Mechanic Superstore announced when using a two-post lift for car repair, it's important to learn how to position your car properly before you begin the work. The correct way to position a car depends on the type of lift you have and the thickness of the concrete that you'll be working on. You can use a manual or spotting dish to assist you in this process. Also, make sure to keep automatic transmissions in park and use wheel chocks on the rear wheels.
Putting a car on a two-post lift
The most important step in putting a car on a two-post car lift is positioning the vehicle. This step requires a clear understanding of how the car's center of gravity will be affected by the lifting process. A rear-wheel-drive car will have its center of gravity below the driver's seat and a front-wheel-drive car will have its center of gravity slightly ahead of the driver's seat. Both center of gravity positions can be affected by the height of the vehicle and the positioning of the lift. Incorrect positioning can lead to an unstable car and cause accidents.
In addition to knowing how to use the two-post car lift, you should also know what the lifting points are on the two-posts. The overhead style eliminates the need for an obstruction on the floor, which is beneficial for people who spend a lot of time under their cars. The baseplate style, on the other hand, has an intrusive steel plate that will take up some space in front of the lift.
Using a lift adapter
Using a lift adapter will help you safely position a car on a two-post lift. Before you begin, make sure that the area where you are working is clear of any obstacles. When positioning a car on a two-post lift, you should move the swing arms inwards and backwards to get the car in the correct position.
Some two-post lifts require lift pads at the right lifting points. If you do not use these pads properly, the car will slide off of the lift arm. You can ask your mechanic or consult the owner's manual to find out where these points are located. There are also specialized adapters for certain types of vehicles.
Concrete thickness required for a two-post lift
When installing a two-post car lift, the thickness of the pre-existing concrete slab is important. The concrete must be at least four inches thick and have a 3-degree slope to meet the specifications of the lift. It should also be cured for at least 28 days before installation.
A new concrete slab should have at least four inches of thickness and be capable of 3,000 psi. It is important to check with a building architect on the recommended slab thickness before installing a lift. Also, the type of lift you plan to install will determine how thick of a concrete slab is needed. For a two-post lift, a standard 4" slab is enough, but for a four-post lift with higher lifting capacity, it may be necessary to have a thicker slab.
The best place to install a two-post lift will depend on many factors. You'll need to have the appropriate ceiling height, and enough space in front of columns to mount the lift.
Factory-recommended procedures
The first step in positioning your car on a 2-Post lift is to ensure the proper center of gravity. Rear-wheel drive cars have the center of gravity under the seat and front-wheel drive cars have the center of gravity slightly in front of the steering wheel. Because the weight of a car can be several thousand pounds, proper positioning is vital for ensuring safety.
The next step in positioning your car on a 2-Post lift involves checking the height of the vehicle. If your vehicle is too high, you can lower it down. However, if your vehicle has a long wheelbase, you should place a high-reach vehicle support stand under it.
Using a two-post lift
When using a two-post lift to position slammed or unhinged vehicles, it is critical that the weight of the vehicle is evenly distributed across the four arms of the lift. This is critical because incorrect positioning can result in damage to the car and possibly an accident.
Before using a two-post lift, ensure that the vehicle has a power source and that the lift can raise the vehicle to the desired height. It should also come with a control panel that allows you to lock the vehicle's elevation. The control panel should also show a maximum height that the lift can lift and lower.
When using a two-post lift, it is crucial to read the instruction manual to make sure that you are using the lift safely. You should also make sure that the area is clear of any obstructions, including people standing close to the vehicle.