Image source: pxfuel.com
So you’re sick of crawling around underneath your car, banging your head, and ruining perfectly good clothes just to change an oil filter. Ramps, car jacks, or axle stands aren’t exactly going to make your life any easier either.
What you really need is a full-on car hoist.
Whether you’re a vintage car enthusiast, serial car owner, or just passionate about doing your own repairs, a car hoist can change the way you live and work.
Here’s everything you need to know before you start clearing out your shed or garage.
Benefits of a car hoist
Aside from creating what feels like acres of extra space in your workshop, several benefits make a car hoist worth every cent:
- Increased safety when working under your car
- Easier to organise your workshop
- Increased storage room
- Transform your single bay garage into a double-bay carport
- Keep your pride and joy safe from fingerprints, or worse, scratches.
What should I consider before getting a car hoist?
Getting a car hoist is a big decision – and getting the right one is essential. Here are a few factors to think about before lunging for the checkbook.
What car are you lifting and why?
OK. Hoisting up your vintage Porsche 911 to complete a restoration job is different from hoisting up your Camry every time you need an oil change or a quick inspection. If you’re into restorations and need to store a car for longer periods, then you should consider a four-post lift. This is also great for anyone wanting to store their weekend car in a safe place while they use their everyday car to whizz around. However, if you’re a secret mechanic, and want superior access to the car’s underbelly – skip the hassle and get a 2 post hoist.
How high do you want to go?
Naturally, different car hoists have different lift heights. No matter what kind of car lift you choose, you’ll want to make sure you have sufficient shed height for car hoist clearance.
If you’re sure a car hoist won’t fit, don’t despair. There are plenty of avenues to alter your space, replace your shed, or compromise on hoist size.
Dimensions of your shed or garage
Likewise, it’s good to check that the car hoist you’re interested in actually fits inside your shed. Check that your shed or garage dimensions are suitable for the overall height, overall width of the hoist and that the vehicle that you intend to lift will also fit when raised to full height.
Concrete Slab
If you’re hoping to install a car hoist on an existing shed you must ensure your existing concrete slab is up to standard. A dodgy slab is a serious safety risk for you, your shed, car, and hoist. A minimum of 100mm concrete depth is recommended for existing slabs with hoists with up to 4.5-tonne capacity. If you’re building new – go for at least 120mm depth just to be sure.
Council approvals
Getting council approvals for some more heavy duty hoists can become a paperwork nightmare. But with the right shed builder on board, you can actually get all these boxes ticked without any trouble. With an experienced shed builder, they’ll have the experience in dealing with the council and know how to get it done quickly.
Haven’t got a shed yet? Contact your local shed builders and hoist specialists
Know you want to hoist your car but haven’t got the structure yet? That’s no worries at all.
You’re actually in a unique position where you can get your shed custom built to ensure the perfect space for a car hoist.
Get in contact with your local shed builder who knows how to design, approve, and construct your dream workshop – on your terms.
