors.
Schwaben 30" Car Ramps for EV Owners
