Top 5 things to consider when buying a car lift

 A car lift for your garage can be an invaluable addition to your automotive arsenal and offer a range of benefits, whether you’re a collector of fine motors or just a busy multi-car household.

However, with a wide selection of models and systems on the market, it’s important to do your research and consider the differences between each before making a purchase.

For example, do I need a 2 post car lift, a 4 post car lift, or a car scissor lift? This is just one of our top five things to consider when buying a car lift for your garage.

Reason 1: Lifting capacity

First and foremost, you need to ensure the car lift you purchase can comfortably support the vehicles you wish to use it with.

With a wealth of quality models now on the market, there are many lift systems which can support vehicles from estate cars and motorbikes to SUVs and vans, but how can you be sure the one you’re purchasing is right for you?

Any established dealer should state the vehicles lift system is suitable for use with, but if not, you can use this as a rough weight guide to compare with the system’s lifting capacity:

·   2500kg lifting capacity – everything from motorbikes to estate cars, including a Mini Cooper or Audi Q7, for example

·   3500kg lifting capacity – anything up to and including large vans, for example a Vauxhall Movano

Just make sure to double check your vehicle’s weight before pulling the trigger on a new car lift for your garage.

Reason 2: 2 post, 4 post, or scissor?

When buying a new car lift, this question can be one of the most challenging, especially for those new to garage and car management. To keep it as straightforward as possible, here’s a quick summary of each and their unique benefits.

Firstly, we have the conventional 2 post car lift. As the name suggests, a 2 post car lift only features two ‘legs’ which takes up considerably less space than its 4 post counterpart. By supporting the vehicle from the chassis rather than all four wheels, the wheels are fully accessible here and this can be a great benefit for regular maintenance. With a 2 post car lift, you also retain full underside access and similar lifting capacities to 4 post models.

Be careful when selecting your 2 post car lift, however, as if you opt for a 2 post parking lift rather than a conventional model, this will feature a full floor which prevents access to the wheels.

4 post car lifts, meanwhile, are better suited to larger garages or workshops with additional floor space. Also, it is much easier to properly position and raise a vehicle on a 4 post car lift as you are supporting the vehicle from all 4 wheels and distributing the weight evenly, unlike with a conventional 2 post lift which can take a little more precise engineering in the placement of the 4 lifting arms. If you have a bigger workshop and value quick vehicle turnaround time, a 4 post car lift or the 2 post full floor parking lift may be the choice for you.

Finally, we have the car scissor lift. Car scissor lifts come in 3 height variations, low height, mid-rise and full height. The low height and mid-rise are mobile more often than not, whereas the full height model must be fixed to the ground. Two more things to consider are that parking underneath a scissor lift is not possible due to the frame’s construction, and access to the underside of your vehicle varies from model to model, so ensure it suits your requirements before making your purchase.

Reason 3: Lifting height

It may seem a bit of an obvious one, but another key factor of a car lift is the height it can lift to.

If the lift you choose only has one set raised height, this can prove challenging for completing certain works such as tyre replacements – it’s much easier to complete this kind of work when the car is held at just the right height rather than needing to reach overhead. Furthermore, if there is only one height setting and you have a low roof in your garage, you might be in for a few scrapes when working on taller vehicles.

Thankfully, many car lifts come with adjustable height settings to provide comfort and convenience for the individual completing the works.

Reason 4: Functionality

As the saying goes, you need the right tool for the job. Whilst they may appear to be relatively similar, different car lifts are designed for different purposes – it’s crucial you choose the right one to ensure maximum efficiency and, more importantly, safety.

Some lifts are designed to be used for maintenance around the vehicle, whereas others are meant to be used solely for storage and should not be used for strenuous vehicle maintenance.

If versatility is your goal, you might want to look at a portable car lift. Offering similar performance levels whilst in the workshop, the portable car lift – such as a Kwik Lift – offers the unique advantage of quality maintenance on-the-go. Heading to the track and want to be sure you can address any issues on the fly? Look no further than a Kwik Lift.

Whichever option you choose, make sure it fits your needs.

Reason 5: Price

Now, we’ve left this factor until the end for good reason. Whilst it can be tempting to look for the most cost-effective solutions, when you’re putting your prized vehicles in the hands of a lift system, you need quality, not a ‘bargain’.

That’s not to say that great deals can’t be found – far from it – but price should always be lower down on your list than functionality, quality, and alignment with your needs.

Sure, you could save a few pounds at the point of purchase, but if your lift fails at any time, you could be staring down the barrel of a hefty lift repair fee yourself. A top brand name like AMGO is definitely one manufacturer to consider, if you’re looking for a safe bet.

Good quality car lifts can last a long time – so think of this as an investment.

Summary

When you’re looking at purchasing a car lift, these are the five most important factors to consider, whether you’re a professional mechanic or an amateur enthusiast.

With so many models on the market, make sure the lift fits you – not the other way around.

If you’re looking for more information or would like to view our wide range of car lifts, head to www.equipment4garages.com to find out more.