How to Position a Car on a 2 Post Lift in My Garage ?

Follow these steps to use the 2-post car lift safely.

Step 1: Positioning the Car Lift

An important thing to consider when using a car lift. The 2-post lift space requirement includes a broader area with open entry points. The surface should also be level, without any bumps or slopes, to avoid its slanting, which can cause an accident.

For the mobile car lifts, you can set aside an area where you set it up in case you need it. Most portable car lifts come with wheels, which makes them easy to move. Once firmly set up, it is ready for use.

Step 2: Bring in The Vehicle

This is another intricate step where you should exercise care to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle. Ensure the car lift’s arms are in reclination to give room for the car to get into the lifting point if you have a spotting dish, the better as you know where to set your vehicle.

Most 2-post car lifts come with a guide on positioning your car relative to the spotting dish, which you may also get on the manual. Ensure the car is at the center of the lifting podium, with the lifting post symmetrical on either side.

Step 3: Check Your Adapters

You now pay attention to the lift’s adapters, which provide a grip to the car lifts to elevate the vehicle properly. Choose the adapters according to the type of vehicle, where there are unibody, frames, and other adapters depending on the car’s body.

Step 4: Place the Arms under the Car’s Body

Move the reclined swing arms under the vehicle to the manufacturer’s indicated lifting point. Most new model cars have an arrow that points to the area to put the adapters when you stretch the swing arms. This is the lifting point.

You may use extensions to reach the lifting points, where you get an additional grip in addition to making the car level during elevation.

Step 5: Power up The Lifting Unit

Power up the lifting unit, letting it slightly raise the vehicle above the ground. Once the wheels are somewhat raised from the ground, inspect them to see if it is level. Then move to the front or rear of the vehicle and try rocking it to see if it’s stable. Again, the wheels must be a few inches off the ground before rocking it so that if it is unstable, there won’t be any occupational hazards.

Step 6: Raise the Car to the Desired Height

After ascertaining that the car is stable atop the lift, you can elevate it to the desired height using the controls. You choose a specific level depending on your activity. You might raise it moderately high for cleaning purposes and higher in case it is for inspection or repair purposes.
For versatility purposes, you should know how to position a truck on a 2-post lift. The user manual can guide you on the steps to follow for different vehicles.

With the vehicle raised, lower it to its lock by pressing a lever or button dedicated to this purpose. It helps secure the car and improves the safety attribute when working.

Step 7: Lowering the Car

After working on the vehicle, you may lower it down. Start by raising the lift from its lock, then lower it. The lifting platform should be clear to avoid accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How Do You Put A Car in A Two-Post Lift?

Putting a car in a two-post lift is the same as using the car lift. On how to use a car lift, the elevator should be on level ground to ensure it is stable. The entry and exit points should be open for easy access by the vehicle.

Bring in the vehicle and have the wheels aligned to the spotting dishes. With the car level 2-post car lift lifting points, you can extend the swing arms to the vehicle’s underside, matching it with the elevation points.

With the right grip and extenders, you turn the elevator on and slightly raise the car to check its stability. A rocking test can help you determine if its level. If everything is alright, proceed to elevate the car to the desired height.

Q: Are Two-Post Car Lifts Safe?

The two-post car lifts are safe to use, so long as they are on level ground and stable. However, it would be best to exercise safety when raising the vehicle, where you check for stability. Additionally, the lift should be in good shape, where you need to maintain it by having an oil change and fixing faulty areas.

Q: What Is A Two-Post Car Lift?

The two-post car lift is a car elevation equipment with a post on either side that provides anchorage when raising the vehicle. They are common in most garages and car wash joints, especially those that deal with smaller vehicles such as sedans.

Q: Which Is Better, A Two-Post or A Four-Post Car Lift?

The two-post and four-post car lifts are some of the most popular types of car lifts. There is a debate on which of the two is the best and why. In essence, each brings its best, depending on the situation. For example, the four-post lift is ideal for larger vehicles such as vans and trucks, while the two-post variety works well with smaller and lighter vehicles.

The four-post is excellent for parking purposes; the other is good for inspection as it offers a broader area of view.

Q: Can I Install A Lift in My Garage?

Yes, you can install the car elevator in your garage, but you have to be keen on the placement area. The region should be level and easily accessible. During installation, the lift should be firmly erected on the ground to keep occupational hazards at bay.

There are also portable or movable lifts to consider, which come with the pros of taking minimal storage space, ease in installation, and flexibility.

Q: How High Does A Garage Ceiling Need to Be for A Lift?

Height consideration is vital if you want to install a lift. A decent height is between 11-12 feet in clearance space, which provides enough room for lifting vehicles of different bodies.

Final Word

The car lift is one of the must-haves if you are running a professional-grade auto-repair shop or garage. The 2-post car lift is one of the most common ones, and its configuration consists of two posts on either side as anchorage points for the load, which is the vehicle.
This article shows you how to position a car on a 2-post lift and pay attention to the safety factor. Follow the highlighted steps for a smooth session when using a car lift.