so I finally got around to installing new engine splash shields.
I jacked the car up on two jack stands using the supplied jack.
In order to do so, I had to first jack the car up,on each side, but at a different point under the rail, then slide the jackstand under the marked area, then lower the car onto the jack stand.
I noticed that the area on the rail where I put the jack suffered some scoring and it indented a little. Of course, the area where I put the jack stands was OK since it is designed for that.
My question is: for future maintenance,can I continue to do this procedure, or should I invest in a hydraulic front jack?

 

scissor jacks suck...get floor jack, they are only like 20 bucks

 

^Truly. Best money spent. I use it uh-LOT! I am glad you are smart enough to use jack stands... A frightening number of people don't... [shaking head ruefully]