How To Safely Use An Exhaust Air Jack For Four Wheel Drive Recovery

Going off-road is one of the best parts about having a 4WD. Nothing beats doing some off-roading in a 4WD, while having the privilege to take the vehicle to the next level when it comes to torque and power.

However, as fun as it may be to drive on a dirt path, getting stuck is sometimes unavoidable. The good news is there are plenty of ways to recover a 4x4 bogged down in the mud or caught on some rocks. Using an exhaust jack is one of the safest methods to recover your vehicle from a sticky situation. In comparison to hi-lift jacks, exhaust jacks are easier to use and come with fewer risks. Here is a guide on how to safely use an exhaust jack to recover your 4WDrive. 

Why Is An Exhaust Jack Safer Than A Hi-Lift Jack?

Exhaust jacks are specifically designed to be a safer replacement for the hi-lift jack. They offer 4WD drivers the advantages of a hi-lift jack without its dangers. In addition, an air jack requires significantly less effort to use than the hi-lift jack as well. These handy tools lift off-roaders off the ground with a wide and sturdy base. Exhaust jacks also tend to be more effective and eliminates the risk of injuring yourself with a jack handle. 

Hi-lift jacks, on the other hand, are often seen as dangerous to use, no matter what vehicle you use them on. In fact, Motor Trend advises against using a hi-lift jack to either change a tire, or lift the vehicle up to work on it. These scenarios are where an exhaust jack would be a better option. Instead, hi-lifts should be reserved for the following scenarios, according to Motor Trend:

• Lifting wheels off the ground
• Lifting the body of a vehicle off of an obstacle, AND
• Manually winching said vehicle in any direction

How To Use An Air Jack To Lift A 4wDrive 

Since air jacks are a safer alternative than a hi-lift jack, they can be extremely handy for instances that require self-recovery. 

“Although it is safer to have another person support you while using an exhaust jack, you might not always have someone with you when you get stuck,” explains Jeffrey Brown, a blogger at Via Writing and Best essay writing service.  “That’s why an air jack is something to have in your vehicle, in case something happens. With a hi-lift jack, you’re running the risk of the car falling on top of you, or the jack giving in to the pressure of holding it up. An air jack almost eliminates this risk; but again, it’s best to have someone with you when using any jack for your vehicle.”

Examine Your Vehicle Thoroughly 

Before beginning with your extraction plan, it’s a good idea to carefully examine your vehicle. If your vehicle is going uphill or on a slight incline, determine whether or not you can safely recover the 4WD by yourself. If there is a risk of rolling, you could use a winch if you have one as a safety precaution. 

Since 4x4s often move as soon as they’re freed from being bogged down or caught in something, don’t forget to put your handbrake on. This is another way to ensure your vehicle does not roll unexpectedly.  

Inspect Exhaust Jack 

Before using the air jack, inspect it to make sure it hasn’t been damaged since the last time you used it. Look for any signs of wear or tear on the bag. Ensure the top and bottom are aligned. This enables the jack to effectively handle the weight of your vehicle. 

This simple step can save you a lot of time and effort later on. It also helps you assess whether self-recovery of your 4WD is possible. 

“As an extra precaution, you could test the air jack by inflating it,” advises 

Erick Burns, a technical writer at Writing Populist and Write my paper. “Only after you’re certain the exhaust jack is in a safe condition to use should you place it under your vehicle.”

Place Your Air Jack

Image from 4xoverland

After thoroughly inspecting your exhaust jack, place the jack under the vehicle. Now, where you place the jack depends on which wheel you need to lift. However, it’s important to place it in an appropriate spot under the vehicle. So, check to make sure the location of the air jack is in a spot that won’t damage your vehicle, once you start inflating the tool.

If you’re not sure where to place the exhaust jack, feel free to consult your car manual and or manual for your tool. It’s okay to be in doubt, because the last thing you want is for your car to get damaged due to improper use of the jack.

Inflate The Exhaust Jack

Image from 4xoverland

Now, it’s time to inflate your exhaust jack. Here’s how you can inflate the jack:

• Secure the air jack pipe over the exhaust. 
• Afterwards, shift your gear on idle and turn the engine on. 
• NOTE: If you’re by yourself, turn the engine off and observe the exhaust jack periodically to ensure it is inflating evenly. If there is someone with you, ask them to observe the exhaust jack while you start the engine and vice versa. 
• After checking to ensure the air jack can safely lift your vehicle, turn your engine back on. 
• Continue inflating until the bag is completely inflated or your tire is sufficiently lifted.
• Find harder ground and pack it under your tire. 

Slowly Deflate Your Air Jack 

Image from 4xoverland

Once you have successfully lifted your 4WDrive, it’s time to deflate the air jack. In order to prevent damage to your vehicle, slowly release the hot air from the valve. Don’t let the air out quickly, or else it’ll burn you and or the jack will slam down the vehicle.

Conclusion 

After your vehicle is back on some solid ground, it’s a good idea to inspect the exhaust jack for any damages before storing it back in your car. If the bag shows any signs of tearing, remember to replace it before your next off-road 4WDrive adventure. 

Author Bio.: Sara Sparrow

Sara Sparrow is a technical writer and security consultant at Australian reviewer and Assignment help. She helps businesses stay in the loop regarding cybersecurity in the modern age and contributes articles to online magazines and blogs, such as Top essay writing services.