If you are considering a four-post lift for a home garage, there are a few things that you need to consider to make sure it's the right piece of machinery for you.
Many car lift companies, such as us, offer both four-post and two-post car lifts. One of the distinguishing differences in utility between these two systems is how much access they allow to the bottom of your car. With a four-post lift, you’ll only have easy access to the middle section of your vehicle's underside, while a two-post system will give you access to almost the entire bottom.
However, four post lifts have greater stability and are easier to move around if needed. As such, they are often chosen by those who wish to display their vehicles or simply need more storage space. If that is your primary use case, a four-post lift is right for you.
When considering the system, it’s essential to take into account its dimensions, particularly the fort post lift’s height. While you don’t necessarily need to raise your car to the greatest height, there is no getting around the posts' size, so take extra care when measuring your garage ceiling height for a four-post lift. Thanks to the inherent stability of having four posts, you don’t need to anchor the lift to your floor like you would a two-post setup. This means that nailing a four-post lift alignment isn’t as stressful. You’ll be able to move the lift around your garage as you please.
Picking a four-post lift with a weight capacity that can handle your vehicle is critical to achieving safe operation. Our lifts range from 7,000 pounds to 11,000 pounds on the Advantage SS-11000 WD. If you are unsure about what capacity you should be looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and we’ll point you in the right direction.
You can view our wide selection of four post lifts to find the one that fits your needs. If you need any advice about your potential lift, please contact our experienced team and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
]]>While two-post car lifts are perfect for those needing access to their car’s underside, some may be hesitant about their safety. When compared to a more-sturdy looking, but less accommodating, four-post system, a two-post system could seem less reliable. However, when opting for a high-quality two-post car lift, combined with some common-sense safety procedures, a two-post system can be handled safely.
Whether opting for a two-post or four-post system, without a high-quality purchase, you could have an accident waiting to happen. An object in charge of hoisting up thousands of pounds over your head may not be something you want to budget on.
Advantage two-post car lifts are made with the highest-quality steel, offering a weight capacity more than capable for your at-home project. We stand by our product and its quality, even offering an industry-leading 5-year warranty that beats all other car lift companies.
When operating a two-post system there are a few safety precautions to ensure a safe working environment. These practices involve everything from making sure that you aren’t lifting the vehicle with someone inside, to double-checking that your lifting arms are positioned properly under the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points.
Be cognizant of the lift’s weight capacity and take measures to ensure that your vehicle won’t be exceeding it. Additionally, be aware that while the arms do a great job of balancing the vehicle, if you remove a substantial amount of weight from one end of the vehicle, such as the transmission, there might be a slight change in its mid-point. As such, having a supplementary stand to hold the opposite ends of the vehicle can be a worthwhile precaution.
Advantage car lifts have a few two-post lift safety features of their own:
There is no need to choose a four-post system strictly for safety reasons. Our two-post systems offer great safety that can be just as good.
]]>There are multiple types of automotive lifts, the most common being the single-post, 2-post, and 4-post. Within this article, 2-post and 4-post lifts will be highlighted.
2-post lifts can be found in both commercial and residential garages, serving everyone from mechanics to at-home wrench turners. Holding up to 12,000 lbs., these lifts have many of the same capabilities as a 4-post lift. These lifts are mainly used to conduct repairs on vehicles, due to the ease of access to the undercarriage of the vehicle. 2-post lifts have two different style options, floor-plate or overhead.
The floor-plate model is the most common and can be installed in smaller-sized garages, making it perfect for lower ceiling heights. An overhead model tends to provide more height clearance than a floor-plate model, but requires a taller ceiling height. Both styles have the same lifting capacities, features and functionalities.
4-post lifts are the most common lift for the everyday homeowner and car enthusiast. With a weight capacity starting at 9,000 lbs., these lifts are perfect for both servicing and storing vehicles. Unlike the 2-post lifts, 4-post lifts have the capability to store vehicles long-term due to the vehicle being lifted by the tires versus the undercarriage.
Now that you are familiar with both the 2-post and 4-post lifts, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the best lift to suit your needs.
