Car Hoists

How To Use A Car Hoist: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Rachael McCavanagh
14
Jul

When performing automotive maintenance and repairs, having the right equipment is essential – and there’s one piece of equipment that has revolutionised the way mechanics work – the car hoist. 

The car hoist lets you lift a vehicle off the ground, providing better access to the undercarriage and making repairs and maintenance tasks more efficient. In this blog post, we’ll break down how to use a hoist step-by-step, safely and effectively, ensuring you get the most out of this invaluable tool.

Preparing for Car Hoist Usage

Before beginning work, you’ll need to prepare your workspace and ensure the hoist is in good working condition. Start by selecting a suitable location for the hoist, preferably a flat and level surface with ample space around it. Then, check the hoist for any visible damages or signs of wear and tear and ensure that all safety features are functioning correctly before moving on to the next steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Car Hoist

There are three main steps involved in using a car hoist:

1. Positioning the vehicle: 

Position the vehicle in front of the car hoist, ensuring there’s enough clearance on all sides. Engage the parking brake and, if applicable, place wheel chocks behind the tires to prevent any accidental rolling.

2. Driving the car onto the hoist: 

Carefully drive the vehicle onto the hoist, ensuring it is aligned with the lifting arms.

3. Proper alignment and securing the vehicle in place: 

Align the vehicle’s lifting points with the hoist’s lifting arms. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct lifting points for the specific vehicle. Once aligned, secure the vehicle in place using the provided safety locks or restraints.

How to Adjust the Automotive Hoist Settings

Before lifting the vehicle, setting the desired lifting height and position on the hoist is essential. Familiarise yourself with the hoist controls and features, adjusting them to ensure a safe and stable lift.

Hoisting the vehicle

Once the vehicle is securely positioned and the hoist is set to the desired height, you can begin the lifting process. Gradually and evenly raise the vehicle, paying close attention to any unusual sounds or movements. If any instability is observed, immediately lower the vehicle and reassess the setup.

Performing Maintenance or Repairs with a Car Hoist

With the vehicle safely lifted, you can now proceed with your maintenance or repair tasks. Identify the specific job you need to perform and ensure you have the necessary tools within reach. Take advantage of the increased accessibility and space the hoist provides to work efficiently and safely.

Lowering the vehicle

After completing the maintenance or repair work, it’s time to lower the vehicle. Slowly and carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground, ensuring there are no obstacles or hazards in the way.

Car Hoist Safety Precautions and Best Practices

Using a car hoist comes with certain safety risks, but by keeping the following precautions and best practices in mind, you can ensure a safe working environment.

  1. Pay attention to the maximum weight capacity and limitations of the hoist and never exceed them.
  1. Regularly inspect the condition of the lifting pads and contact points to avoid any accidents caused by faulty equipment.
  1. Always secure the vehicle with additional safety measures, such as safety stands, to prevent any sudden drops.
  1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, to protect yourself during maintenance tasks.
  1. Perform regular maintenance and inspections on the hoist to identify and address any potential issues promptly.

Conclusion: How To Use A Hoist for Improved Efficiency and Safety

Using a car hoist can significantly improve your efficiency and safety when working on vehicles. By following this step-by-step guide and adhering to safety precautions, you can take advantage of the full potential of this valuable tool.

Make automotive maintenance and repairs a breeze with the range of 2 Post Hoists, 4 Post Hoists, Scissor Lifts, and more from AAQ.  Shop online now.

Not sure which car hoist is right for you? Get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll help you choose the perfect piece of equipment for your automotive workshop.

Rachael McCavanagh