A New Direction in Automotive Lifts

June 12th, 2010

Innovation in the automotive lift service department is driving time savings, improved efficiency and resource savings for dealerships looking to speed vehicle check-in, improve technician performance and reduce waste.

These new technologies in automotive lifts range far and wide. Among others, they include laptop and notebooks service advisor tools that improve walk-around results while getting customers in and out of the write-up process faster, connectivity tools that assist technicians in their problem diagnosis and resolution, and automotive lift systems using non-hazardous hydraulic oils for their operation.

On of the newest technologies for the service department is an inground automotive lift using water (instead of petroleum or vegetable-based hydraulic oils) and compressed air (rather than electric motors to raise and lower the unit.

The new type of automobile lift system has been in operation in a number of dealership service departments for several months. It also has been accepted by a number of OEMs, including Ford Motor Company, which offers it to its dealers through the Ford Rotunda program, Fords OE equipment and tool program.

“There has been no new significant technology in lifts for the last 10 years or so, but Challenger Lifts, with this new AquaVantage model, has changed the true guts of lifts,” says Nick Zala, vice president of OEM Sales for Integrated Supply Network, administrators of the Rotunda program for Ford Motor Company.

Because these lifts use corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum pistons, waterusually unwelcome in a vehicle service environmentpresents no concerns about rust in the unit or its impact on internal components.

For the complete article or to learn more about AquaVantage Technology, please visit Challenger Lifts.

A Guide To Choosing Automotive Lifts

June 9th, 2010

One of the most important tools in an automotive repair shop is the auto lift. Providing access to the under belly of a car or truck, automotive lifts make the job of car repair much easier for the home garage or auto shop. Choosing a lift that meets your needs is the key to profitability in time and money. There is a large variety of lift types available to meet the needs of anyone who is looking to purchase one. Keep the following in mind when choosing the best automotive lift for you.


Auto Lifts For The Home User


Consumers with a garage at home can now easily perform maintenance and repairs on the undercarriage of their automobiles. The convenience of owning a home auto lift not only increases the productivity of repairs, but also increases the amount of storage space available. Home automotive lifts usually involve a group of four posts, pneumatically controlled to lift an automobile safely.


These lifts provide a safe means to raise one’s vehicle for access to the car’s undercarriage for transmission and oil work. Automotive lifts also provide increased storage space, by allowing the consumer to lift their car out of the way and to open up the garage floor space. Lesser used vehicles and box storage can be placed on the lift and raised out of the way. Then, you can park your own vehicle underneath the lifted platform.


Automotive lifts are great for people who collect cars. A typical garage can only house two cars, but with use of a lift, four cars can be efficiently parked.


Auto Shop Automotive Lifts – Features To Consider


For more serious garages and commercial operations, there are heavy-duty automotive lifts available. Standard equipment usually involves one, two, or four post lifts. The final choice involves the balance of lift capability, lift stability, and available additional space for the lift equipment. These heavier lifts usually require additional maintenance. The industrial nature of these auto lifts means that their maintenance is better left to professionals if the user has any doubt about being able to work the equipment while maintaining the designed safety features.


One post lifts are the most economical in terms of space. The two varieties of one post lifts are centered lifts and offset lifts. Centered one post auto lifts have a lot more strength than offset one post auto lifts. Offset lifts provide space for a vehicle to be placed underneath a lifted object, providing space economy. Four post models also allow for the same space saving capabilities as a single post model, but they do require more space and power. The upside to a four post lift is a greatly increased power output (four times that of a single post). The two post model is a balance between the two versions.


Auto lifts give a home user full access to their vehicle from different sides. This allows you to perform maintenance and repairs on your vehicle from the comfort of home, saving you both time and money.