Air Jack

An Air Jack is a pneumatic lifting system built into racing cars that uses compressed air to quickly raise the vehicle off the ground during pit stops for tire changes and maintenance.

Think of an air jack like a super-fast version of the jack you might use to change a tire on your regular car. Instead of manually cranking a handle, air jacks use the power of compressed air or nitrogen gas to lift the entire race car in just seconds. These systems consist of pneumatic cylinders that are permanently mounted to the car's frame near each wheel.

During a pit stop, a crew member connects an air hose to a special port on the race car, usually located under the rear wing or another easily accessible spot. When the compressed air flows through the system, it pushes pistons inside the cylinders downward, which lifts the car several inches off the ground. This happens almost instantly, much faster than any manual jack could achieve.

The speed advantage is crucial in motorsport, where every second counts. In Formula 1, for example, pit stops often last less than three seconds total, and air jacks make this incredible speed possible. Without them, crews would waste precious time manually lifting the car with traditional jacks.

Air jacks also reduce the physical strain on pit crew members, allowing them to focus their energy and attention on precisely changing tires, refueling, or making adjustments rather than struggling with heavy lifting equipment. This leads to fewer mistakes and safer pit stops overall.

You'll find air jack systems in most professional racing series, including Formula 1, IndyCar, endurance racing like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT racing, and touring car championships. They're also commonly used in race team workshops and garages for routine maintenance and repairs when the car isn't on track.

The system typically requires a high-pressure air source, which racing teams provide through portable compressors or compressed gas bottles in their pit areas.