Jack Up the Car at the Correct Lift Points

Changing a wheel or fitting winter tires on a Tesla Model 3 (2017–2024) means jacking the car — and one rule matters more than any other: lift only at the designated body jack points, never under the battery pack or the side rails. Get it wrong and you can crush the battery, which is expensive and not covered by warranty.

Where the jack points are

The Model 3 has four reinforced body lift points on the pinch-weld seam along the bottom of each sill — behind each front wheel and ahead of each rear wheel. Tesla’s manual shows the exact positions; these are the only approved points for a jack or a two-post lift.

How to jack the Model 3 safely

1. Park on firm, level ground, shift to Park, and disconnect the charge cable — never lift the car while it is plugged in.
2. Fit a rubber jack pad (“hockey-puck”) adapter to the jack so it seats in the reinforced lift point and does not crush the pinch weld.
3. Position the jack under the nearest designated lift point — never under the battery, the side rails, or any other part of the floor.
4. Raise slowly, check the pad stays seated, then lower the car onto an axle stand (also on a lift point) before working underneath.
5. To lower: remove the stand, lower on the jack, then reconnect the charge cable.

Important warnings

• Never lift under the battery or side rails. The four body lift points are the only approved spots; lifting elsewhere causes damage that is not covered by warranty.
• Never raise the car with the charge cable connected, even if it is not charging.
• Never work under a car supported only by a jack — always use axle stands.
• Unlike the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 has coil suspension, so there is no “Jack Mode” to set first — just use the correct lift points.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you jack a Tesla Model 3?
At the four reinforced body lift points on the sill pinch-weld — behind each front wheel and ahead of each rear wheel. Use a jack-pad adapter and never lift under the battery.

Do I need a special jack pad?
A rubber jack pad or “hockey-puck” adapter is strongly recommended: it seats in the lift point and stops the jack crushing the pinch weld.

Does the Model 3 have a Jack Mode like the Model S/X?
No — Jack Mode is only for the air-suspension Model S and X. The coil-sprung Model 3 just uses the correct lift points.

For wheel and tire sizes and the wheel-nut torque, see the Tesla Model 3 specifications.