How Does a Car Lift Work
Have you ever stood inside of a garage and watched a vehicle rise from the floor to eye level with no strain on the engine hoist system? Many people before investing in a car lift will often research “how does a car lift work?” when first seeing one in action. Understanding how to use a car lift safely and efficiently will help you to work faster in your garage, and maximise the potential of the space.
A car lift relies solely on a controlled structure and hydraulic force. Most workshop systems rely on hydraulic fluid movement inside seal cylinders, with the pressure from the pump moving fluid into the lift cylinders. This allows the piston rods to extend upwards, and the lift arms move in sync with the pistons. This is exactly what allows the vehicle to rise in a steady motion with minimal pressure being exerted.
If you are looking to create an at home automotive workshop, a car lift is essential! Car lifts are a great investment because they help to maximise garage space, provide easier access for undercarriage maintenance, and they are considered safer than the traditional jack stands because of their multi-layered engineering design. At Joel’s Garage Gear, our team understands the value that car lifts hold for automotive enthusiasts, and will help you choose which one would be the most suitable option for you!
What Are the Different Types of Car Lifts and How Do They Work?
Different types of garage setups require different types of car lifts. There are four kinds of car lifts that all have different uses. Below is a comprehensive guide to the different car lift types to help you understand which one is the right fit for your garage space!
Four Post Hoist
A four post car lift is a great addition to a larger garage workshop that requires extra storage space or space for general maintenance. A four post lift system works by hydraulic cylinders raising the full platform structure, and is a highly stable structure because of its wide base support.
Two Post Hoist
Two post car hoists are smaller than their four post alternative, making them more suitable for a smaller garage space that prioritizes compactibility and efficient storage solutions. These systems often suit repair work, as the arms reach under the chassis and hold the vehicle at factory lift points. Space around the wheels and the brakes stay open for access, allowing you to move with ease underneath the main carriage of the vehicle.
Portable Car Lift
Portable lift systems suit any home or commercial garages. They are highly versatile and because of their portability, they can be moved around and adjusted without needing to be permanently installed. These systems generally suit lighter vehicles and smaller work areas, as the frames sit low on the ground prior to lifting.
Scissor Car Lift
A scissor car lift lifts vehicles with crossed steel arms. These systems are great for low ceiling spaces, and movement remains vertical with minimal foot print.
All of these different systems follow the exact same core principle: hydraulic pressure creates a controlled upward force that allows for a stable vehicle lift.
How to use a Car Lift Safely?
When using a car lift, it is important to take all of the necessary safety precautions to prevent any injuries or damage being done to your workshop. It is crucial to follow all of these steps in a strict order to ensure that everything runs smoothly whilst in operation. Firstly, position the vehicle in line with the platforms or lift posts, with the wheels sitting straight and steering centred. Then, place the lift pads under the manufacture lift posts, before beginning to raise the vehicle slightly from floor level. Ensure that the structure is stable across all pads, and adjust position if weight distribution seems unbalanced.
Once these pre-checks have been done, you can start raising the vehicle to a preferred working height. All safety locks must be engaged before starting work underneath the vehicles, and locks must be able to hold full load without hydraulic pressure support.
Once you have finished working, that is the only time you can lower the vehicle. Make sure to clear the underneath area before descent begins, and release locks in a controlled manner. Lowering the vehicle must be done in a controlled and slow manner to ensure a safe descent.
Choose Joel’s Garage Gear for your Car Lift Setup
At Joel’s Garage Gear, our team is dedicated to providing you with all of the necessary information on how to use a car lift both safely and efficiently. The bottom line is, hydraulic pressure drives motion, mechanical locks secure position, and correct pad placement protects vehicle structure. There are so many different types of car lifts to choose from, and which one is the most suitable option for you entirely depends on the size of your garage space, as well as your intended set up. Ready to take the next step towards your dream car lift installation? Explore our wide range of car hoists available!
