Hey there, fellow Tesla enthusiast! Ever wondered how to safely jack up your Model Y for a tire rotation, a quick inspection, or even a home repair? It might seem a bit intimidating given the underfloor battery, but with the right knowledge and tools, it's a straightforward process. Let's get you empowered to handle this essential maintenance task with confidence!
Step 1: Gather Your Arsenal and Prepare for Battle! ️
Before you even think about lifting your sleek Model Y, preparation is key. This isn't a task to rush, so let's make sure you have everything you need and are in a safe environment.
1.1 Essential Tools You'll Need:
A Reliable Jack: A hydraulic floor jack is generally recommended for its ease of use and stability. Ensure it has a sufficient weight capacity for your Model Y.
Tesla-Specific Jack Pads (Pucks): These are crucial! Tesla's unique jacking points, located near the battery pack, require these specialized pucks to ensure the jack doesn't damage the battery or side rails. They fit into the small holes at the designated lift points. Make sure you have the correct size for your Model Y, as Tesla updated the hole size in some 2023 models.
Jack Stands: Never work under a vehicle supported solely by a jack. Jack stands provide a secure, stable support system. You'll need at least two, but four are ideal if you plan to lift the entire side or front/rear.
Wheel Chocks: These prevent the vehicle from rolling when it's partially or fully lifted. Place them on the wheels that remain on the ground.
Lug Nut Wrench/Socket and Breaker Bar: For loosening and tightening lug nuts. A 6-point socket is recommended.
Torque Wrench: Absolutely essential for correctly tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications after you're done. Overtightening or under-tightening can lead to serious issues.
Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect your hands and eyes!
Flashlight or Headlamp: For better visibility under the car.
1.2 Location, Location, Location!
Choose a flat, level, and stable surface for jacking up your Model Y. A concrete driveway or garage floor is ideal. Avoid uneven ground, slopes, or soft surfaces like grass or dirt, as these can compromise stability and lead to dangerous situations. Ensure you have ample space around the vehicle to work safely.
Step 2: Engage Jack Mode and Disable Charging ⚡
Your Tesla is smart, and that means it has features you need to manage before lifting.
2.1 Entering Jack Mode:
If your Model Y has Smart Air Suspension (typically found on Model S and X, but good to be aware of if you have a different Tesla model), you must disable self-leveling before lifting. Even though Model Y doesn't have air suspension, it's still good practice to follow the service mode instructions.
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service > Jack Mode.
When in Jack mode, a red air suspension indicator will light up on the instrument panel. This prevents the vehicle from attempting to self-level, which could cause damage or an unstable lift.
2.2 Disconnecting the Charge Cable:
Ensure the charge cable is completely disconnected from your Model Y. Never raise your Tesla when it's connected to a charging cable, even if it's not actively charging.
Step 3: Pinpointing the Jack Points
This is perhaps the most critical step to avoid damage to your Tesla's expensive battery pack. The Model Y has four designated lifting points, one near each wheel.
Locate the small, circular holes on the underside of the vehicle, usually near the pinch welds and adjacent to the battery pack. These are the specific spots where your jack pads will be inserted.
The jacking points on a Model 3 and Model Y stand proud of the pack slightly, unlike some older models where they were flush.
Step 4: The Jacking Process: Slow and Steady Wins the Race ⬆️
Now that you're prepped and know your points, let's get that Model Y in the air.
4.1 Positioning the Jack Pads:
Insert your Tesla-specific jack pads into the designated holes at the lifting points. They should fit snugly. The puck design extends the lifting point below the battery compartment, ensuring the jack lifts securely without making contact with the battery itself.
4.2 Positioning the Jack:
Place your floor jack directly under the jack pad at the specific lifting point you intend to raise. Ensure the jack's saddle makes full and even contact with the jack pad.
For stability, it's often recommended to lift one corner at a time, or if using a two-post lift, ensuring the lift arms are positioned correctly at all four points. If you're only lifting one wheel (e.g., to change a flat), ensure the wheel diagonally opposite is chocked.
4.3 Slowly Lifting the Vehicle:
Begin to slowly and steadily raise the jack. Keep a close eye on the jack pad to ensure it remains securely seated in the jacking point and that the jack isn't slipping.
