Garage clutter is the most significant issue that keeps homeowners from parking in their garages. However, another reason is that they are able to park more vehicles for family members than the garage spaces.
The regular “vehicle shuffling” for families in the event of a shortage of parking spaces is a hassle.
In other cases it could be that you own an unoccupied vehicle for a season that is occupying one of your garage’s parking spaces for months at a stretch even if you’re not using it.
If the cost of yearly remote vehicle storage or the expense of a garage expansion options that you are interested in having a lift for your car at home is a fantastic solution to ease parking challenges.
What’s the most effective garage lift for your car?
If you’re studying the different kinds of garage car lifts that are available for sale There are three types of garage car lifts:
4 post car lift
2 post car lift
scissor car lift
Scissor lifts aren’t an ideal garage parking option since they aren’t able to be parked underneath them. They typically also have lower capacities for lifting, and are appropriate for lifting vehicles temporarily for maintenance purposes, but and not for long-term vehicle storage.
This leaves two well-known home car lifts that are 4 post and the two post car lift. The 4 post car lift vs. 2 post car lift debate could be a bit complicated, and we’re here to help simplify some things.
Here are seven crucial things to take into consideration in deciding which home car lift is well for you and your family’s requirements.
1. Parking at home
For many who are considering buying car lifts to your garage possibility to provide more parking space is the only thing they’re looking for.
Possibility of parking your vehicle beneath another elevated by the car lift is a tempting idea for anyone who is who is tired of having more cars than their garage can hold.
If you are looking to use it for this purpose for this type of usage, a lift with 4 posts is the best option. Nearly all four post lifts are made specifically for this use however only a few 2 post models are suitable for use for parking lifts.
The support posts of the lift with two posts are located in the area in the area where it is the car that’s lifted. It is more difficult to open the doors and to get into and out of the vehicle that’s parked beneath two car lifts.
Since the lift’s 4 posts are situated on the four corners of the vehicle that is parked under the lift side obstructions aren’t an issue.
The advantage of having four post lifts for cars versus 2 post lifts is that it’s much easier to get into and out of your vehicle parking under the lift.
2. The convenience and user-friendliness
2-post lifts for cars are two-post car lifts are a “frame engaging” kind of lift that utilizes two steel arms to help support an entire car.
The downside of two post lifts is that they have less margin for error in employing them correctly. It is essential to identify the correct lifting points that can differ between vehicles. In essence, two-post car lifts need greater care and attention when you use these lifts.
The ease of use and convenience are two aspects to consider in the 4 post lift and. post lift comparison. The first is definitely the better choice.
No matter what, every car lift needs users to be cautious when using it. A car lift with four posts is, however, basically requires that you drive your vehicle on the lift platform.
All four of the wheels support your weight of your vehicle it’s easy to avoid any guesswork or more time spent to make sure your vehicle is properly aligned to safely lift it.
3. Security concerns
If you don’t have one having an auto lift may be a bit intimidating. Cars weigh thousands of pounds and it’s normal to feel somewhat nervous when to park a car that is expensive above an expensive car.
Finding the correct lifting locations when using two-post lifts is crucial to safely store your vehicle. In the event that you do not, you’ll have a vehicle that is hoisted with an uneven center of gravity, which can increase the chance of a vehicle colliding.
It doesn’t take an expert in physics to realize that a car lift with more posts than two post lifts will provide greater stability.
This aspect, as well as the simplicity of the lift with four posts, is one of the reasons they’re the most popular choice for certain homeowners. They simply provide them with greater security. Four post lifts are thought to be a safer choice for larger vehicles as well as for storage that is long-term.
Every car lift produced by a reputable company should conform to the most stringent safety standards, have ALI certification and installed by an expert. Maintenance of your car lift is equally important.
Every 2 or 4 post car lift must include a safety lock, and possibly the hydraulic flow limiter feature. All 4 post lifts also have rear and front wheel chocks to prevent vehicles from crashing off the rear or front of the platform.
4. Garage space is occupied in the case of the vehicle lift
The 4 post car lifts as well as 2 post lifts make use of the vertical space available within your garage. You’ll need to be sure that there’s plenty of clearance overhead space in your garage in order for your car lift to work effectively.
It is important to take factors such as the position of the garage door opener the height of how the garage doors are opened and the location of lighting and storage racks into consideration. High lift convert can be a way of creating more space to allow a vehicle lift be put in.
If you’re looking at 4 post car lifts vs 2-post lift cons and pros it’s true that the 2 post lift will take up less space in garages. If you’re working with less space in your garage or have a lower budget this could be the only choice.
If your budget and space available within your garage isn’t a problem However, you’ll be satisfied with the benefits the car lift that has four posts provides.
5. Installation process is easy
Since safety is of the utmost importance when operating an automobile lift, installing one is not an amateur project unless you are sure of the ropes.
Car lifts can be difficult to install due to their size (a typical four-post car lift weighs between 1,800-2,500 pounds).
A reputable car lift installer can inspect the garage floor to ensure the concrete is sturdy enough to support the huge weight it will have to support. A concrete slab of that is 4-5 inches thick is usually suggested.
All car lifts with 2 posts require anchoring and the installer needs to consider the state of the floor and the exact location of seams and cracks in the floor before installing anchors. Due to their greater stability, the majority of 4 post lifts do not require anchors.
It’s also essential to know the rules of the game when it concerns the electrical wiring for the installation of a car lift. A lot of car lifts have an 110V motor which can be used effortlessly with electrical systems found in the majority of garages.
Some car lifts use a 220V motor, however. For these models of lifts you’ll probably need an electrician to modify the electrical system in your garage to accommodate high voltage.
6. Extra car lift functionality
For some, having extra storage space for their car could be an additional consideration to having a car lift to perform repairs to their cars.
25% of homeowners who were surveyed in the Wall Street Journal survey used garages to maintain their vehicles.
There’s a wide range of opinions in regards to the car lift with 4 posts vs 2 lift debate on which is the better option to use as a home service lift.
Many auto enthusiasts believe that a two-post lift is more effective due to the greater access it grants to the wheels and other places on the underside of a car when it’s lifted.
Car lifts with 4 posts could counter this argument by claiming they can utilize the Jack tray attachment to lift the vehicle off of the platform to complete these tasks.
In terms of the versatility of a lift, a four post lift offers greater storage options. With the correct vehicle lift, heavy items such as a motorcycle or riding lawn mower or snowblower could be tucked away in the car lift.
Another advantage of a lift with four posts for some is the fact that the lift is able to be moved within their garage should they require. In contrast to an anchor-anchored 2 post car lift the 4 post lift is able to have some mobility thanks to the help of a caster kit which permits the lift to move around.
7. Cost
Due to their lower capacities for lifting and the amount of materials employed for their construction two post lifts are less expensive than 4 post lifts.
Remember a few points in mind while setting the budget for your car lift
Do your research and select an established, trustworthy car lift manufacturer
lower-cost car lift brands may not be able to meet the more stringent safety standards of a reputable lift manufacturer.
the cost on a four post car lift could be worth it due to the additional convenience and flexibility.
Cheap car lifts may take longer to lift or lower your car, and also operate more loudly when doing the same
the car you’ll lift will influence the cost you’ll be charged for a lift
Whatever kind of lift you choose to purchase take note of the amount you’ll save If you’ve been paying each year on the storage of your vehicle from a distance.
It also offers a greater level of convenience as well as assurance that comes with having your vehicle stored during the winter months within your home.
Consider how much it will cost to install a car lift , compared to the chaotic garage renovation.