Knowing how much space each lift requires is important as both 2-post and 4-post lifts have different space specifications. As one would expect, a 2-post lift requires slightly less space, making them ideal for smaller garages. Always account for drive-thru and walkway clearance when measuring your space.
Vehicles are not made to be as light as a feather, which is why vehicle lifts have a weight capacity. If your vehicle were to exceed the weight capacity, the lift may not function properly, causing damage to both the lift and vehicle. 4-post lifts from Advantage Lifts start at a capacity of 9,000 lbs., holding most vehicles including SUVs and larger trucks. 2-post lifts can easily lift and hold the average car and smaller trucks but have a weight capacity of 10K or 12K lbs.
Going together with space requirements, ceiling heights are important as they ensure there is enough room to allow the lift to be properly installed and used. See the chart below for an idea of how much ceiling height you would need for specific lifts.
AL-SC10 - 12' min
AL-SF10 - 9'6" min
AL-12C - 12' min
AL-12F - 10'6" min
ML-2000 - 9'6" min
DX-9000-HD - 9' min
DX-9000-XLT - 10'6" min
SS-11000-WD - 10'6" min
Classic (B-4P7CL) - 9' min
Classic Extra Tall (B-4P7XT) - 10'6" min
Work Force (B-4P8WF) - 10'6" min
Boat Trailer Lift (B-4P8BT) - 10'6" min
Big Buddy (B-4P8BB) - 10'6" min
Wide Buddy (B-4P8WB) - 10'6" min
B-SXS-10000 - 10'6" min
High-quality lifts do not always have to be expensive. Pricing, however, will vary depending on the type of lift you choose. 2-post lifts from Advantage Lifts range from $3,000 to $6,000, including shipping and installation costs. 4-post lifts are slightly higher priced with a wide range of $5,000 to $12,000 with shipping and installation. Additional accessories can be bought to accommodate the 4-post lifts, for an additional rate.
When it comes to choosing a car lift, take the time to decide what your needs are and how Advantage Lifts can best suit them. Check out our website for more information on our lifts and reach out to one of our Lift Experts with questions at 763-300-5730.
]]>There are two different types of 2-post lifts, an overhead model and a floor-plate model. The main difference between these two models is that one has an overhead bar connecting the two posts, while the other has a plate running across the floor connecting the posts. This helps to stabilize the posts while in use.
Advantage 2-post lifts have two different lift capacities, 10,000 lbs. and 12,000 lbs. The 10,000 lb. capacity lift is made to lift the standard car and smaller trucks. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and work trucks can be lifted with the 12,000 lb. capacity lift. Both lift capacities are manufactured in both the overhead and floor-plate models.
All 2-post lifts are required to be anchored into the ground to ensure the safety and stability of the lift. Due to being anchored into the ground, the flooring needs to be made up of concrete that is free of debris and seams with little to no slope. If using a 10,000 lb. capacity lift, the depth of the concrete needs to be 4.5". The depth needs to be 5" if a 12,000 lb. capacity lift is being used. The required depths paired with the capability to withstand 3,500 psi helps to reduce the risk of lift failure.
The 2-post lifts from Advantage Lifts are meant to fit into the standard garage. The recommended garage bay size for a 2-post lift is 12' tall by 12' wide by 24' deep. Having a ceiling height of 12' assures an overhead model has enough clearance. If you have lower garage ceilings, then a floor-plate model will be the best option. Floor-plate models only require a ceiling height of 9.5', allowing full use and access just like an overhead model. The other parameters are to make sure there is enough room to move around the lift without collision, as well as to make sure larger vehicles can properly fit on the lift.
Each of the 2-post lifts from Advantage Lifts is symmetrical. This means that each arm on the lift is holding an equal amount of the vehicle. This ensures that the vehicle is centered. The only downside to this design is that the doors on the vehicle are unable to be opened widely when on the lift. Symmetrical lifts allow for greater drive-thru clearance and more space between the posts than an asymmetrical lift.
Advantage 2-post lifts are perfect for both commercial garages and the everyday car enthusiast. These lifts are affordable and even have additional financing options. We ship anywhere in the continental United States, making your lift accessible no matter where you are located. For more information on our 2-post lifts check out our product page or talk to one of our lift experts at 763-300-5730.
