Honda Accord Tire and Wheel Specifications Guide By Mason Clark May 20, 2026 11 min read

Finding the Correct Jack Points on a Honda Accord

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Finding the right jack points on a Honda Accord is not just about getting the car in the air. It is about lifting from reinforced areas, keeping the vehicle stable, and avoiding damage to the rocker panels, floor pan, exhaust, suspension parts, and plastic underbody panels. Use this guide as a safe overview, then confirm the exact lifting diagram in your Accord owner’s manual or service information for your model year.

Quick Answer

On most Honda Accord models, the side jacking points are the reinforced notched areas along the pinch welds behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. For a tire change, use the jack point closest to the flat tire. For under-car work, support the vehicle with rated jack stands at approved support points before going underneath.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the reinforced side jacking points, not plastic trim, exhaust parts, floor panels, or suspension arms unless Honda service information says otherwise.
  • Park on solid, level ground, set the parking brake, turn the engine off, and chock the wheels before lifting.
  • A jack is for lifting only. Use properly rated jack stands before working under the car.
  • For oil changes and maintenance, follow Honda’s Maintenance Minder and the oil specification for your exact model year.

At a Glance

Time Required 10–20 minutes for a tire change; 20–45 minutes to lift and safely support the car for garage maintenance
Difficulty Beginner for a tire change; moderate for lifting the vehicle onto jack stands
Tools Needed Owner’s manual, vehicle jack or low-profile floor jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, torque wrench, jack pad or pinch-weld adapter, gloves, flashlight
Cost Usually $0 if using the factory tire-change kit; about $80–$250+ if buying a floor jack, stands, chocks, and a torque wrench

What You Need to Know About Jack Points on Your Honda Accord

Honda Accord being lifted safely at a designated jack point

A Honda Accord has reinforced lifting areas designed to carry the vehicle’s weight. The most familiar ones are the side jacking points along the pinch welds near each wheel. They are usually marked by small notches or reinforced tabs behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels.

For a roadside tire change, use the side jacking point nearest the flat tire. For a garage repair, do not assume the same point is also the best long-term support point. Honda owner information shows model-specific jacking points, and Honda service information is the safest place to confirm center lift points and jack-stand support locations for your exact year and trim.

Never place a jack under plastic underbody panels, the exhaust, the oil pan, the fuel tank, brake lines, thin floor metal, or random suspension parts. These areas can bend, crack, slip, or create an unsafe lift.

Note: Accord jack-point diagrams vary by generation. Before lifting a 2018 Accord, a hybrid model, or a newer Accord, check the owner’s manual diagram first. Honda’s official manual page for current Accord models states that the vehicle has jacking points “as shown,” which means the diagram matters.

Safety Tips for Lifting Your Honda Accord

Before you lift your Honda Accord, set up the work area. The car should be on firm, level ground, away from traffic, with the transmission in Park or in gear for a manual transmission. Set the parking brake, turn the engine off, and keep passengers out of the vehicle.

Warning: Never put any part of your body under a Honda Accord that is supported only by a jack. A hydraulic jack, scissor jack, or factory emergency jack is a lifting tool, not a safe support stand.

Proper Jack Placement

Place the jack saddle directly under the designated jacking point. If you are using the factory scissor jack, the top of the jack should fit into the reinforced notch. If you are using a floor jack, use a stable jack pad or pinch-weld adapter that matches the shape of the jack point.

Lift slowly and watch the jack point as the car rises. If the saddle begins to slide, the pinch weld bends, or the jack leans, lower the vehicle and reposition it. A safe lift should be vertical, stable, and controlled.

Always Use Jack Stands

Use jack stands any time you need to work under the vehicle, remove more than one wheel, inspect brakes, change oil, or do anything that takes longer than a quick tire swap. Choose stands rated for more than the load they will support, place them on solid ground, and position them only at approved support points.

After the car is on stands, lower the jack slightly so the vehicle’s weight rests on the stands. Then give the car a careful stability check from the side. Keep the floor jack lightly in place as a backup if it does not interfere with your work, but do not rely on it as the main support.

How to Jack Up a Honda Accord Step by Step

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For a Roadside Tire Change

  1. Pull as far away from traffic as possible and stop on solid, flat ground.
  2. Turn on the hazard lights, set the parking brake, and move passengers to a safe location.
  3. Place wheel chocks on the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire if you have them.
  4. Remove the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from the trunk or tool storage area.
  5. Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the tire is still on the ground. Do not remove them yet.
  6. Place the jack under the jacking point nearest the flat tire.
  7. Raise the vehicle only high enough for the tire to clear the ground.
  8. Remove the lug nuts, replace the wheel, and hand-thread the lug nuts first to avoid cross-threading.
  9. Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground, then tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern.
  10. Lower the vehicle completely and finish tightening with a torque wrench to the specification in your owner’s manual.

