How to Jack Up a Tesla Safely in 2026 (Using Jack Pucks)
Last Updated: July 1, 2026
Jacking up a Tesla requires jack pads or pucks that fit into the four lift points under the car. Never jack directly onto the battery pack or the aluminium frame without pads. The lift points are reinforced oval-shaped holes in the underside plastic moulding. Use the correct jack pads, place them before lifting, and only use the four designated points.
Jacking up a Tesla is straightforward but has one non-negotiable rule: you must use jack pads that fit into the car's four designated lift points. Placing a jack directly against the battery pack can cause thousands of pounds of damage and is a serious safety risk. This guide covers the equipment you need, where the lift points are, and the step-by-step process for safely lifting any Tesla model.
Quick Answer: How to Jack Up a Tesla Safely
Knowing how to jack up a Tesla safely starts with the right equipment. You need jack pads or pucks that fit the car's four designated lift points. These are reinforced oval holes in the plastic underbody trim, two behind the front wheels and two ahead of the rear wheels. Place the pad into the hole, position your jack under the pad, and lift slowly.
Never place a jack directly against the battery pack housing or the aluminium frame rails. The battery pack is the entire floor of the car. Damaging it with an incorrectly placed jack can cost thousands in repairs and is a serious safety risk.
What You Need
- Jack pads/pucks designed for Tesla vehicles. Standard pads are about £15 to £30 for a set of four. They have a locating pin that fits into the lift point hole.
- A trolley jack rated for the car's weight. A Model 3 weighs around 1,800 kg. Your jack needs to handle at least half of that comfortably for a single-corner lift.
- Axle stands if you are getting under the car. Never get under a car supported only by a jack.
- Wheel chocks for the wheels that stay on the ground.
- A torque wrench for refitting wheels to the correct specification (typically 175 Nm for Tesla).
The Lift Points
The four lift points are located:
– Behind each front wheel, approximately in line with the door mirror
– Ahead of each rear wheel, approximately in line with the rear door handle
They are oval-shaped holes in the black plastic underbody trim. The hole is about 25mm in diameter. The jack pad's locating pin fits into this hole and the pad rests against the reinforced metal structure inside.
Step-by-Step Process
- Park on level ground, put the car in Park, and engage the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground.
- Locate the lift point nearest to the wheel you are working on.
- Insert the jack pad into the lift point hole. It should click or seat firmly.
- Position the trolley jack under the pad and lift slowly until the wheel clears the ground.
- Place an axle stand under a structural point (NOT under the battery) before working on the car.
- When lowering, remove the axle stand first, then lower the jack slowly.
Common Questions
Can I jack up a Tesla without jack pads?
No. Placing a jack directly against the battery pack or frame can puncture the battery housing, crack the aluminium structure, or both. Battery pack damage from improper jacking costs thousands to repair and is not covered by warranty. Jack pads cost £15 to £30. Use them.
Where are the Tesla jack points?
Four reinforced oval holes in the underside plastic trim: two behind the front wheels, two ahead of the rear wheels. They are the only safe lifting points. The holes are about 25mm in diameter and the metal structure around them is designed to support the car's weight.
Can I use a regular trolley jack on a Tesla?
Yes, with Tesla-specific jack pads fitted. A standard 2-tonne trolley jack is sufficient for corner lifts on a Model 3 or Model Y. The pad goes between the jack's saddle and the car's lift point. Never use the jack's bare saddle directly on the car.
Do I need to put a Tesla in a specific mode before jacking?
Put the car in Park with the parking brake engaged. Some owners also recommend enabling Jack Mode through the service menu, which disables the air suspension self-levelling on Model S and Model X. Model 3 and Model Y do not have air suspension and do not have a specific Jack Mode.
Can I lift the entire Tesla at once?
Not with a single trolley jack. To lift all four corners, use four jack pads and either a four-post lift or lift each corner individually, supporting with axle stands as you go. A two-post lift with the correct pad placement is the safest way to get all four wheels off the ground.
Can I use a standard scissor jack on a Tesla?
Not safely without the correct jack pad. A scissor jack's small saddle concentrates force on a tiny area. Without a jack pad spreading the load across the reinforced lift point, a scissor jack can punch through the plastic trim and damage the battery housing. Use a trolley jack with a Tesla-specific jack pad. If you must use the car's own emergency jack for a roadside wheel change, check your owner's manual for the correct procedure and jacking point.
I have jacked up my Model 3 to swap between summer and winter wheels, and the process is straightforward once you have the right kit. The jack pads are the essential purchase. I keep a set in the frunk alongside the rest of my emergency kit.
The thing that surprised me most the first time was how far under the car the lift points are. The holes in the plastic trim are set back from the edge of the car, so you need to crouch down and look for them. Once you have found them once, they are easy to locate next time.
If you are not confident doing this yourself, any tyre shop or garage with a four-post lift can handle it. Just make sure they use the correct jack pads. Most tyre shops that see Teslas regularly will already have pads. It is worth asking before they lift the car.
I’m Steven, founder of MoneyAppReviews. I test money apps, referral programs, and EV tools in real life before I write about them. I drive a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, use Octopus Intelligent Go for home charging, and regularly track costs, savings, and app performance over time. I focus on practical, evidence-based reviews that help people decide what is actually worth using, not just what pays the highest commission.
