🚚 FREE SHIPPING on orders over $99!
Call Us

Your cart!

Your cart is empty

Add items to get started

BuyCarLift - FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our automotive lifts, equipment, and services

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our team or call (770) 282-7897

Choosing the Right Lift

What capacity lift do I need for my vehicles?

The lift capacity you need depends on the heaviest vehicle you plan to service. Here's a general guide:

  • 9,000 - 10,000 lbs: Most sedans, coupes, and light vehicles
  • 10,000 - 11,000 lbs: SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks (most versatile)
  • 12,000+ lbs: Heavy trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles

Pro Tip: Always choose a lift rated at least 20% above your heaviest vehicle's curb weight to account for additional tools, parts, and safety margin.

What's the difference between two-post and four-post lifts?

Two-Post Lifts:

  • Best for general service and repair work
  • Provides easy access to wheels and suspension
  • Requires floor anchoring
  • More compact footprint
  • Available in symmetric and asymmetric designs

Four-Post Lifts:

  • Ideal for vehicle storage and long-term parking
  • Drive-on design - no lifting points needed
  • Can be portable (no anchoring required on some models)
  • Great for oil changes and undercarriage work
  • Can add rolling jacks for wheel service
Do I have enough ceiling height for a lift?

Ceiling height requirements vary by lift type:

  • Two-Post Lifts: Typically need 11-12 feet minimum ceiling height
  • Four-Post Lifts: Usually require 10-11 feet minimum
  • Single-Post Lifts: Most compact, often work with 9-10 feet

Always check the specific product specifications for exact requirements. Measure from floor to the lowest obstruction (joists, lights, garage door tracks, etc.).

What is ALI certification and why does it matter?

ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certification means the lift has been independently tested and meets strict safety standards established by ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

Why it matters:

  • Ensures the lift meets rigorous safety requirements
  • May be required for commercial shops and insurance purposes
  • Provides peace of mind that the lift is properly engineered
  • Often required by OSHA for workplace safety compliance

All our commercial-grade lifts carry ALI certification.

Can I use a car lift in my home garage?

Absolutely! Many of our lifts are perfect for home garages. Here's what to consider:

  • Concrete thickness: Minimum 4 inches thick (6 inches recommended for two-post lifts)
  • Concrete strength: 3,000 PSI minimum
  • Space requirements: Check lift footprint vs. your garage dimensions
  • Power supply: Most lifts require 220V single-phase power
  • Local permits: Some areas require permits for lift installation

Four-post lifts are often the easiest for home installations as many don't require floor anchoring.

Ordering & Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept the following payment methods:

  • All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • Debit cards
  • PayPal
  • Wire transfers for large orders
  • Financing options available (apply online)

For business orders, we also offer Net 30 terms for qualified customers.

Do you offer financing options?

Yes! We offer several financing options to make your purchase more affordable:

  • 0% financing available on qualifying purchases
  • Extended payment plans up to 36 months
  • Quick online application with instant approval
  • Special financing for commercial customers

Contact us at (770) 282-7897 to discuss financing options for your purchase.

Can I cancel or modify my order?

Orders can be canceled or modified within 24 hours of placement at no charge. After 24 hours, your order may have already begun processing.

To cancel or modify an order:

Once shipped, standard return policies apply (see Shipping & Returns section).

Do you offer bulk or fleet pricing?

Yes! We offer special pricing for:

  • Multiple lift purchases
  • Auto dealerships and service centers
  • Government and municipal contracts
  • Educational institutions
  • Fleet management companies

Contact our commercial sales team at (770) 282-7897 for a custom quote.

Shipping & Delivery

How much does shipping cost?

Free shipping on orders over $99!

For larger items like car lifts and excavators:

  • Most lifts ship via freight at competitive rates
  • Shipping costs vary by size, weight, and destination
  • Exact shipping costs shown during checkout
  • Free freight shipping on select promotional items

We work with trusted carriers to get you the best rates. Contact us for a shipping quote on large equipment.

