Is a racing jack really better?

[BTMaximus]

So I changed the tires on my car this weekend for the first time...The worst part of the effort by far was jacking the car up. I bought a cheapie 2.25 ton jack from Sears for $20 and it literally took at least 100 pumps to raise the car high enough to get the tire off (and yes, the relief valve was properly closed)! I kept thinking about watching those race cars get all four tires swapped in under 10 seconds!
My question is, does a racing jack make a huge difference in the effort and time to raise the car? I have seen some people say that you only have to jack the car up twice with a racing jack-- where do you seat it to make that happen? After this weekend, I would seriously consider springing for one if it would really help.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

The $80 sears semi-aluminum "racing" jack will get the side of the car off the ground in just a few pumps.

And you seat it under one of the side jack pads.

[ActionJunky]

There are many brands out there, but in general there are three differences between a standard and racing jack:

1. Racing jacks are lighter in weight as many are made of aluminum. This is important if your are lugging it around a track.
2. You can general jack a car much more quickly with a racing jack. I am sure that some can do it in a single jack, but you will probably pay double for that luxury. I don't need to worry about pit times, so it is not that important to me.
3. A Racing jack generally has less weight capacity.

For reference, I just saw two versions at sears. One was steel and aluminum construction for $119.00 and the other was all aluminum for $199.00. Both required 3-4 pumps to jack the car.

Hope that helps.

ActionJunky.

[99flhr]

So I changed the tires on my car this weekend for the first time...The worst part of the effort by far was jacking the car up. I bought a cheapie 2.25 ton jack from Sears for $20 and it literally took at least 100 pumps to raise the car high enough to get the tire off (and yes, the relief valve was properly closed)! I kept thinking about watching those race cars get all four tires swapped in under 10 seconds!
My question is, does a racing jack make a huge difference in the effort and time to raise the car? I have seen some people say that you only have to jack the car up twice with a racing jack-- where do you seat it to make that happen? After this weekend, I would seriously consider springing for one if it would really help.

Any QUALITY jack that will fit under the car will reduce the # of "pumps". Keep in mind that the fewer the pumps, the more effort each pump will take.
Sears # 0095024000 @ 100.00 is economical choice, maybe you can return the $20 unit. :)

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

There are many brands out there, but in general there are three differences between a standard and racing jack:

1. Racing jacks are lighter in weight as many are made of aluminum. This is important if your are lugging it around a track.
2. You can general jack a car much more quickly with a racing jack. I am sure that some can do it in a single jack, but you will probably pay double for that luxury. I don't need to worry about pit times, so it is not that important to me.
3. A Racing jack generally has less weight capacity.

For reference, I just saw two versions at sears. One was steel and aluminum construction for $119.00 and the other was all aluminum for $199.00. Both required 3-4 pumps to jack the car.

Hope that helps.

ActionJunky.
Racing jacks are not necessarily light.

[BTMaximus]

Thanks guys. I am going to return my jack for a racing jack. I couldn't find that $100 Sears jack online, but will look for a sale on the more expensive one.

[Pinecone]

There is a thread around on the Harbor Frieght jack. I have been happy with mine. Just follow the directions to bleed it, and maybe add some oil (not too much) and it works fine.