Car lifts make all your car repair projects a lot easier, particularly for the DIY enthusiast. You won't be forced to bend over every time you need to access your tyres or use a car jack when altering the underneath components of the vehicle. The process not only becomes easier, but less dangerous. However, installing a car lift is not a walk in the park; you need to be well informed so as to ensure the system is safe for use and meets the appropriate standards. Here are some tips to help you out.
Your floor strength matters
The floor is one of the most important aspects to put into consideration. First of all, it needs to be concrete, since concrete is sturdy enough to support the lift. Avoid asphalt floors. Also, ensure that there are no cracks or defective areas and check the slope of the floor. A sloping floor would cause the contact pads of the lift to be uneven, and this leads to very dangerous scenarios. Even a single inch could translate to dramatic slopes and uneven pads. You can use metal shims between the concrete and lift base to level the pads and ensure that they are parallel. A car rising unevenly is a disaster waiting to happen.
Account for space
Most people make the mistake of getting a lift without doing the math and regretting later on. Your naked eye may not give you the space you desire, and since the lift arrives disassembled, it may appear to take less space than it does.
So do your measuring. The ceiling should be more than 3 metres high, but this also depends on the lift you purchase and your garage space. Overhead obstructions such as electrical lines and door openers may require your ceiling to be higher.
Also consider the space you need from the door to the lift. You need to give enough room to ensure that the vehicle's rear is not protruding out of the back door when elevated.
Read the manual
The importance of the manual when installing car lifts cannot be underestimated. One of the major reasons for this is that manufacturers design them differently, and they can vary by a long shot. The manual would also give you the list of requirements that may not have been included in the package such as vise grips and torque wrenches, which may simplify your work. Additionally, you'll also be aware of the safety precautions to take.
Generally, it's safer to hook up the cables and safety systems before raising the system. Tighten all the bolts and locks by hand first, then ensure they are properly aligned before torquing them up. That way, you'll be in a better position to spot any uneven or misaligned components before you raise the lift.
For more information, contact companies like Forte Lift Services.
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