I am trying to change the oil in my 07 Mazda 3 for the first time. When using the jack that came with the car I find I can not put my jack stands where I think they belong because the jack is in the way. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

A safer way to cosider is to buy some ramps you drive up on the get the car up. Just my .02

 

.... Or a proper floor jack.
The jack that comes with the car, any car is barely safe to change a flat tire with. I wouldn't trust it in anything but an emergency situation.

 

If you jack the car with a floor jack in the middle near where the rear motor mount connects to the body it is easy to put the jack stands in the correct locations.

 

Agreed. In fact what I do is run the car up on ramps, then put the floor jack under the car with a 2x4/2x6 on its saddle that straddles the frame rails. That way the weight is more evenly distributed... at least that's what I tell myself for going through all the trouble.

 

Ramps are your easiest way. I actually use a set of homeade ones made out of 2x6's.