Power jack test

The last thing you want to do when you get a puncture is use your car’s emergency wheel changing jack. They’re basic to say the least, and can be hard to get to grips with. But there is an easier way – buy a powered jack. It could be the difference between changing a wheel quickly and safely, or enduring a long, potentially dangerous wait for help.

The five products tested here also enable drivers to stand back from the vehicle as it’s being raised and lowered, reducing the chances of a nasty accident. They can even be used to level caravans at a camp site, lift the hitch of a large trailer to the tow ball or, of course, for working on your vehicle at home.

Our electric jacks all weigh at least 5kg, so you should take care if storing them in the boot to ensure they don’t bounce around in an accident or if you stop suddenly. And when you have lifted your car off the ground, be sure to hold it up using axle stands.

A good battery should cope with a single lift. If you run the engine, you’ll prevent any undue strain – but don’t leave a car ticking over in an enclosed space as exhaust fumes are poisonous.

The test
We raised a Volkswagen Golf MkV three times, and noted how long it took to get a wheel off the ground on the final lift. This was between 20 seconds and 23 seconds on all the electric jacks. As performance was fairly even, each product’s spec and price became important in choosing our winner.

Verdict

Some of these jacks had higher maximum weight limits, but for most cars, a one-tonne jack is more than enough to lift a corner and fix a flat. With the exception of the Draper, all gave virtually identical performance. So cost was key – and the Maplin was way ahead of the rest, with its bargain price offsetting the lack of extras.