What Styles Of Car Lifts Are There To Choose From? (honda mower parts)
No commentsBy Christine OKelly
Automotive lifts have been designed with a variety of uses in mind. Some car lifts are smaller and intended for smaller vehicles, making them ideal for small repairs and storage in home garages. Larger units designed for heavy-duty repairs have been created for professional garages and other applications where they are constantly in use. Here are a few models that you may be considering.
Post Model Car Lifts
Most commonly found in private shops, two-post automotive lifts deal with vehicles of several sizes and weights and only require a small amount of space. This version comes in two styles. An asymmetrical version has centered posts to provide access to the interior of the vehicle and is better for vehicles with heavier rear ends. Symmetrical two-post models stand opposite of each other and have stabilizer bars in the opposite direction. The vehicle’s weight is centered on the equipment.
Commonly found in showrooms and car shows, the four-post version is a better fit for heavy vehicles and storage. The additional posts on this style of lift add stability to the equipment. This style allows vehicles to be driven up onto it, which makes them very convenient to use in comparison to two-post styles.
Parallelogram Styles
Parallelogram or scissor automotive lifts are best known for their ability to make space under a vehicle in private workshops. They are also better suited for large framed vehicles like buses and delivery trucks. These benefits do come with a price, however. First, these models cost considerably more than four-post car lifts. They also require a large amount of space to use and are not recommended for storing vehicles.
Hydraulic Systems
This style is a favorite of many professional mechanics for the effort it takes out of the job. The hydraulics involves a series of liquids put under pressure by a set of pumps and cylinders. This version has increased security combined with the added convenience of use.
Most of these car lifts use a combination of electricity and hydraulics and are one of the most common lifts seen in auto shops because the power is used to run hydraulics. They are quick to raise and lower and have the power and stability needed for storage. Professional vehicle storage companies as well as mechanics use these systems on a constant basis.
In-Ground Styles And Mechanical Automotive Lists
Systems set in-ground are a favorite of big auto repair shops and other professionals who need space while working with these systems. Cars can stay on the lifts overnight if need be, and with the lift at ground level, it frees up as much space as possible. Commercial businesses also use these systems because they prevent having vehicles damaged due to of a lack of space. Unfortunately, this style of car lift also comes with a significant price tag to match.
Mechanical car lifts look very similar to the hydraulic style previously discussed minus the hydraulic systems. Instead of liquids, pumps, and cylinders, mechanical systems use screws, locks, bolts, and wrenches to suspend a vehicle. Because these units do not cost a whole lot more than hydraulic versions, these are a rare find in the automotive industry.
Auto Lifts For Specific Uses
Smaller shops that need to store more than one vehicle often utilize space saving automotive lifts. These will store one vehicle on the top and allow a second vehicle underneath with mere inches to spare. Since show floors and high-end car shows are all about looks, showcase lifts have a high aesthetic value. They are sturdy enough for storing vehicles, but have finishes and features that compliment the top end of the automotive market. Large commercial and showcasing units come in different styles to meet the needs of the event. Most commonly, these automotive lifts are seen at big auto dealers and professional car shows.
These are just some of the automotive lifts available to consumers. Certain versions have been designed specifically for storage while others were created with industrial work in mind. The smaller garages and automotive enthusiasts were not left out either. Car lifts have a variety of sizes, shapes, and mechanical actions to suit every purpose.
Christine O’Kelly writes for the automotive lifts manufacturer and distributor, SVI International. They carry a complete line of car lifts and lifts for heavy-duty equipment.
Buying a Used Car Online
By Jay Gaulard
There are a couple of major benefits to buying a used car online. You do not have to spend hours going from one dealership to another. Even better, you will not have to deal with overly pushy salespeople attempting to sell you more than you can logically afford. You can always look through your local newspaper’s online automotive classified website.
Tip #1 - Before Buying a Used Auto
Before buying a used car online, learn everything you can about what it should and could include. Learn about both standard and optional automotive equipment and the fair market value for the used car. Also, consider your budget. Knowing how much you have available before you start looking will help narrow down your choices. You will also be less tempted by an unaffordable auto.
Examine exactly why you want to buy a used car. The way you will use it can have a big impact on what type of auto you purchase. If you need an automotive for family outings or carpooling, a 2-seater sports car will not work.
Tip #2 - Questions to Ask Auto Seller
Ask the seller the following questions before buying an automotive online:
* Why are they selling the car? Beware if their reason seems unreasonable.
* Do you have service records? Having the service records will let you know what required services have and have not been completed. This will help you determine possible costs after you have purchased the auto.
* Is the title in the seller’s name? It can be difficult and time consuming to get the title changed from a previous owner. Another possibility is that you or the seller may be unable to locate the previous owner
* Are there any liens attached?
* Can I have an independent mechanic physically inspect the used car?
* Can I test drive the used car before buying it?
Tip #3 - Pictures of the Used Auto
Whenever possible, check out the used car in person. Otherwise, ask for pictures of the vehicle from every angle possible (inside and out), including the engine. Although not a sure-fire way to verify if the seller is being completely honest, this can help you to avoid some surprises. Even with pictures, you still need to be careful. Read over the original description of the used car and verify that it matches the one in the photo.
Tip #4 - CarFax Automotive Report
Ask the seller for the vehicle identification number, which you will need to run a CarFax report. This is a necessary step to protect you from fraud. A CarFax report will show you most major completed repairs and whether the car has been involved in an accident. If the report shows the vehicle has been in a bad accident, but the seller says the car is in tip-top shape, consider buying a different vehicle.
Tip #5 - Automotive Pricing
Before shelling out money or agreeing to a sales price, visit the Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds website to find the fair market value of the auto. Do this after you have seen pictures of the car so that you can be accurate about the car’s condition. Keep in mind that the sales price listed online probably does not include sales tax, registration, financing fees, or licensing and title fees.
Tip #6 - Where to Buy a Used Auto
You have several options regarding where to buy a used car online. Try looking through online automotive classified ads or on dealer websites. Another possibility is visiting online auto auction sites. Whichever way you choose, always follow the previously provided tips before making a purchase.
For many reasons, buying a car online can be much trickier than buying one in person. This is especially true when you decide to buy a non-local car, as you normally will not be able to see the car in person before you get it. Following the tips above can do away with many of the pitfalls.
Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of AutoLeeg, a popular car classifieds website.
Your Online Directory Of Honda Car Part Listings
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 6:35 pm and is filed under automotive. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
