Home Garage Car Lifts

We all know that car shops and professional mechanics have top of the line car lifting equipment. Along with this knowledge comes the fact that we cannot have these large devices in our own garages, due to their size and cost. So, what are the choices for the home gear head who needs to lift a car, and where can you get the equipment needed to lift your own car?

The Proper Car Lifting Equipment
There are several different methods that can be used to lift or elevate your car enough so that you can work on its undercarriage. The prices for these different types of car lifting tools and equipment vary depending on quality, name brand, and weight capacity.

Ramps for Lifting
The first type we'll speak of are ramps. Car ramps can be used to elevate the front end or back end of a vehicle. One ramp goes to each tire and they lift the car about 6" to 18" off the ground. They are reliable supports because the tires rest on them, making a slip or accident almost impossible.

Longer and more sturdy car ramps can be used for motorcycles and ATV's, and even full sized cars can be lifted up and onto flat beds where they can be transported without burning gas or adding mileage. The price for most car ramps range from $30 a set to $300 a set, depending on the size and strength you need.

Jacks and Stands
Car jacks and stands come in many different types and sizes for the home garage. The rolling floor jack is one of the most popular lifting tools in most home workshops. Most of the roll under typed of jack will lift cars that are 2-4 tons, depending on the rating of the jack. The advantage of using a stand as well as the jack is that once the car is lifted high enough, a car stand can be slid in place and cranked up to support the vehicle. This is excellent for rotating tires, or changing your car's fluids.

Where to get Home Car Lift
Most of the available car ramps, stands, or jacks, are available at countless big box stores, such as WalMart's Car Center, and especially at your local hardware store. The prices for ramps can be around the same price for a 2 ton jack; about $30-$40 USD. They're not expensive, they're effective, and you can keep them in small spaces in your shed or garage.