Pro Tip: Break the lug nuts loose before lifting the car. Trying to loosen tight lug nuts while the vehicle is in the air can rock the car and make it unstable.

For Garage Maintenance

  1. Work on a clean, flat concrete surface. Avoid gravel, dirt, slopes, and soft asphalt.
  2. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels that will stay on the ground.
  3. Use a low-profile floor jack at an approved lift point.
  4. Raise the vehicle slowly, watching the jack saddle and the body of the car.
  5. Place jack stands at the approved support points for your Accord.
  6. Lower the vehicle gently onto the stands.
  7. Check stability before removing wheels or going underneath.
  8. When finished, raise the vehicle slightly, remove the stands, and lower the car slowly.

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Lifting Your Honda Accord

Lifting a Honda Accord is straightforward when the right points and safety steps are used. Most problems come from rushing, guessing, or using the wrong part of the car as a lifting surface.

  • Using the wrong jack point: Do not lift from the floor pan, rocker trim, exhaust, suspension arms, oil pan, or plastic panels.
  • Skipping wheel chocks: The parking brake helps, but chocks add another layer of protection against rolling.
  • Working under a jack-only vehicle: Always use jack stands for under-car work.
  • Lifting on a slope: Even a small angle can make a jack or stand unstable.
  • Using underrated equipment: Check the load rating on your jack and stands before use.
  • Forgetting final torque: Wheel nuts should be tightened in stages and finished with a torque wrench to the owner’s-manual specification.

What Tools Do You Need for DIY Honda Accord Maintenance?

The factory jack is meant for emergency tire changes, not repeated garage work. For regular maintenance, a quality floor jack and jack stands are safer, faster, and easier to control.

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Essential Tools Required

  • Owner’s manual: Use it to confirm your exact jacking points and tire specifications.
  • Low-profile floor jack: Helpful because many Accord models sit low.
  • Jack stands: Use stands with a load rating appropriate for the vehicle.
  • Wheel chocks: Place them on the wheels that remain on the ground.
  • Pinch-weld adapter or jack pad: Helps protect the reinforced lifting seam.
  • Torque wrench: Needed for reinstalling wheels correctly.
  • Gloves, flashlight, and eye protection: Simple gear that makes the work safer and cleaner.

For an oil change, gather the correct engine oil, a quality oil filter, a drain pan, socket or wrench for the drain plug, an oil-filter wrench if needed, a funnel, gloves, and rags. For a 2018 Accord, Honda lists Honda Genuine Motor Oil or premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal. Always confirm the viscosity and capacity for your exact engine before filling.

Safety Equipment Necessities

Use safety glasses when working under the car, especially near the drain plug, splash shield, or suspension. Wear mechanics gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and hot parts. Keep a fire-safe work area: do not leave rags or flammable objects under the hood or near the exhaust.

How to Change Oil Safely in Your Honda Accord

Honda Accord oil change supplies and drain pan for DIY maintenance

Oil-change safety starts before the drain plug comes out. Park on level ground, let hot components cool enough to work safely, lift the car only if you need extra access, and support it securely on jack stands. Keep the vehicle as level as practical so the oil drains properly and the dipstick reading is accurate.

Do not change oil based on a random percentage such as 30%. Follow the Honda Maintenance Minder for your model. Honda owner information says Maintenance Minder messages notify you when to change the engine oil, and the 2018 Accord maintenance guide also says to change the engine oil every year if a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset.

After changing the oil, reset the Maintenance Minder only for the maintenance items you actually completed. Failing to reset it after service can cause incorrect maintenance intervals, while resetting items you did not perform can hide needed service.

Note: If you are not sure which oil, filter, drain-plug washer, or capacity your Accord needs, check the owner’s manual or Honda service information before starting. Do not rely on a generic oil chart for a different year or engine.

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How to Use Jack Stands Safely

Jack stands must be placed where the vehicle is designed to be supported. On some jobs, that may be near reinforced side points; on others, Honda service information may call out specific front or rear support areas. The safest rule is simple: lift only at approved lift points and support only at approved support points.

Before crawling underneath, confirm all four stand feet are flat on the ground, the saddle is centered on the support point, and the vehicle does not shift when gently tested. If anything looks crooked or unstable, lift the car again, reposition the stands, and recheck.

A jack raises the vehicle; jack stands support it. Treat those as two different jobs every time you lift your Accord.

Key Maintenance Tips for Your Honda Accord

Safe lifting is only one part of good maintenance. Keep these habits in your routine:

  • Check tires cold: Use the pressure on the driver’s doorjamb label or owner’s manual, not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall.
  • Inspect tires monthly: Look for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, nails, and tread-depth problems.
  • Watch Maintenance Minder codes: They tell you what service is due, such as oil, filter, tire rotation, brake inspection, fluid checks, or other items.
  • Use the right fluids: Honda models can be sensitive to incorrect engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.
  • Recheck work after lowering: Confirm lug nuts are tightened correctly, tools are removed, and no leaks are visible.