]]>At Advantage Lifts, our 2-post lifts are made to meet the needs of the everyday car owner. Requiring a minimum garage height of 10 feet for our floor-plate model and a minimum of 12.5 feet for the overhead model. Both models will need a garage bay sizing 12 feet wide and 24 feet deep. The standard home garage now becomes the perfect place to optimize space and to install our 2-post lifts.
Although smaller than the common 4-post lift, the Advantage 2-post lifts have many of the same capabilities. This includes a lifting capacity ranging from 10,000 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. 2-post lifts are great for providing maintenance on your vehicle without the backache.
Advantage Lifts provides quality lifts at an affordable rate. Starting as low as $3,500, you can own an Advantage 2-post lift. For a limited time only, Advantage Lifts is offering free shipping on select 2-post lifts. Paired with financing options, owning a 2-post lift from Advantage Lifts has become even affordable. A commitment such as this does not have to break the bank.
All of our Advantage 2-post lifts are in stock and available for purchase today! Check out the full list of our Advantage Lifts 2-post lifts below. Or you can call and speak to one of our experts at 763-300-5730.
]]>You love cars.
That’s why we both find ourselves in this very blog at this very moment.
Chances are, you’ve been searching the World Wide Web in order to find the best way to lift and store your cars.
You’ve likely considered storage sheds, storage units, vehicle covers, and other methods of storage — all to no avail.
Keeping your beloved cars off site simply won’t do. You need a reliable, simple, and efficient means for not just storing, but lifting your cars in your own garage.
Which brings us here.
In this blog, we’ll provide reasons why you should choose a 4-post car storage lift for your home. Not only do these hydraulic car storage lifts provide the structural support your vehicles need, but they are also easy to install, create more space in your garage, and ensure an even lift every time.
So, how can you lift and store your cars at home — without having to rent a space in a garage that is miles away?
Simple. Take a look at the Advantage car storage lifts we offer at ADVANTAGE LIFTS and shop today.
Lifting and storing your vehicles is really a simpler process than it sounds.
Once you find the car storage lift for your needs — whether it’s the Advantage 4-post lift with a 9,000-pound capacity, or the extremely heavy duty 10,000-pound capacity side-by-side lift — you can choose to install yourself with just a few simple steps.
All of the pertinent instructions are included in your lift; simply make sure you have ample space for installation and be sure to check for the following:
Sure, you could just park your cars in your garage. Sure, you could just blanket the cars in your driveway with a tarp or a specialized cover.
But only with a hydraulic car storage lift, like those you can find here at ADVANTAGE LIFTS, will you get the reliable means of storage and space-saving you really need.
Advantage 4-post lifts are easy to install, and more importantly easy to use, allowing you to protect your vehicles without worrying about wear, tear, or the elements.
Get the storage solutions you need today when you shop at ADVANTAGE LIFTS. It’s time to get lifted.
Easily one of the most significant questions you’ll have to ask yourself is how you plan to use the lift once it’s in your garage. Two of the most common uses of car lifts, are mechanic work and storage purposes. While there are lifts designed to take care of both, these two forms of use are very different from one another — proving just how essential it is that you understand your needs before committing to a lift.
While the designs are similar, they’re different enough that you can’t always use one model to suit the needs of the other.
The most significant differentiator regarding design between these two basic types of automotive lifts is that there are 2-posts or 4-posts. Which you choose will be determined by how you plan to use the lift. To better explain, 2-post lifts are going to lift the vehicle from the middle, while 4-post lifts will raise the car from the tires. Depending on your needs, one will likely work better than the other — so consider that before determining which of the two is going to be a better fit for you and your garage.
This may sound like common sense, but when it comes to automotive lifts, you want to understand the size of your garage. The lifts we offer, both with different usages, are require spacing consideration — and you’re going to want to be sure before you make that purchase.
In a standard garage, you’ll need to consider what other things you’re using your garage for. Are there other cars that will be parked in the garage? Will the setup of your garage remain functional if you install this automotive lift?
Know the height, width, and length of your garage so that you can be prepared to make any accommodations that may need to happen prior to the lift being installed.
