<h2>Lifting your car (part 2): Air (Exhaust) Jack</h2> This is a reinforced bag is inflated using exhaust gasses with the engine running idle &/or a tire air compressor.  We use the Takla air bag because it offers these dual inflation methods: using the exhaust gasses is faster but the tire compressor offers greater control. The dual inflation method is a major advantage if the exhaust leaks. In some air bags the exhaust connection is made via a cone pushed tight over the exhaust opening, but Takla uses a rubber bung which is placed inside the exhaust and then rotated until the fit is tight (see diagram, click to enlarge). Do check that the supplied bung is the right diameter for your car's exhaust pipe (I requested reserves of different sizes in order to help other cars)! I had this problem when I changed my car from a Prado to a LCSW 76! The bung system has a distal bolt which compresses the rubber bung when the hose is rotated thus expanding the bung and sealing the exhaust: we lost this essential bolt in the river, so request reserves!! The Hi-Lift jack is more commonly used; probably because it is easier to store, by fixing it to the rear tire holder or the side of a roof rack (on the front of the bull bar is not recommended for safety reasons). Although the air jack compresses easily it has a broad base & we find storage a problem and fix it on top of the second spare tire on the roof rack, which makes it easy to steal. However, because of the potential danger of being hit by the Hi-Lift's handle the air jack does appeal to some users. Once again it is essential to have the technique thoroughly explained and demonstrated if you are hiring a 4WD. Also watch videos on U tube e.g. before starting your safari (always revise the safety instructions just before using it). As with any method of raising the car the handbrake must be on and the wheels chocked using rocks &/or branches. Unlike with the HI-Lift jack the car must be in neutral to run the engine so carefully chock the supporting wheels. Its broad base prevents it sinking into sand & mud & thus a support plate is not needed. Use your shovel to level the ground & improve stability. Protective mats placed on top and beneath bag (e.g. car floor mats) will prevent punctures from stones or protruding car edges. Be careful not to place the bag itself near the hot exhaust or under weak parts e.g. fuel tank. The bag should not be placed in the rear or the front i.e. lifting both right & left rear wheels simultaneously as may tilt over on its side. The position of the bag in my photo is thus wrong (!!) and the potential consequences are shown in the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc7Tni99dlQ. Rather place the bag on the right or left side of the car between the front & rear wheel (http://www.bushranger.com.au) Never climb under the car when is raised on a jack as it is never stable!  When the bag just sufficiently inflated to raise the wheels turn of compressor, or engine from open door & fill in hole with rocks, sand, branches & cover with sand ladder as top layer. To lower the car, undo the exhaust connection to the bag. Keep your face away as the exhaust fumes are of course toxic. Remember to keep bag clean and check for punctures e.g. from  thorns (check you have the supplied puncture kit with you before starting trips).
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