Bora jack mishaps

[Borat]

Hi folks, Sorry if this is a dull question, but the jack provided on our '04 Bora 4mo has twice slipped now, despite great care from me, and dented our pride and joy side skirt. Could have trashed the rotor only I had a precautionary spare tyre underneath.
Is this common? is it fixable, or do I look for a new jack? If so, any special sort?
Thanks for any ideas.

[team_v]

The stock jack supplied by VW with your car is also known as the widowmaker.

I reccomend getting a hydraulic lift jack from supercheap auto/bunnings etc.
Also make sure you stock something under the car lke you did with the spare to make sure if it slips it doesn't have as far to fall.

[balkanac]

I reccomend getting a hydraulic lift jack from supercheap auto/bunnings etc.

x2

If it makes you feel any better MK4 Rs never came with jacks. There is a space in the spare wheel well left for it but they never bothered supplying one

[team_v]

x2

If it makes you feel any better MK4 Rs never came with jacks. There is a space in the spare wheel well left for it but they never bothered supplying one

Factory weight reduction!

[Tim]

go to your local aussie car wrecker and get a scissor jack for the car. 100x safer than the stupid jacks that come with euro cars.

If youre working from home there is no excuse to not own a trolley jack. Even a cheap $30 one from supercheap is better than a widowmaker!

[philthy]

The side skirt on my polo has two 'teethmarks' in it thanks to one of those stupid jacks... grrr!

[qsilverza]

Yeh my trolley jack has dented the side skirt meh but I always use at least two jacking points if just looking underneath quickly but if im going right under I'll use at least three

[83_SUS]

never get under your car just using jacks always have stands... never rely on a jack it could fail

[McDub]

The side skirt on my polo has two 'teethmarks' in it thanks to one of those stupid jacks... grrr!

sounds like you used it wrong, it should only contact the pinch rail. it basically molds around it.
first time i used it i put in on the wrong spot, basically put it on outside of the pinch rail, so towards the skirt... ended up crushing it a little as i lifted the car... wound it down as fast as i could when i saw/heard it happen!

[h100vw]

At the risk of starting a 'Jack War' I have used these jacks for the best part of 20 years with no accidents.

I have a trolley jack but still use one if the job is easier with the standard jack.

Hard flat surface is the key.

Gavin