Depending on the types of cars you’ll be lifting, you’re going to need a car lift that is designed to lift that weight. This may require some additional homework before your purchase, but it will ensure you’re making the right choice when selecting which car lift is the best for your needs.
If you’re not entirely sure which of the car lift is best for you or which best suits your needs, reach out to our team! We know it can be tough to differentiate between different models and we want to make sure you’re taken care of. Any questions or concerns that you have — let us know.
Whether we’re talking about your workshop or the storage space for your cars, one of the most important things you need is access to your tools. The best thing you can do to not only declutter your garage but to make working in it more enjoyable is to create a space strictly for tools.
By having all your tools in one spot that’s easy to access, you’re no longer fumbling over cords or equipment, and you can quickly find the pieces that you need to get straight to work.
No matter the size of your garage, storage is a must! There are so many new and improved storage opportunities to take advantage of in your garage, so why wouldn't you? Whether it’s for your tools, cleaning supplies, or to keep things organized, there’s something out there to make use of.
For example, there are ceiling storage systems that have been installed in hundreds of garages, freeing up so much workspace. If you’re storing your car in a garage that holds more than car equipment and supplies, then this is a must! Label the bottom of the tub so that you know what each one has in it, and now you’ve got a nice clean garage to enjoy your car in. You won’t regret implementing this type of storage system.
If you have a workshop where you’re using a lot of the equipment, there are still storage opportunities to take advantage of! Tool boxes make it easy to store your equipment while also freeing up space.
The space that you have in your garage is already likely broken up into “zones.” When we say zones, we mean specific areas created for particular tasks. If you are cleaning up a garage that’s less centered around mechanics and more about the storage of your car, there are plenty of zones you can create.
Having a zone for cleaning supplies, a zone for tools and a zone for accessories makes it easy to find what you need, when you need it. Not only will this make it easier to find items in your garage, but it will also make it much easier to get work done.
Advantage Lifts has built a few different lifts to help you make the most of the space in your garage. Whether you need the equipment to help get work done on cars, or you’re solely in need of storage space for additional vehicles - we’ve got you covered. Browse the selection of products we offer and reach out to us with any questions you have. We offer shipping and installation to make the job as easy as possible, leaving you to enjoy the result of your “new garage”.
Organizing your garage is something that will take some time initially, but in the long run, you’ll be glad you spent the time creating that space so you have more room to enjoy the cars you’re working on! Reach out to Advantage Lifts with any questions regarding sizing and check out our blog space for additional posts.
As soon as your lift has been delivered, assembled, and installed, it’s time to inspect this heavy duty piece of machinery to make sure that everything is in working order.
The last thing you want is to have your car fall off the lift, risking damage to the car itself, your garage floor, and even yourself.
An automotive lift inspection should cover all of the necessary components of your lift, including:
However, there are a few more safety guidelines to go over, as highlighted by the ALI.
When using and operating your lift, both ADVANTAGE LIFTS and the ALI recommend that you follow all of the manufacturer’s information to ensure that you are properly and safely using your lift at all times.
Some additional recommended safety precautions include:
We have the experience, know-how, and customer service you can count on for any automotive lift situation. Looking for the best car storage lifts for your home?
Vehicles require hefty investments of both time and money. That’s why we say that car lovers of any type — whether you just bought a new sedan, or you’ve been restoring a classic hot rod in your spare time — can benefit from an automotive lift.
Rather than worrying about having your cars parked out in the street, car lifts ensure that your investments are secure and safe in your own garage. Not to mention, this saves you money on storage units and even further maintenance.
Have a one-car garage but two cars to store? Not a problem. With an automotive lift, you can use the vertical space at your disposal to create more room on the ground.
All you have to do is store one vehicle on your car lift and park the other one right underneath. All of a sudden, you have twice the parking capacity!
Are you tired of crawling on your hands, knees, and back just to get a look underneath your prized vehicles? A car lift makes maintenance, care, and service a whole lot easier.
For those who are a little more hands-on with their car maintenance, a car lift makes life that much better. Car lifts are built not just with your vehicle’s safety in mind, but yours as well. Safely and securely raise and lower your vehicle to the proper height and perform whatever services you need — all without jacks or dirty backs!
