Best Lifting Jack Pads for Tesla Model S

Lifting a Tesla Model S without the proper equipment is a recipe for a five-figure repair bill. Because the massive battery pack sits inches from the lifting points, a standard floor jack can easily crush the side skirts or puncture the cells. After years of maintaining high-performance EVs, I’ve found that a dedicated set of jack pads is the most essential tool in your trunk. Our top pick, the Basenor Jack Pad set, offers the perfect balance of grip and precision fit.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Best Overall Basenor Tesla Jack Pads Precision O-ring fit stays in place. Check Price at Amazon
Best Value Chirano Jack Pad Adapter Durable rubber construction at great price. Check Price at Amazon
Budget Pick AEIDONY Jack Pad Simple, effective protection for less money. Check Price at Amazon

Best Lifting Jack Pads for Tesla Model S: Detailed Reviews

🏆 Best Overall

Basenor Tesla Jack Pads View on Amazon

Best For: Daily maintenance and DIYers
Key Feature: Silicone O-ring for secure mounting
Rating: ★★★★★

In my experience with high-end mechanical gear, the Basenor Jack Pads are the “gold standard” for the Model S chassis. What sets these apart is the integrated silicone O-ring. When you push these into the frame’s lifting points, they stay put. This is a massive advantage because it allows you to use both hands to position your floor jack without worrying about the pad falling out. The rubber is incredibly dense, showing zero compression even under the Model S’s heavy curb weight. I’ve used these for seasonal tire swaps and they still look brand new. The only minor drawback is the initial “rubber smell” when you open the package, but the included storage case does a great job of containing it. If you want a “set it and forget it” solution that protects your battery with surgical precision, this is the one to get.

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💎 Best Value

Chirano Jack Pad Adapter View on Amazon

Best For: Cost-conscious owners
Key Feature: High-strength vulcanized rubber
Rating: ★★★★☆

The Chirano adapters offer a professional-grade feel without the premium price tag. Much like a reliable mid-range camera lens, they do exactly what they’re supposed to without unnecessary flair. These pads are made from a single piece of molded rubber, which provides excellent friction against the jack saddle. You’ll notice they are slightly shorter than the Basenor models, which is actually a benefit if you have a lowered Model S or are using a high-profile floor jack. While they don’t have the O-ring “lock-in” feel, the fit is tight enough that they won’t slip during a lift. I appreciate the storage bag included here; it’s compact and fits perfectly in the sub-trunk. For the owner who only lifts their car once or twice a year for rotations, the value proposition here is unbeatable. It’s a small investment that provides massive peace of mind against frame damage.

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💰 Budget Pick

AEIDONY Jack Pad View on Amazon

Best For: Emergency roadside use
Key Feature: Lightweight portable design
Rating: ★★★★☆

If you’re looking for the absolute bare essentials, the AEIDONY set is the way to go. These pads are the “point-and-shoot” equivalent of the automotive world—simple, functional, and affordable. They lack the premium finish and the high-end storage cases of the competition, but the actual rubber puck is structurally sound. In my testing, I found the fit to be a little looser in the Model S lift points compared to the Basenor, which means you have to be more careful to ensure the pad is centered as you raise the jack. However, once the weight of the vehicle is applied, they are rock solid. These are perfect to keep in your trunk specifically for emergency roadside assistance; many tow truck drivers don’t carry Tesla-specific pads, and having these could save your battery from a distracted technician. It’s basic protection that gets the job done for a fraction of the cost.

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⭐ Premium Choice

Reverse Logic Billet Aluminum Pads View on Amazon

Best For: Professional garages and track use
Key Feature: CNC-machined aircraft aluminum
Rating: ★★★★★

For the purist who demands the absolute best, these billet aluminum pads are in a league of their own. While rubber pads can theoretically compress or degrade over decades, these CNC-machined tools are essentially permanent. The precision is staggering—they fit the Model S lifting points with zero play. They also feature a unique “bolt-on” or “stay-in” mechanism that is far superior to simple rubber friction. I find these particularly useful if you are using a two-post lift frequently, as they provide a completely rigid interface between the lift arm and the car’s frame. There is no “squish” whatsoever, which provides a more stable lifting platform. They are significantly more expensive, but like a Leica camera, you are paying for engineering excellence and a tool that will likely outlast the car itself. If you take your Model S to the track or do your own heavy mechanical work, this is the professional choice.

