Vehicle Lifts — Safe Operation
Vehicle Lifts — Safe Operation
A vehicle lift raises a 4,000-pound vehicle over your head so you can work underneath it. If the lift fails or the vehicle is not positioned correctly, that weight comes down on you. There is no surviving that. Respect the lift every single time you use it.
Two-post lift
The most common shop lift. Two columns with adjustable arms that contact the vehicle at four lift points. Every vehicle has manufacturer-specified lift points — reinforced areas of the frame or unibody designed to support the vehicle's weight. These are shown in the service information. Placing lift arms on sheet metal body panels, fuel tanks, exhaust components, or suspension parts causes damage and creates an unstable lift. Find the correct lift points every time.
Before raising
Position the vehicle centered between the posts. Adjust the arm pads to contact the lift points squarely and evenly. Raise the vehicle a few inches and check that all four pads are making solid contact and the vehicle is stable. Rock the vehicle gently to confirm stability. Then raise to full height. Always engage the mechanical lock — the safety catches that prevent the lift from dropping if hydraulic pressure is lost. Never work under a vehicle that is only held by hydraulic pressure without the locks engaged.
Four-post and drive-on lifts
Drive-on lifts and four-post lifts support the vehicle by the tires on runway ramps. These are excellent for suspension and steering diagnosis because the suspension stays loaded in its normal operating position. Always chock the wheels or use the built-in wheel restraints. Set the parking brake. Engage the mechanical locks before going underneath.
Floor jacks and jack stands
A hydraulic floor jack is for raising the vehicle. Jack stands are for holding it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack. Floor jacks can fail, seals can leak, handles can be bumped. Once the jack has raised the vehicle, immediately place jack stands under the frame or lift points and lower the vehicle onto the stands. The jack stand — not the floor jack — holds the weight while you work. This is non-negotiable. Every time.