Jacking a car safely - Would sliding a car wheel under the car help in an emergency?

mrmagoo38

Hi, when jacking a car up to do DIY maintenance many people, manuals, websites etc (reputable one's too) say that sliding a car wheel (with tyre and hub) under the car can act as an emergency precaution should the jack and axle stands fail.
My question is this: If the jack and axle stands failed for whatever reason, or the wheel chocks failed too, would a car wheel (with tyre and hub) be strong enough to hold a 1600kg vehicle in an emergency? Also, the depth of a wheel doesnt seem deep enough should the car fall, the human (me) would still be squished.
Thanks guys,

mrmagoo38

Obviously i could use two wheels, but again, would these protect me in an emergency?

facade

The wheel is plenty strong enough.

As to high enough, probably not, you should use axle stands and a proper jack, used on level ground with a wheel chocked, you shouldn't be getting under a car supported by that novelty item that used to be found in the boot.

Your ribcage will likely support the weight of one corner of the car without breaking, the problem is you can't breathe and suffocate.

The purpose of using the wheel is so if the jack fails, the car is high enough off the ground to get another jack under and lift it, not to enable you to lie beneath it.

mrmagoo38

facade said:

The wheel is plenty strong enough.

As to high enough, probably not, you should use axle stands and a proper jack, used on level ground with a wheel chocked, you shouldn't be getting under a car supported by that novelty item that used to be found in the boot.

Your ribcage will likely support the weight of one corner of the car without breaking, the problem is you can't breathe and suffocate.

The purpose of using the wheel is so if the jack fails, the car is high enough off the ground to get another jack under and lift it, not to enable you to lie beneath it.

Thats sobering stuff. Would 2 wheels, one on top of the other, be stable enough? It would be high enough i think.
Sorry, but im a bit paranoid about this but still wanna do the oil change myself.

Car_54

Unless they’re rusted badly enough to be obvious, there no reason to fear axle stands collapsing.

Ganga

When i was younger i would go under a car/van with just a jack holding them up BUT now i am in my 70,s and when under my car use trolley jack ,axle stands and still put the wheel under the chassis as belt and braces back up ,i can still get out from under the car if something went wrong.

Alanp

Yes the stupidity of our younger days, I wouldn’t dream of going under a car now without some adequate support, I have a trolly jack but would also use axle stands, not that I go under cars anyway 

diystarter7

Car_54 said:

Unless they’re rusted badly enough to be obvious, there no reason to fear axle stands collapsing.

Block paving can sink as well as ground that looks soild can give way therefore no harm in using extra protection as long as the wheel is of reasonable size and stop the fallen car hitting or crusing your ribs too much
thanks

angrycrow

Unless I am just changing a wheel I always put axle stands under the car. I also jam the wheel I have taken off under the side of the car. There are relatively wide wheels so give 8 inches of clearance plus any room under the car, if an axle stand failed I think I would be ok until somebody could come and rescue me. I hope anyway.

Stacking two wheels feels a little risky.

Metal ramps can be had relatively cheaply at car boot sales but getting the car onto them can be tricky. Good for exhaust work where the wheels don't need to come off. 

Always worth having a mobile in your pocket. Number of times I have called my wife to come and retrieve a bleed screw which has fallen out whilst my finger that is plugging the hole gradually gets hotter and hotter.

Grey_Critic

For around £80 you can buy a trolley jack and a pair of axle stands - Be Safe NOT Sorry

mrmagoo38

Yes, im using axle stands and a jack.
The question is purely regarding the wheel as a back up option. If the axle stands fail but i ALSO have a wheel slid under the car, will it save me?