Took the kids to AutoZone and got everything we need to service our 'yota Matrix

[ColoradoDad]

Had to share this - took the kids in the bike trailer to get oil, filters, a jack etc - everything we need to service our Matrix at home. Forevermore i'll be able to do all my own oil changes!

[HamMan]

Awesome, these are tools that keep on giving! People are amazed at just how much you can accomplish on your car with some simple tools. Brakes, suspension, engine repair - all within your reach.

I'm worried that I don't see jack stands on your list though. Please do not ever get under a car that isn't supported on jack stands. The jack is only used for lifting, the stands hold up the car securely after that. You should be able to find a basic 2T set for under $40 that will last the rest of your life.

[ColoradoDad]

Good thinking. Last time I used some big rocks under the sills, but $40 on jack stands is money well spent

[TheAnonOne]

Good thinking. Last time I used some big rocks under the sills, but $40 on jack stands is money well spent

Wow, not a bad idea! I think a stack of wood would work too

[COEE]

I've used wood, but I have a lot more comfort knowing that the car is being held up with something that was specifically designed to hold the car up.

General car maintenance safety:
Always engage the hand brake before jacking up the car (unless you're doing the brakes (and then be very careful)), work on a flat level surface, put the wheels under the car as a backup, just behind the wheel well.  I usually also leave the floor jack jacking up the car as well, as a tertiary safety measure.  The last thing I want is for that car to come screaming down at my face!

I've had jack stands slip on a non-level surfaces when I forgot to set the hand brake... scary on so many levels.  When the wheels disengage the ground the car can move +/- 1" or so in either direction because of the way transmission is geared (I believe).

[paddedhat]

Good thinking. Last time I used some big rocks under the sills, but $40 on jack stands is money well spent

  $21.99 at Harbor Freight or $17.60 with their easily obtained 20% off coupon.

[YttriumNitrate]

I haven't checked the ground clearance on a Matrix, but you might be able to slide the pan under and drain the oil without even bothering to jack up the car. I do that for my Mirage which has about 6 inches of clearance.

[COEE]

Good thinking. Last time I used some big rocks under the sills, but $40 on jack stands is money well spent

  $21.99 at Harbor Freight or $17.60 with their easily obtained 20% off coupon.

I don't trust Harbor Freight when my life depends on it.  Pay the extra $20.

Having said that, I have bought many harbor freight tools for non-life threatening situations.

[paddedhat]

Good thinking. Last time I used some big rocks under the sills, but $40 on jack stands is money well spent

  $21.99 at Harbor Freight or $17.60 with their easily obtained 20% off coupon.

I don't trust Harbor Freight when my life depends on it.  Pay the extra $20.


Having said that, I have bought many harbor freight tools for non-life threatening situations.

Sorry, but that's just silly. You can grab a set of three ton rated jack stands anywhere in North America and take a look at the quality. They are all the same damn thing. Simple mild steel and cast devices with adequate welds and plenty of redundancy when it comes to load. They are all built in China, and if you want to pay twice as much as you need to for a different color and sticker on the same thing, whatever. I've had two sets of Chinese stands for decades. One is branded Pep Boys, the other Mack. Same crap, different spray paint and stickers. The fact that I can get the same product at a lower cost at HF is a result of how they do business, NOT that they have cut corners to endanger their customers lives.  You are supporting a light vehicle here, not working on buses.

[ColoradoDad]

So Harbor Freight is kinda like the Costco of tools? (I'm new to the US - only lived here 1 year!)

Sweet, got their coupon. Thanks for the tip paddedhat!

[LessIsLess]

Spend money on a quality pair of jack stands.  I dropped $100 for mine.  Jack stands can fail or tip over (esp. the stands that look like big beer bottles).

[ColoradoDad]

Pics? What type have you got?

[JLee]

http://www.hfqpdb.com/ <- Harbor Freight coupons

So Harbor Freight is kinda like the Costco of tools? (I'm new to the US - only lived here 1 year!)

Sweet, got their coupon. Thanks for the tip paddedhat!

Not really. They sell generally low-quality tools at absurdly low prices, but typically have excellent warranties.

Good thinking. Last time I used some big rocks under the sills, but $40 on jack stands is money well spent

  $21.99 at Harbor Freight or $17.60 with their easily obtained 20% off coupon.

I don't trust Harbor Freight when my life depends on it.  Pay the extra $20.

Having said that, I have bought many harbor freight tools for non-life threatening situations.

Generally speaking in terms of jackstands, steel is steel.

My winch mount is from Harbor Freight and we tested it so hard that the metal loop on the end of the winch line conformed to the shackle that was through it.  I have no problem using Harbor Freight jackstands.