Auto Lift Safety

Automotive lifts are vital equipment that allows technicians to access the undersides of vehicles. With the ability to hoist even the heaviest automobiles, these lifts are powerful and impressive, so operators must exercise caution when using them.

Whether you're a garage owner, racing enthusiast or car collector, understanding auto lift safety can help you avoid accidents, injuries and equipment damage.

How Safe Are Car Lifts?

As with all heavy equipment and machinery, auto lifts require stringent safety considerations. Suspending heavy vehicles above a workshop floor warrants the utmost precautions. Fortunately, today's top manufacturers design car lifts with many features that help operators avoid injury and property damage. Reputable auto lift manufacturers supply products that comply with all essential safety and quality criteria.

Understanding how auto lifts work goes a long way in ensuring safe operation. Your auto lift manufacturer is an excellent resource for safety information, as is reading the manual. A quality auto lift should come with comprehensive instructions explaining how to install and operate the lift and essential safety guidelines.

Car Lift Safety Features

Manufacturers equip auto lifts with some or all the following safety features.

• Two-post lift automatic arm restraints: For two-post auto lift safety, manufacturers include automatic arm restraints that prevent a lift's arms from shifting or dislodging once the vehicle is on the lift.
• Four-post lift anti-sway blocks: Four-post auto lifts are not rigid structures, which means they can sway during raising and lowering. To ensure four-post auto lift safety, manufacturers include anti-sway blocks that enhance stability.
• Four-post lift tire chocks: These blocks wedge behind a vehicle's wheels to keep it from rolling off the lift's runways.
• Hydraulic flow restrictors: Hydraulic flow restrictors are essential safety features that can significantly reduce or halt a lift's downward motion if it collapses due to a hydraulic component failure other than the cylinders.
• Automatic safety locks: These features automatically lock the lift as it rises, preventing sudden, rapid descent in the rare event of a suspension component failure.
• Slack cable or chain safety device: Slack cables act as an automatic brake for the vehicle if the suspension system loosens or fails.
• Specialized lifting pads: Different automobiles require different lifting pads. Auto lift manufacturers offer various lifting pads for vans, trucks, cars and motorcycles.
• Labeling: Manufacturers stamp auto lifts with warning labels and raising and lowering instructions to promote safety awareness.

Auto Lift Safety Guidelines

The following automotive lift safety precautions can help keep operators, technicians, vehicles and equipment safe.

Get Familiar With Your Equipment

Before operating your auto lift, spend a few minutes checking over the components. As part of your safety check, ensure:

• All instruction manuals and safety materials are close by and readable.
• All warning labels are prominent.
• The equipment's weight capacity is clearly visible.
• Synchronizing systems, locks and restraints are functioning properly.
• Lift components don't show signs of excessive wear and tear.
• There are no hydraulic leaks.

If you notice any abnormalities during your safety check, avoid using it and have it inspected and serviced by an auto lift service professional.

Use the Right Lift for the Task

Garages typically have a few different types of lifts to handle varying vehicles and loads. Ensure the lift you plan to use suits the job before pulling the vehicle into the bay. Always double-check the lift’s rated load capacity to avoid overloading it, and make sure it can reach the car's manufacturer-determined lifting points. The manufacturer has deemed these points appropriate for the lift to contact the car.

You'll also want to equip your lift with the correct accessories. For instance, some two-post lifts require height modifiers to access the lifting points on trucks or pad adapters to lift unibody vehicles. Always use certified manufacturer accessories — making DIY adapters or using wood blocks is unsafe and may even decertify your lift.

Take Lift Operation Training

While you may know the basics of operating an auto lift, take formal training on the specific lifts you work with. Training should encompass the lift manufacturer's instructions and widely accepted safety standards.

Ensure you thoroughly understand the lift manufacturer’s instructions before operating it. Review the sections on safety and study the warning labels.

Lift Properly

Operators should remain at the controls while lifting and lowering vehicles. While you may feel tempted to override or disable the controls and safety features to save a few seconds, the risks aren't worth it. Always keep your work site safe by following the auto lift maker's instructions and safety recommendations.

You can avoid many auto lift accidents by calculating a vehicle's center of gravity and spotting it on the lift before raising it into the air.

• Calculating the center of gravity: It's crucial to locate a vehicle's center of gravity before lifting it. You'll also need to verify the automaker's approved lifting points if you use a two-post or axle-engaging lift.
• Spotting the vehicle properly once on the lift: Spotting the vehicle once it's on the lift helps ensure proper alignment. Use any tools provided by the lift maker to position the automobile lifting. Once in place, turn the vehicle off, shut any open doors and clear workers out of the bay. For drive-on lifts, place the car in gear or park and chock the wheels.

To ensure two-post car lift safety, once you've spotted the vehicle, engage the lift until it just touches the car. Pause to make sure all supports contact the vehicle's lifting points securely. Continue lifting until the vehicle's tires clear the floor. Ensure the car is stable by giving it a reasonable shake and double-checking the lifting points.

With the car stable and secure, lift it to the appropriate working height before lowering the weight onto the lift’s load-holding component. Perform a final lifting point check to confirm each support is in place before working under the car.

Purchase Premier Auto Lifts at North American Auto Equipment

North American Auto Equipment is a family-owned and -operated auto lift manufacturer. We offer installation, service, parts, accessories, tools, equipment and more to outfit your garage. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive equipment industry, friendly and knowledgeable staff and honest answers to all your questions, you'll enjoy doing business with us. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our products can maximize your automotive or homeowner garage.