Sure, it’s called a “car lift,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not a versatile piece of equipment. Automotive lifts like the ones we have for sale at ADVANTAGE Lift Sales are versatile, durable, and downright reliable.
When it comes to storing any mode of transportation — whether it’s your collector Porsche, a hot rod, a family sedan, a full-sized truck, or even a boat — you can bet that our garage automotive lifts are right for the job.
Are you ready to get lifted? Visit ADVANTAGE Lift Sales today to see why ours are the best garage auto lifts that you can find in the United States.
That unbearably bright and flickering garage light awkwardly placed in the center of the ceiling leaves much to be desired when you’re trying to work on your ride. This is our recommendation for the first item to tackle in your garage renovation process, as it will be one of the most beneficial for working on your cars as well as completing the rest of the necessary steps for setting up your auto workshop.
When it comes to garage lighting, you want lights that will:
Well-placed ceiling and front-wall fluorescent light fixtures are proven easy solutions for replacing lackluster lights.
Not a fan of installing new garage lighting? Consider investing in a few high-beam portable work lights instead. These can be moved around the car as you work and be conveniently stored when not needed.
Yet another plausible alternative lighting option is to buy a photographer’s studio floodlight with a clamp or tripod for a quick, quality light solution at an affordable price.
One of the most aggravating aspects about working on a car in your garage is the mess it can leave behind — oil, grease, and other car fluids can leave ugly stains that can easily become permanent on a standard concrete floor.
Those of you who are, or aspire to be, extreme car aficionados will find customized garage floor tiles to be very worthwhile. Used by professional shops and racing teams, these garage tiles like RaceDeck can be easily installed —locking together like puzzle pieces and providing much more durability than your typical garage floor.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option for your auto workshop, a two-part epoxy coating will also suffice — resisting stains from grease, dirt, and oils and providing sufficient grip for safety.
When it comes to keeping a garage workshop efficient for working on projects as well as safe, wall mounts are vital. Investing in a wall-mounted Slatwall allows you to maximize your space in your garage and avoid digging around on the floor for hours looking for that one tool that you need. Everything you need for your mechanical projects will be at arm’s reach instead of scattered throughout the garage in various drawers and toolboxes. It is also worth incorporating a power tool charging station on your wall as well in order to avoid searching around the garage for an open electrical outlet.
For a less expensive alternative to Slatwall, you can simply mount pegboard to get the same functionality for your walls.
When you’re transforming your garage into a workshop for your car — or cars, if you’re lucky — we’ve already noted the importance of storage space for your many tools. But what about adequate workspace for when you need to use those tools?
Building a workbench is incredibly easy as well as exciting, as you get to custom design your own home office in a sense. You can make yours as simple or complex as you desire — either nailing together a few pieces of two-by-fours and plywood or diving deeper and incorporating shelving and foldable extensions.
A garage sink is a must-have for any grease-monkeys as it will not only save you tons of valuable time but will also save you from tons of arguments about you leaving a trail of hand and footprints through the clean house. It will also save you from compiling such a mess while working on your hot rod when you can wash your hands and tools off between uses.
Lastly, but most important of all in our minds, having a high-quality car lift for your residential garage is the ultimate factor for turning your home garage into an auto shop.
Nothing allows for more accessibility and room in your garage than being able to free up the floor space previously reserved for your vehicles. Utilizing the space above your head in the garage allows your maintenance and repairs to be much less hassle when you can easily sit or stand underneath your vehicle as you tinker with it.
No matter what size your residential garage may be, here at ADVANTAGE LIFTS, we’re certain we have a car lift that is perfect for your needs. We carry top-of-the-line Advantage lifts in every size — from portable 2-post lifts to heavy-duty 4-post lifts. Advantage car lifts are some of the most highly sought-after auto lifts for both home and commercial garages.
View all of our car lifts and other garage equipment to take your auto workshop to the next level.
Simply put, our auto lifts provide the best way to work on and store your cars. Stop wasting money on storage units, garage overhauls, and constant repairs. Instead, get your own residential garage car lift online today.