How to Identify Common Issues in Your Honda Accord?

Honda Accord owner checking for common maintenance issues

Regular inspections help you spot problems before they become expensive repairs. Use a flashlight and check the areas you can see safely without placing yourself under an unsupported vehicle.

  • Low tire pressure: The TPMS light means at least one tire may be significantly underinflated, but you should still check all tires with a gauge when cold.
  • Brake noise: Squealing, scraping, grinding, or vibration during braking may point to worn pads, damaged rotors, or stuck hardware.
  • Oil leaks: Look around the drain plug, oil filter, valve cover, and underbody panels after an oil change.
  • Suspension noise: Knocks, clunks, or uneven tire wear can indicate worn bushings, ball joints, struts, or alignment problems.
  • Warning lights: Do not ignore check-engine, brake, TPMS, charging-system, or temperature warnings. Read the owner’s manual and diagnose promptly.

Many Accord TPMS systems do not directly measure pressure in each tire. They compare tire rotation behavior and warn when one or more tires appear significantly underinflated. That is useful, but it is not a replacement for regular gauge checks.

Resources for Honda Accord Owners

The best resource for jack points is the owner’s manual for your exact Honda Accord. Honda also provides official service information for repair procedures, lift points, maintenance codes, fluid specifications, and warnings. Community forums and videos can be helpful for photos and owner experience, but use them as a supplement, not as the authority for lifting and support points.

For safety and maintenance references, start with Honda’s official owner information, Honda service manuals, NHTSA tire safety guidance, and OSHA’s jack safety standard. These sources are more reliable than generic diagrams or forum guesses when vehicle damage or personal injury is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I place a jack under a Honda Accord?

For a tire change, place the jack under the reinforced side jacking point closest to the wheel you are changing. These points are typically along the pinch weld behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wheels. Confirm the exact notch or reinforced point in your owner’s manual before lifting.

How do I jack up my 2018 Honda Accord?

Park on level ground, set the parking brake, chock the opposite wheel, loosen the lug nuts if changing a tire, and place the jack at the side jacking point nearest the wheel. Raise the car slowly. If you will work under the vehicle, place rated jack stands at approved support points before starting.

Can I put jack stands on the pinch welds?

Only use pinch welds for stands if your Accord’s manual or service information allows it and your stands have the correct saddle or adapter. A flat metal stand saddle can damage a pinch weld. When in doubt, use Honda-approved support points or have a professional lift the car.

Is a hydraulic jack enough to work under the car?

No. A hydraulic jack is only for lifting. Hydraulic pressure can bleed down, the jack can move, or the vehicle can shift. Always use properly rated jack stands before putting your hands, arms, head, or body under the vehicle.

What year was the fastest Honda Accord?

There is no single official “fastest Accord” title that applies to every market and test condition. Among recent U.S. models, the 2.0T Accords are often considered some of the quickest because Honda rated that engine at 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque in the 2020 Accord lineup.

How can I tell which tire is low on a Honda Accord?

Use a tire-pressure gauge on all four tires when they are cold. Inflate them to the pressure shown on the driver’s doorjamb label or in the owner’s manual. Do not rely only on appearance because an underinflated tire can look normal.

Conclusion

The correct Honda Accord jack points are the reinforced areas designed to carry the car’s weight, usually the side points near each wheel for tire changes. The safest approach is to verify the diagram for your exact model, lift slowly, chock the wheels, and use jack stands whenever you need to work under the vehicle. Take a few extra minutes to set up properly and you protect both your Accord and yourself.

Sources

  1. Honda Owner’s Manual: Handling of the Jack — confirms that Accord jacking points are model-specific and shown in Honda owner information.
  2. Honda 2018 Accord Maintenance Minder Guide — supports maintenance safety, level-ground/parking-brake guidance, Maintenance Minder codes, and annual oil-change fallback.
  3. Honda 2018 Accord Engine Oil — supports 0W-20 API-certified oil guidance for the 2018 Accord.
  4. NHTSA TireWise: Tire Safety Ratings and Awareness — supports cold tire-pressure checks, placard pressure, monthly inspection, and TPMS limitations.
  5. OSHA Standard 1926.305: Jacks — supports jack rated-capacity, blocking, inspection, and securing raised loads.
  6. Honda Service Manuals — official source for detailed lift/support procedures beyond the owner’s manual.

Mason Clark

Mason Clark

Author

Mason Clark is an automotive maintenance and accessories reviewer at TubeTyre. His coverage includes tyre inflators, jacks, spare-tyre equipment, garage tools, and vehicle-care accessories. Mason’s reviews are designed to help drivers choose practical tools that improve safety, convenience, and confidence during maintenance or roadside situations.

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