Lift the vehicle just high enough to get the tire off the ground and have enough clearance for your work. Don't over-lift.
4.4 Placing Jack Stands:
Once the vehicle is at the desired height, immediately place jack stands under the appropriate support points. Never rely solely on the jack. Position the jack stands securely, ensuring the vehicle's weight is properly distributed on them. Some jack stands come with specific adapters for Tesla lifting points, or you can use your jack pucks on top of standard jack stands if they fit securely.
Slowly lower the jack until the vehicle's weight rests firmly on the jack stands. Then, remove the jack.
Step 5: Post-Lift Procedures and Lowering ⬇️
Once your work is complete, it's time to safely bring your Model Y back down.
5.1 Re-Engaging the Jack:
Carefully position your jack back under the jack pad at the lift point.
Slowly raise the jack until it takes the weight off the jack stand.
5.2 Removing Jack Stands:
Once the weight is off the jack stand, carefully remove the jack stand.
5.3 Lowering the Vehicle:
Slowly and smoothly release the jack, allowing the Model Y to descend to the ground. Ensure the area is clear of any obstructions or body parts.
Once the vehicle is fully lowered, remove the jack and the jack pad.
5.4 Deactivating Jack Mode:
After the vehicle is safely on the ground, remember to deactivate Jack Mode through the touchscreen. It will also automatically cancel if you drive over 4 mph (7 km/h), but it's best to turn it off manually.
Safety First! ⚠️
Always read your Model Y's owner's manual for the most up-to-date and specific jacking instructions.
Never work under a vehicle that is not properly supported by jack stands.
Avoid sudden movements while working under or around the lifted vehicle.
Ensure the parking brake is engaged and the vehicle is in Park (or Neutral if required for specific procedures, with proper chocking).
Disconnect the charge cable before lifting.
Be aware of your surroundings. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
If you're unsure about any step, seek professional assistance. Damaging the battery pack or other components due to incorrect lifting can be extremely costly and is generally not covered by warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to locate the jack points on a Tesla Model Y?
The jack points on a Tesla Model Y are small, circular holes located on the underside of the vehicle, near each wheel, typically in a reinforced area adjacent to the battery pack. Consult your owner's manual for exact diagrams.
How to choose the right jack for a Tesla Model Y?
You'll need a hydraulic floor jack with a sufficient weight capacity for your Model Y. A low-profile jack is often beneficial to fit under the car easily.
How to use jacking pucks for a Tesla Model Y?
Jacking pucks (or jack pads) are specifically designed to fit into the Model Y's lift points, providing a safe buffer between your jack and the vehicle's battery pack. Insert them into the designated holes before placing your jack.
How to avoid damaging the battery when jacking up a Tesla Model Y?
The most crucial step is to always use Tesla-specific jacking pucks and to lift the vehicle only at the designated jack points. Never place the jack directly on the battery pack or side rails.
How to ensure stability when lifting a Tesla Model Y?
Park on a flat, level, and stable surface. Use wheel chocks on the wheels remaining on the ground. Always use jack stands to support the vehicle once it's lifted, never relying solely on the jack.
How to put a Tesla Model Y in Jack Mode?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Jack Mode. This disables the self-leveling feature (if applicable) and prevents potential damage during lifting.
How to lower a Tesla Model Y safely?
Slowly re-engage your jack to take the weight off the jack stands, remove the stands, and then carefully and smoothly lower the vehicle to the ground.
How to perform a tire rotation on a Tesla Model Y?
While the general principle is similar to other cars, you'll need to use Tesla-specific jack pads and follow the jacking procedures outlined above. Many recommend rotating front-to-back on the same side, rather than cross-rotating, especially with radial tires.
How to deal with a flat tire on a Tesla Model Y?
For a flat, you'll follow the same jacking procedure for the affected wheel. Remember to have your jack, jack pads, wheel chocks, and a lug nut wrench ready. Tesla Model Y typically doesn't come with a spare tire, so you might need a temporary tire repair kit or roadside assistance.
How to know if my jack pads are the correct size for my Model Y?
Some 2023 Model Ys had an update to the jack pad hole size (from 25mm to 20mm). If you're purchasing new pucks, it's wise to measure your vehicle's holes or confirm compatibility with the puck manufacturer.
For a visual guide on lifting your Tesla with jack pads, you can check out this video:
