Car Lifts: A Guide to Choosing the Right Lift for Your Garage

Every car enthusiast dreams of having a car lift in their garage. With various types of lifts available for different uses, it’s important to understand which lift will best meet your needs. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision. You can explore our diverse selection of car lifts on our website.

Determining Your Need for a Car Lift

Start by defining the primary purpose of the Car Lift For Sale lift. Are you looking for additional storage space for another vehicle, or do you need a lift to facilitate car maintenance? If your goal is to store a car, consider a single post or four post lift. For working on cars without using the lift for storage, a two post lift is ideal. If you want a lift that combines both storage and work capabilities, a four post lift with features to ease maintenance might be the best option.

Assessing Your Garage Space

Most people use Car Lift For Sale car lifts primarily for storage, which requires either a single post or four post lift. Ceiling height is a key consideration. Measure the height of the cars you intend to stack and add ten inches to account for the lift’s deck and locking mechanisms. Be mindful of any obstacles, like garage door openers or ceiling lights, that might need relocation. While four post lifts generally fit without height issues, make sure their length and width are compatible with your garage space and other vehicles.

For a Car Lift For Sale two post lift, measure your ceiling height carefully as the posts can be quite tall. Depending on the design, the lift may have a connecting bracket either across the top of the posts or running on the floor. Ensure there’s enough clearance to avoid interference with the bracket or any tools and equipment.

Concrete Requirements

Concrete specifications vary by lift type. Check the installation instructions for the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re unsure about your concrete’s thickness, you may need to cut out pads where the lift will be placed and pour new concrete to meet the required specifications. Typically, pads should extend 12 inches beyond the base plates of the lift. For a two post lift, the concrete should be at least 2 feet deep, and for a four post lift, at least 6 inches deep. New concrete must cure for at least 28 days before installation. Four post lifts exert less stress on concrete, similar to how cars distribute weight across four wheels.

Locking Mechanisms

Car lifts are equipped with safety locks to prevent accidents, similar to rollercoaster safety mechanisms. These locks engage if there’s a power failure or mechanical issue. Disengaging these locks is necessary when lowering the car, and some lifts use levers or compressed air for this process. If your lift requires compressed air, you’ll need to run an air line from your compressor alongside the electrical wiring.

Electrical Considerations

Car Lift For Sale Car lifts may require either 110v or 220v electrical wiring. Verify the amperage draw to ensure your electrical system can handle the lift. Like other motors, the lift’s initial power draw is higher, so make sure your circuit breaker can accommodate it without tripping.

Measuring for Four Post Lifts

In addition to fitting the physical dimensions of a Car Lift For Sale four post lift in your garage, measure the cars you plan to store. Ensure the car on top can drive onto the deck and that the tires align with the deck’s width. For larger vehicles, ensure there’s enough clearance between the tires and the lift’s posts.

Measuring for Two Post Lifts

For a two post lift, ensure it fits within your garage dimensions and allows easy access for vehicle lifting. Asymmetrical two post lifts are popular because they extend the rear lifting points further than the front, allowing you to open the car door while parked. Symmetrical lifts, often used for high center-of-gravity vehicles like box trucks, require precise positioning. Check that the lift arms can reach under low-profile cars without needing additional jacks or ramps.

Using a Four Post Lift for Maintenance

If you use a four post lift for both storage and maintenance, consider investing in a bridge jack. This tool slides between the ramps and lifts the car by the frame, allowing you to service the vehicle’s tires and brakes. Although it’s an additional expense, it effectively converts your four post lift into a service lift.

Shipping and Installation

Car lifts are heavy and typically arrive on an open semi-truck. You’ll need equipment to unload and move the lift into your garage. Renting a forklift or arranging for a tow truck with a boom are viable options. Most lift listings on our website include assembly instructions, but due to the weight of the parts, having machinery or extra hands for assembly is advisable.

In Conclusion

Choosing a Car Lift For Sale car lift may seem daunting, but with this guide, you should have a clearer idea of which lift suits your needs and how to proceed with installation. We offer reputable brands and are here to help with any questions. Feel free to call, email, or comment below for further assistance.

With proper preparation, tools, and attention to detail, installing a car lift can be a straightforward project that enhances your workspace. This guide will take you through each step to ensure a safe and efficient installation.

Planning and Preparation

Start by choosing an appropriate location in your garage for the car lift, taking into account ceiling height, floor space, and access to power sources. 

Next, verify that your garage’s concrete floor meets the requirements for supporting the lift. The concrete should be intact and strong enough to handle the lift’s weight and that of the vehicles.

Then, gather all necessary tools and equipment for installation, including a rotary hammer, masonry bit, torque wrench, and safety gear.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

When the Car Lift For Sale lift arrives, ensure the shipping company has the equipment needed to unload it safely. Use dollies or rolling tables to move the boxes into your garage.