It’s time to discover a better solution. It’s time to get lifted with ADVANTAGE LIFTS!
The car lifts that are made, shipped and installed by Advantage Lifts are all similar in one way: quality. While we ensure that all lifts are crafted equally, most lifts are not created with the same purpose. If you’re currently shopping for a lift and curious as to which lift option is right for you, today’s blog post is going to be extremely helpful. We will give you a breakdown of the main features of each lift version so you can get a clear idea as to whether or not that post configuration will be a good fit for you and your needs.
One of the reasons people invest in a car lift is to work on their vehicle. Car lifts make it easy to get into some of those harder to reach places, remove and install parts, and get a full view of the car. If you’ve been working on your car directly in the garage, then you’ll immediately notice the value of an investment like this.
If this is your primary need, then you’re going to have a relatively easy decision to make. Two car posts are designed specifically for people that are looking to work on their cars. The design of this automotive lift is entirely so that the bottom of the car is easily accessible. This lift will pick your car up from the middle rather than the from the four tires. It’s good for shorter periods of time where the car is worked on, rather than long periods where the car will be lifted above other items or cars.
The other common reason people add a car lift to their home garage is to make storing additional cars easier. When you have more than one car you’re storing in a space, or you’re trying to make the most of the space you have, then a 4-post car lift is going to be the answer.
4-post car lifts may seem like they would only eat up more space, but these car lifts will double the amount of storage space. With these lifts you can easily park your cars one above the other doubling your garage space.
Depending on how permanent the space that you have is, you may need to consider whether you’re able to anchor your lift permanently. Given that 4-posts lifts are most used for storage and have more balance when lifting vehicles due to their 4-posts, they aren’t always required to be anchored down.
2-post automotive lifts, on the other hand, must be anchored down every time. Since 2-post lifts, raise from the middle of the car, they require anchored security to ensure they don’t move.
Consider how much space you have in the garage you’ll be installing this in. A 4-post lift takes up more space than a 2-post lift. Before you commit to either lift, it’s necessary that you get measurements of the space and figure out just how much room you have available.
If you provide us with the measurements of the garage, we can tell you whether there will be enough room to have the lift installed.
Depending on your needs, you might need both types of lifts. This isn’t as uncommon as many people believe. In fact, most automotive shops have both types of lifts so they can both work on vehicles while also using an automotive lift to store cars in the shop and optimize the space available.
If you’re trying to figure out the best way to place both lifts in your shop, we can help. Allow for us to help with sizing and fitting options so we can ensure these lifts help you make the most of the space in your shop.
The differences between these two car lifts are significant, even though the purposes may seem similar enough. We’ve listed various reasons that they’re different in this blog post, but there are still more ways that the lift you choose will differ in usage.
Advantage Lifts strives to provide not only the highest quality lifts but also the highest quality of customer service. If you’re still not sure which lift is the best fit for you, reach out to us and ask any questions you have. From beginning to end, our team will be there to make your investment in a car lift, hassle-free.
Thank you for stopping by our blog, make sure to keep an eye out for further posts in the future.
As with any car, having the oil changed routinely is an absolute must. When it comes to classic cars, the oil that’s fueling them needs to be fresh, and the filter needs to be changed regularly. It’s common for old oil to sit stagnant in classic cars, and whether it’s a low level of oil or it’s just old oil, this lack of care is doing damage to the car.
Even if the car isn’t being driven day to day, which most classic cars are not, do your best to recall when the last oil change was and how many miles you’ve put on the car since it was changed. This shouldn’t be any more difficult than getting your everyday car’s oil changed; the only challenge is remembering how fresh the oil in the car is.
Another fluid that you’re going to want to stay on top of will be transmission fluid. This doesn’t happen as often as the oil, but it’s still important to be on top of when the transmission fluid should be checked. For most newer cars, this is a fluid that needs to be checked each time the car is serviced, but when we’re talking about classic cars — well, this change needs to happen more frequently.
We’ve talked a bit about how you can ensure the engine of your car works fine, but we all know that’s not the only part of a classic car that needs to be considered. The exterior of the vehicle, for many, is what sparks that passion for classic cars. Taking good care of the exterior of your classic car comes down to the time that you spend on it.
