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Draft:Automotive lift

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An automotive lift (also known as car lift) is a mechanical device designed to elevate motor vehicles off the ground, providing access to the underside for maintenance, inspection, and repair. These systems are commonly utilized in professional automotive repair facilities, vehicle inspection centers, andin residential settings.

History

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The use of mechanical vehicle lifting equipment began in the early 20th century, coinciding with the development of the automotive service industry. One of the earliest known hydraulic lifts was introduced in 1925. The post-war expansion of automobile ownership in the mid-20th century led to broader adoption of vehicle lifts in service garages across North America and Europe.[1]

Types

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Automotive lifts vary in design and function, and may be classified as follows:

  • Two-post lifts: Comprising two upright columns with adjustable arms, this design allows for full undercarriage access and is widely used in commercial workshops.
  • Four-post lifts: Supporting the vehicle at its wheels, four-post lifts offer increased stability and are often employed for wheel alignment procedures and long-term vehicle storage.
  • Scissor lifts: Featuring a pantograph mechanism, these lifts are compact and suited to facilities with limited vertical clearance.
  • In-ground lifts: Embedded beneath the shop floor, these systems offer an unobstructed workspace when not in use, though their installation and maintenance are more complex.
  • Portable lifts: Smaller, mobile units designed for occasional use in small garages or home environments.

Applications

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Vehicle lifts are integral to numerous automotive maintenance tasks, including fluid changes, brake servicing, tire replacement, suspension repair, and routine inspection. They contribute to operational efficiency and occupational safety by facilitating ergonomic access to vehicle components.

Manufacturers and innovations

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Manufacturers in North America, Europe, and Asia have developed various lift technologies based on hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical systems. Recent innovations include automatic synchronization systems, remote monitoring capabilities, and modular lifting platforms.

Safety and standards

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The stability of vehicles on lifting platforms is influenced by several factors, including correct positioning, equipment maintenance, and proper use of locking mechanisms. A 2020 study found that inadequate arm positioning and mechanical wear increase the risk of vehicle instability, particularly with two-post lifts[2].

In the United States, the ANSI/ALI ALCTV standard outlines safety requirements for the design, construction, and testing of vehicle lifts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) references this standard in its enforcement of workplace safety regulations. Additionally, the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) operates a nationally recognized certification program, verifying compliance through independent product testing.

In the European Union, vehicle lifts must conform to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and the harmonized standard EN 1493, which govern both safety and performance requirements for lifting devices used in automotive service environments.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Automotive Lift Institute. ALI History Timeline (Rev. 06/2020). Retrieved July 5, 2025, from https://www.autolift.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ALI-History-Timeline.pdf
  2. ^ Burlet-Vienney, Damien; Galy, Bertrand; Cusson Bertrand, Kariane (2020). "Analysis of vehicle stability when using two-post above-ground automotive lifts: Distribution of forces in arms". *Safety Science*. 131: 105042. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2020.105042.