The Ultimate Guide to Four-Post Car Lifts: Benefits, Features, and Tips

A four-post car lift is heavy-duty equipment that most auto shops in the USA consider working with. However, it is important to fully understand how versatile this equipment can be for your auto shop before investing in it.

A four-post car lift allows you to lift the car to give you easy access to the underside of the car for repairs, inspections, or maintenance. But what are the benefits and drawbacks of having a four-post car lift in your auto shop? How can you keep it in good condition and ensure its safety? And how much does it cost to install one? In this blog article, we'll answer these questions and more, so you can decide if a four-post car lift is right for your auto shop.

Why Should Your Auto Shop Work with a Four-Post Car Lift?

A four-post car lift can offer many advantages for your auto shop, such as:

• It can handle a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks, SUVs, and vans. You can also use it to store extra vehicles on top of each other, saving space in your garage.
• This equipment is easy to operate and requires minimal training. You simply drive the vehicle onto the platform, secure it with wheel chocks, and lift it with the push of a button. You don't need to worry about aligning the arms or finding the right lifting points.
• A four-post car lift is stable and secure, as it supports the vehicle on four posts instead of two. You don't need to use jack stands or blocks to keep the vehicle in place.
• You can also adjust the height of the lift to suit your needs and preferences.
• Moreover, it allows you to perform a variety of services on the vehicle. Change the oil, repair the brakes, rotate tires, make system installations, and more.

Until now, we've talked about the benefits of a four-post lift; now let's compare those with some common objections.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a 4-Post Car Lift in Your Auto Shop

As with any equipment, a four-post car lift also has some disadvantages that you should consider before buying one, such as:

• It takes up more space than a two-post car lift, as it has a larger footprint and requires more clearance around it. You need to make sure you have enough room in your garage to accommodate it and still have enough working space.
• A 4-post car lift is more expensive than a 2-post car lift, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. You may also need to pay extra for accessories such as rolling jacks, drip trays, or sliding ramps.
• This equipment is less flexible than a two-post car lift, as it does not allow you to access the wheels or suspension of the vehicle. So, you'll need to use extra tools or equipment to perform some tasks that require lifting the vehicle by the frame.
• But if you decide to work with a four-post car lift in your auto shop, then you'll need to properly maintain it. Here are some tips:

Maintenance Tips for Elevated Performance of a 4-Post Car Lift

A four-post car lift is a valuable asset for your auto shop, but it also requires regular care and maintenance to keep it functioning. Here are some tips to follow:

• Check the hydraulic fluid level and quality every month. If the fluid is low or dirty, top it up or replace it with the recommended type and grade.
• Lubricate the moving parts of the lift every three months or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use grease or oil as appropriate for the bearings, chains, pulleys, cables, and rollers.
• Inspect the lift for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion every six months or so. Look for cracks, bends, leaks, rust, loose bolts, frayed wires, or broken parts. If you detect any problems, repair or replace them as quickly as possible.
• Test the safety features of the lift every year. Make sure the locking mechanism works properly and engages at every height setting
• Make sure the emergency stop button works and stops the lift immediately.
• Have a qualified technician perform a thorough inspection and certification of the lift every year or according to local regulations.

This will ensure that your lift meets all safety standards and codes.

Right now, you know all the information about how to keep a four-post car lift in your auto shop, but is it too expensive to have one? Don't take a look over

What Does It Cost to Have a 4-Post Car Lift in Your Auto Shop?

The cost of installing a four-post car lift in your auto shop depends on several factors, such as:

• The size and capacity of the lift. A larger and heavier lift will cost more than a smaller and lighter one.
• The features and accessories of the lift. A more advanced and versatile lift will cost more than a basic and simple one.
• The installation requirements The more complex and challenging the installation, the greater the cost.

To give you an idea, a typical four-post car lift with a 9,000-pound capacity can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the brand and model. The installation cost can vary from $500 to $1,500, depending on the location and difficulty of the job. You may also need to pay for extra expenses such as electrical wiring, concrete work, permits, or inspections.

Final Thoughts: Is a four-post car lift worth it?

A four-post car lift can be a great addition to your auto shop, as it can enhance your productivity, efficiency, and profitability. It can also improve your customer satisfaction, reputation, and loyalty. However, you need to weigh the pros and cons of having one and consider your budget, space, and needs.

If you think a four-post car lift is right for your auto shop, contact us today, and we will help you find the best one for your garage.