Waxing is one of the most essential pieces of care you’ll need to do for your car. It takes time, but it leaves the coat on your vehicle looking bright, shiny and brand new. You should wax your car every six months, at least. This should be plenty to keep the exterior of your car looking in optimal condition! Make sure that you’re investing in a high-quality wax so that you can feel confident in the results that they’ll provide.
A big reason that the care you do is important is it’s necessary for the functionality of the car. If you want a car you can look at and enjoy, then this isn’t going to be nearly as important. However, if you’re looking for a vehicle that you can enjoy a ride in occasionally, then this is going to be a routine piece of care that you need to complete.
Packing wheel bearings isn’t a quick task to do, by any means. One thing you’ll notice by doing this routinely, however, is that you’ll save a lot of money in the long road when it comes to repairs. We suggest doing this every few months, given classic cars are going to come with some years on them.
One of the best things you can do for your car is educate yourself on the needs of that make and model, specific to the year it was made. Being a classic car enthusiast is a fantastic passion to have — but it’s certainly not easy. The more you work on your car, especially if you want to take good care of it, the more you’ll realize just how much research and self-educating you’ll be doing to provide your car with everything that it needs.
By gaining an understanding of what your car needs, you begin to know firsthand when it’s time to change fluids, when it’s running just a little bit differently than it usually does, and when there are issues with the engine. This will all take some time, of course, but in the end, you’ll be the best resource that you have available.
While these tips play a big part in the care of your vehicle, one of the things that has the most significant impact on the well-being of your vehicle will be how you store it. If you have multiple cars in a garage, you want to make sure that each has enough room to sit comfortably.
Adding one of our 4-post car lifts can optimize the space in your garage and make sure each vehicle is taken care of. These posts will lift them on their wheels, so you don’t have to worry about any damage happening to the undercarriage of your classic car or any damage to the exterior. It’s the best way to store your classic car!
There are still plenty of other things you’ll need to work on to keep your car in quality condition, but these are some of the biggest points you’ll need to pay attention to.
The team at Advantage Lifts loves classic cars. We love the piece of history that is coming back to life in these vehicles and the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into getting them up and running. For that reason, we take our 4-post storage lifts very seriously. If you have any questions regarding the lift, how they work or need assistance with sizing — reach out to us! You can count on us providing an answer and finding the lift that best suits you.
Make sure to check out the other blogs we’ve posted, and thanks for stopping by to check our lifts out.
The first thing you need to decide is what type of shop you’ll be. If you’re planning on just focusing on general repairs, there’s not much you need to worry about. However, if you want to choose a specialty service area, you may need specific certifications depending on that specialization. Whether you’re focusing on a specific type of vehicle or a specific brand, the requirements may change, so it’s important to make this decision early.
As with any type of business, it’s vital that you research the amount of capital you’ll need to get off the ground. Experts say that you can expect to shell out around $47,000 to get the basics up and running before doors open, and an estimated $100,000 or more over the course of your first year of operation. This will include but is not limited to, building rental, payroll, equipment, and insurance. Whether you go through a bank to secure a business loan or receive support from investors, you’ll need a detailed business plan in hand before you get started.
Another big decision you need to make is whether or not you want to pursue a franchise opportunity. When you go with a franchise location, you get a bit of a jumpstart on your business, as franchises carry name recognition and built-in marketing, which makes it a bit easier to get going. However, a franchise will require you to give up a not-insignificant portion of your profits in exchange for this head start. If this is your first attempt at running your own business, starting off with a franchise might be your best bet, as it will give you a chance to learn the ropes while taking a smaller risk. Then, once you feel like you have your bearings, you can branch out on your own after establishing your own customer base.
Unless you’re planning on running a one-person operation, you’re going to need employees you can depend on. This covers everyone from the person working the front desk greeting customers to the mechanics and specialists working in the garage. Start interviewing early to find workers with the credentials you’re looking for to ensure you have the foundation your shop needs to be successful. After all, any business is only as good as the people who are operating it. Subpar work will push customers away and cause your business to struggle to survive. On the flip side, excellent work will create loyalty and customers will be excited to tell others about their experience.