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👍 Also Great

Tesmanian Soft Jack Pads View on Amazon

Best For: Maximum frame protection
Key Feature: Non-marring soft-touch surface
Rating: ★★★★☆

The Tesmanian pads are designed with a slightly softer rubber compound that is specifically intended to be non-marring. If you are someone who keeps their Model S in concours condition and worries about even the slightest scratch on the underbody paint, these are the pads for you. They provide a little more “give” than the Basenor pucks, which helps them contour to any slight imperfections in your floor jack’s saddle. I’ve found that the grip on these is exceptional, even if the lifting point is slightly damp. The highlight for me, however, is the premium hard-shell carrying case. It feels like a high-end camera accessory case and keeps the pads organized and clean. While they might wear down a bit faster than the hard vulcanized options if used daily in a shop environment, they are perfect for the enthusiast who wants a gentle but firm grip on their vehicle’s frame.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Lifting Jack Pads

Selecting the right jack pads for your Tesla Model S is about more than just finding a piece of rubber. Because the Model S utilizes a dedicated lifting hole within the frame rail—located dangerously close to the high-voltage battery—the dimensions must be exact. A pad that is too thin won’t provide enough clearance for the jack’s side arms, while one that is too thick might not fit under a car with low ground clearance. You should prioritize materials that offer high tensile strength; vulcanized rubber is the industry standard for its ability to grip the metal frame without slipping. If you plan on doing your own tire rotations, I highly recommend a set of four so you can lift the entire side of the car at once. For those who simply want “insurance” for a trip to a local tire shop, a single high-quality pad might suffice, though most kits come in fours for a reason. Price expectations range from $20 for basic sets to over $100 for precision-machined aluminum versions.

Key Factors

  • Material Density: High-density rubber ensures the pad doesn’t compress and allow the jack to touch the battery.
  • O-Ring Fit: A silicone O-ring keeps the pad suspended in the hole, allowing for hands-free jack positioning.
  • Clearance Height: Ensure the pad is tall enough to clear the side skirts but short enough to fit under the car when on a jack.
  • Storage Case: Rubber jack pads often have a strong chemical odor; a sealed case is essential for trunk storage.

Comparison Table

ProductBest ForRatingPrice
Basenor Tesla Jack PadsOverall Maintenance★★★★★Check
Chirano Jack Pad AdapterValue Seekers★★★★☆Check
AEIDONY Jack PadEmergency Use★★★★☆Check
Reverse Logic BilletProfessional Use★★★★★Check
Tesmanian Soft PadsFrame Protection★★★★☆Check

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Tesla Model S need specific jack pads?

Unlike traditional cars with reinforced pinch welds along the entire frame, the Model S has specific, small circular lifting points. The battery pack sits extremely close to these points. Without a jack pad to “space” the jack away from the car, the flat plate of a standard floor jack will likely crush the rocker panels or, even worse, apply pressure directly to the battery casing, causing permanent and dangerous damage to the vehicle.

Can I use one jack pad for all four wheels?

Yes, you can use a single jack pad if you are only lifting one wheel at a time with a floor jack. However, most owners prefer a set of four. This is because many professional shops use four-point lifts. By providing the shop with your own set of four pads, you ensure that they can lift the entire vehicle safely without improvising with wooden blocks or other potentially damaging materials.

Are aluminum jack pads better than rubber ones?

Aluminum pads are more durable and offer a more “connected” feel with no compression. They are excellent for permanent shop use or track days. However, for the average owner, high-quality vulcanized rubber is often better because it provides natural friction against the metal jack saddle, reducing the chance of the jack sliding. Rubber is also significantly cheaper and lighter to carry in your trunk for emergency situations or seasonal tire swaps.

Will using these jack pads void my Tesla warranty?

No, using jack pads will not void your warranty. In fact, using them is the recommended way to lift the vehicle according to many Tesla service technicians. Damage caused by improper lifting (like jacking the car up by the battery) is typically not covered by warranty, so using these pads is actually a way to protect your warranty status by preventing accidental structural damage during routine maintenance or tire repairs.

Do these pads work on the refreshed Model S Plaid?

Yes, the lifting points on the Tesla Model S have remained consistent across the different trim levels and refreshes, including the Long Range and the Plaid models. The hole diameter and depth are standardized. However, because the Plaid and newer Model S versions have specific side skirt geometries, it is always wise to double-check that your chosen pad is tall enough to provide clearance for the jack arm before fully lifting.

Final Verdict

🏆 Best Overall:
Basenor Tesla Jack Pads – The O-ring design is a game-changer.
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💎 Best Value:
Chirano Jack Pad Adapter – Reliable protection at a budget price.
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💰 Budget Pick:
AEIDONY Jack Pad – Perfect for emergency roadside trunk storage.
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For the vast majority of Tesla Model S owners, the Basenor Jack Pads are the smartest investment you can make for DIY maintenance. They are reliable, stay in place during the lift, and come in a great storage case. If you’re looking to save a few dollars but still want high-quality rubber, the Chirano set is an excellent alternative. For those who rarely lift their car but want a “safety net” in the trunk for the tire shop, the AEIDONY set provides essential protection without the frills.

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