A car lift is one of the highly recommended tools for those who are serious about DIY car maintenance and repairs at home. Before buying, there are several factors to consider to ensure the best car lift for home garage is purchased.
Adding a car lift to your garage is a great way to improve your ability to maintain your vehicle on your own. Instead of toiling for hours on your back just to access some parts of your vehicle, a car lift will significantly make your life easier since you'll have more space to move under your vehicle. And it's not just space - better angle, good access to your tools and improved lighting will definitely make car maintenance and repair significantly simpler.
Types of Car Lifts
There are generally four types of car lifts:
- Two Post Car Lifts - Have 2 upright posts with arms that lift the vehicle by its frame.
- Four Post Car Lifts - Use four columns and ramps to support the vehicle by its wheels.
- Scissor Car Lifts - Raise vehicles using a crisscrossing metal support system.
- Portable Car Lifts - Lightweight, easy to move and set up.
Each of these lifts has its pros and cons which should be carefully considered to get the right type of car lift at home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Lift for Your Home Garage
There are many factors to consider to ensure you get the best car lift based on your personal preference and needs.
Vehicle Size: The most important factor to consider is the type of vehicle you'll be working on. Make sure your car lift can handle the size and weight of your vehicle. You don't want to work under a vehicle with a car lift that can't handle its weight. Generally, heavier car lifts are built for heavier vehicles like trucks while lighter lifts are for smaller cars.
Type of Maintenance / Repairs: There's always the notion that bigger car lifts are better because of their ability to get a vehicle as high as possible. While it's true, they often come at a cost and it may not be worth it if you're only using the lifts for simple tire changes and other related maintenance jobs. A reliable, mid-rise scissor lift ($2,500) is relatively affordable compared to a four post lift ($3,450). There are also two post lift options that are budget friendly but you also need to consider your garage space.
Here's a tip - if you're considering buying a car lift only for basic maintenance, a portable car lift is highly recommended. As the name suggests, this type of car lift can be taken anywhere you go and should be perfect in case you need something done quickly. It's also incredibly affordable as portable car lifts for trucks only costs up to $2,500.
Garage Space: Speaking of space, you can't simply lift your vehicle and get under it without the necessary space for your vehicle. Your garage should be high enough for the lift to be installed with your vehicle on top of it. More often than not, many homes don't have the garage space to handle these types of lifts unless a garage is custom built for serious car works. Ensure you consult your seller for the required height on your preferred car lift.
Installation and Maintenance: Aside from portable car lifts, each of these lifts will require installation and they are charged separately. There's also the maintenance factor because these tools don't just work without any help - while they work perfectly brand new, they need lubrication and other types of maintenance to ensure their optimum performance and safety.
Safety Features: You don't want to be under a vehicle without the assurance that your car lift will not malfunction at any given moment. Make sure your car lift has the following features:
- Automatic Safety Locks
- Emergency Stop Button
- Protection from Overload
- Redundancy Features on Safety
- Testing Certifications
All of these features should be indicated and demonstrated in your chosen car lift especially for installed car lifts at home.
A great car lift can make your car maintenance and repairs easier. However, you have to make sure the car lift you choose is safe, good enough for your garage and works well for your car repair needs.
