So you are considering doing more car maintenance at home to save money. Having your own set of tools is necessary, but one piece of equipment makes do-it-yourself vehicle repairs easier: a car lift. However, it is not cheap. Before you make a big purchase, check out the best car lifts for your home garage, according to CNET.
The essence of car lifts
Car lifts are used to lift vehicles into the air so that you can start working underneath them. While auto shops often use car lifts to service vehicles, vehicle owners can install them in their own garages.
You can even use them to store cars vertically or to store one vehicle for an extended period of time with the weight of the tires.
Car lifts come in scissor, two-post, and four-post styles. It is critical to choose the right one for your needs and use it correctly for your vehicles. If you don’t, you risk seriously damaging your car and injuring yourself.
You should also make sure that you use one that can handle the weight of your vehicle. Pickups, for example, need heavy equipment because they weigh more than a standard passenger car.
These are the six best car lifts of 2022, according to CNET.
1. QuickJack BL-5000SLX
The QuickJack BL-5000SLX is a good portable option that you can use in more than one place, such as a friend’s house. This car lift provides 17.5 inches of space to view a vehicle’s underframe. That means you’ll have to lie on your back to service the car, but it works fine if you want an affordable lift that can handle up to £5,000. A new one costs about $1,300 to $1,500, depending on the retailer. If you need a model that can hold more weight, QuickJack also sells a 7,000-pound option.
2. APlusLift HW-10KOH 2-column hoist
This car lift is a great option for heavier vehicles such as large pickup trucks and large SUVs. It can hold approximately 10,000 pounds and comes in a two-post overhead hoist configuration. You can stand up while working on the underside of your vehicle. Amazon customers report good experiences with this model. Expect to pay about $3,000 for a new APlusLift HW-10KOH.
3. BendPak MD-6XP Half Height Car Lift
This model is a medium scissor lift that lifts the vehicle using a scissor-like support system. These generally don’t raise cars very high, so you’ll need to lie on the floor or use a rolling climbing board. However, the BendPak MD-6XP offers 48 inches of space under your car, so you won’t feel cramped when you need to check the underside.
Still, this lift can handle up to 6,000 pounds. A new model costs about $3,000.
The BendPak XPR-10AXLS is another two-post car lift that can handle up to 10,000 pounds. It also offers a whopping 75 inches of space under the vehicle — the highest on this list. This model also uses direct drive cylinders instead of lifting chains.
Perfect if you are tall, you can easily walk around and check the underside of your vehicle. This option hovers around $6,000 or so.
5. Triumph NSS-8 4 Column Car Lift
If you want more stability, this four-column hoist is the perfect solution. It supports your vehicle in all four corners, so you can safely store another car underneath. The Triumph NSS-8 offers up to 72 inches of space and can handle 8,000 pounds.
This car lift has caster wheels on the posts, so you can place it anywhere in your garage. It also comes with drip trays to prevent liquid from leaking onto the vehicle under the lifted one. Although Triumph no longer makes this model, you may be able to find used ones on eBay for around $3,000.
6. Triumph NT-9FP 2-Post Lift Bridge
This Triumph model is a two-post hoist that comes with two- and three-stage lift arms. It offers 72 inches of clearance, but if you don’t have that much space in your garage, you can customize this car lift by raising it to a height of your choosing.
This model gets high marks from Amazon customers, many of whom praise its reliability and affordable price. However, like the NSS-8, the NT-9FP is no longer available on Amazon. You could find one on sites like eBay for about $2,500 or so.
Car lifts are great for DIYers and car collectors. Finding the best car lift depends on your needs and the size of your garage.
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