And, just to make sure everyone understands, don't get under the car while held only by a lifting jack (like that in the previous post, or the spare tire jack). Support the car with jack stands, something like this:



And don't forget to chock the wheels that are still on the ground.

Nothing wrong with being cheap - but don't be unsafe. Find someone to borrow a set from!

so, i can't use the spare tire jack to do this? or is it just not reccomended

i.e jacking up each side and putting jack stands one at a time

For one, it is a PITA.

Yes, you can use the spare tire jack.

- It's slow
- It can't lift as high as a floor jack can
- The spare tire jack can only lift at the locations the jack is design to fit - which tends to scratch/mangle them if done many times. Floor jacks can lift using supports under the car with less risk of damage to the car.

That said, I've used the spare tire jack to lift a car to work on it - but supporting it with jack stands before getting underneath.

Another item (but not for 'Tours): Some cars (sorry, not Contours) have jack points in the middle of the car at each end. One entire end of the car can be lifted with a floor jack, and two floor jacks slid under to support it. Quick and easy.

you could always dig a hole under the car!

Ahh, an oil change pit. Some of my co-workers who live out in the country have those. I don't think I'd want to jackhammer up my garage floor.