Is it safe to completely jack up a car using 4 jack stands? I want to paint my rims this week. If this method is not recommended, is there anything I can buy that won't break my wallet?

 

It's totally fine. What I would recommend doing is get the front on jack stands, then the back, and then jack up one side of the front again so it just comes off the stand and then slowly drop the car back onto the stand. Do it for both sides. It's not necessary, but this will put the car squarely on all 4 jack stands.

Depending on how long it's going to be jacked like this, you should think about giving a little lift to each corner's suspension so it's not fully stretched out for an extended time. Jack up each corner maybe half way and put a wooden block under it to keep it lifted. Don't worry, the wood only has to support each corner's unsprung weight, minus the wheel/tire. I'd do it if you're going to have the car on stands for more than a day or so. This may be overkill, but no point in stressing anything.

 

With good jackstands it's safe. Check your manual for correct position of the jackstands and always leave your floor jack in contact with the frame just to be safe....something I do living in CA. we can always expect a 7.0 shaker....
Gary

 

Man. I never thought of that till now. How dangerous it is have the car on jack stand, you underneath, and a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

 

I love it when my car gets jacked up.

 

If you are smart, it's pretty safe. If you put your car on level grouns and the jackstands are level and the seat is on a stable location on the car, then the stands are pretty solid.

I've been under cars with 4 jackstands doing you name it...installing tranmissions, axles, pretty much everything you can think of. The car's weight helps keep everything pretty secure provided you don't do anything stupid.

Still, i don't want to stay under one during an earthquake

 

not only is making sure you have a good solid jack stand and using the correct jacking spot on the vehicle important, make sure you are placing the stand on a solid, stable surface.

just keep in mind that asphalt isnt as solid as you may think. I have left some pretty good jack stand shaped impressions into black top during a warm summer day in Houston.