There are over 128,00 automotive repair shops operating in the United States. If you are the owner of one of these shops, staying competitive should be a top priority. One of the best ways to edge out your competition is by investing in high-quality tools.
A reliable automotive lift is a staple in most successful car repair shops. These lifts allow mechanics to easily access the undercarriage of a vehicle. When used correctly, a car lift can make the repair process faster and more efficient.
Are you in the market for automotive lifts? If so, check out the useful information below.
Do you Need a Stationary or Portable Automotive Lift?
Before you start searching for an automotive lift, assess what your needs are. The more you know about car lift types, the easier it will be to narrow down your options. If you work exclusively out of a shop, then buying a stationary automotive lift is a good idea.
However, if you find yourself traveling to work on customers’ cars, investing in a portable lift is a wise move. These lifts are easy to set up and make working on a car much easier. A portable lift can also be used in your shop if you want to keep your bays free of clutter.
Would you Prefer a Chain or Cable-Driven Lift?
Older four-post automotive lifts are usually chain-driven. However, there has been a definite shift to cable-driven lifts in the past few years. Many auto repair shop owners view cable-driven lifts as safer than their chain-driven counterparts.
The main reason why most auto shop owners opt for cable-driven lifts is due to the placement of the hydraulic cylinder. Cable-driven lifts usually have a hydraulic cylinder tucked under the runway. Chain-driven lifts usually have these cylinders mounted on the front column.
This troublesome cylinder placement prohibits mechanics from raising a vehicle on the chain-driven lift if any of the doors are open. One of the main drawbacks of a cable-driven lift is that the cables will have to be replaced.
Take Measurements of Your Shop
Automotive lifts come in a number of shapes and sizes. Instead of going into this buying process unprepared, take some time to measure your shop. Failing to have these measurements can make it difficult to choose the right automotive lift the first time around.
If you have a smaller shop, then you might want to opt for a portable lift. As you start to take these measurements, don’t forget to assess the amount of vertical space in your shop. This measurement can help you assess whether your shop can accommodate a particular lift when it is completely extended.
It’s Time to Find the Right Automotive Lift
Now that you know more about what to look for in an automotive lift, it is time to start shopping. By considering the factors laid out in this article, you should have no problem finding the right lift.