Regardless of if you choose to franchise or build your own business, you’ll need to have a plan for how to market your auto repair services. While a franchise will carry its own built-in marketing from name recognition and other avenues such as TV or radio commercials, you’ll still need to make your own mark as a way to reach out to your community specifically. Mix together a blend of traditional marketing (TV, radio, newspaper, etc.) and modern methods (Google Adwords, strong website, social media, etc.) to reach your audience. Study up on how to utilize SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to bring eyes to your shop and services. It’s also a good idea to plan a loyalty program early on to establish
a customer base that returns to you when they need repairs or services.
While it may not be a requirement to run your own auto repair shop, something that can instill trust in potential customers is with an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification hanging on your wall. Not only will that show you’re trustworthy, it will also help you secure financing from a bank or private investor because they’ll see you aren’t a fly-by-night operation. ASE testing requires a combination of two years of education and work experience, along with a minimum of one year experience working in automotive repair. There are also multiple specializations offered for certification that can further bolster your
credentials which are worth considering.
With so many people relying on their vehicles to take care of their daily tasks, there will always be a need for dependable auto repair services. Keep these tips in mind as you set out to start your own auto repair shop and call ADVANTAGE LIFTS when you need to get your auto lifts for your shop. When your lift needs a lift, we’ve got you covered!
]]>It was long said that your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, but with newer cars that may not necessarily be the case. However, that doesn’t mean oil changes should be put off excessively. It’s important to follow your car’s manufacturer recommendations regarding how often the oil should be changed, especially if your vehicle doesn’t have an oil light in the dash. Don’t go more than 8,000-10,000 miles before changing your oil, because bad oil will cause engine damage that will be very expensive to fix. It’s also important that you use the right weight and type of oil for your vehicle.
There’s a reason cars have warning lights, so ignoring them doesn’t do you any good. If your Check Engine Light or any other warning light turns on, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Something that could be as inexpensive as $20 to fix could grow into a $2,000 problem if you procrastinate getting it looked at. Being proactive when it comes to your car will save you money in the long run, so it’s not worth it to ignore something like this.
While you might think the only reason you need to check your tire pressure is to avoid a flat, there’s more to it than that. In fact, underinflated and overinflated tires hugely impact your car’s gas mileage. You can find a pressure gauge at auto part stores for a few bucks, so it’s a good idea to have one in your glove box to check it every few times you fill up your tank. Another piece of tire maintenance that is often overlooked is the need to rotate your tires regularly. Rotating your tires is vital to avoid wearing the treads down too quickly and unevenly. Tire rotation will help your tires last longer, which means you won’t have to worry about buying replacements for a while. While it depends on your car model, it is recommended you rotate your tires every six months or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
Your brakes are one of the most vital parts of your car. Not only do they keep you safe, they also keep others around you safe as well. That means that replacing your brake pads regularly is not something you should ignore. It will ensure your car is safe to operate while preventing undue damage to your brake rotors. If you hear a loud, screeching noise when you come around a corner or you feel a grinding when you push down on your brake pedal, it’s time to take your car to the shop.
Your car requires a few different fluids along with your oil in order to operate properly. Brake fluid, antifreeze, and transmission fluid should all be checked, refilled, and replaced on a regular schedule to keep your car running smoothly. If you don’t do this on a regular basis, it will end up damaging the components in your car, many of which are very expensive to repair or replace. As with most maintenance, an inexpensive preventative measure will end up saving you money in the long run.
Air and fuel filters are another important piece of your car’s inner workings. If they get too dirty, it can result in more problems down the line. Luckily, they’re both pretty inexpensive to replace. If you put off replacing them when they’re too dirty, it can damage components in your car, including your catalytic converter. If that is damaged it can cost nearly $1,000 to repair or replace it. Staying on top of your car’s maintenance will ensure it runs well for longer while also saving you money. It’s important for you to keep these tips in mind to avoid potential disaster. Whether you’re a classic car collector or a professional mechanic, an auto lift can help you out a lot. Call ADVANTAGE LIFTS today to learn more.
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