How long does shipping take?

Processing Time: 1-3 business days for most items in stock

Transit Time:

  • Small equipment (tire changers, balancers): 3-5 business days
  • Car lifts (freight): 5-10 business days depending on location
  • Heavy equipment (excavators): 7-14 business days

You'll receive tracking information once your order ships. Delivery times may vary during peak seasons or to remote locations.

Will the freight company help unload my lift?

Standard freight delivery is curbside only - the driver will unload to your driveway or curb.

What you'll need:

  • Forklift or pallet jack (lifts ship on pallets)
  • Help to move components into your garage
  • Clear path from delivery point to installation location

Liftgate service available: For locations without loading docks, we can arrange liftgate delivery for an additional fee.

Inside delivery: Available in some areas - contact us for pricing and availability.

Do you ship internationally?

We primarily ship within the continental United States. However, we can accommodate international orders on a case-by-case basis.

For international shipping:

  • Contact us directly for a custom shipping quote
  • Customer is responsible for all customs, duties, and import fees
  • Extended delivery times may apply
  • Warranty and support may be limited for international orders

Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico: We ship to these locations with additional freight charges.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Important: Inspect your shipment upon delivery!

If you notice damage:

  1. Note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing
  2. Take photos of the damage and packaging
  3. Contact us within 48 hours at (770) 282-7897
  4. Keep all packaging materials until claim is resolved

We'll work with you and the carrier to resolve the issue quickly, including replacement parts or full replacement if necessary.

Installation & Setup

Do you provide installation services?

We provide comprehensive installation support:

  • Detailed installation manuals included with every lift
  • Installation videos available online
  • Phone support from experienced technicians
  • Professional installation referrals in many areas

Many customers successfully install lifts themselves with our guidance. For professional installation, we can connect you with certified installers in your area.

Can I install the lift myself?

Yes! Many of our customers successfully complete DIY installations. However, you should:

  • Have mechanical aptitude and proper tools
  • Have help - most lifts require 2-4 people for assembly
  • Allow 6-12 hours for installation (varies by model)
  • Have the required electrical work done by a licensed electrician
  • Ensure concrete meets minimum specifications

Four-post lifts are generally easier to install than two-post lifts. We're here to help guide you through the process!

What electrical requirements do lifts have?

Most automotive lifts require:

  • 220V / 240V single-phase power (most common)
  • Dedicated circuit with appropriate amperage (typically 20-30 amps)
  • Proper grounding for safety

Some smaller lifts may operate on 110V power. Always check the specific product specifications.

Important: Electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.

Do I need to anchor the lift to the floor?

It depends on the lift type:

  • Two-Post Lifts: YES - must be anchored to concrete for safety
  • Four-Post Lifts: Some models don't require anchoring (portable), others do
  • Single-Post Lifts: Most are portable and don't require anchoring

Anchoring requirements:

  • Minimum 4" thick concrete (6" recommended for two-post)
  • 3,000 PSI minimum concrete strength
  • Concrete must be cured for at least 28 days
  • No cracks or structural defects in the slab
What tools do I need for installation?

Common tools needed for lift installation:

  • Socket set and wrenches (metric and standard)
  • Hammer drill with concrete bits (for anchoring)
  • Level (4-6 foot recommended)
  • Tape measure
  • Impact wrench (helpful but not required)
  • Forklift or pallet jack (to move components)
  • Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses)

Specific requirements vary by model - detailed tool lists are provided in installation manuals.

Warranty & Support

What warranty comes with the lifts?

Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer and product:

  • Structural Components: Typically 1-5 years (lifetime on some models)
  • Hydraulic System: Usually 1-3 years
  • Electrical Components: Typically 1 year
  • Wear Items: 90 days to 1 year

Each product page lists specific warranty details. All warranties are backed by the manufacturer and supported by our team.

Extended warranties available on select models - ask us for details!

How do I get technical support?

We provide multiple support channels:

  • Phone Support: (770) 282-7897 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm EST)
  • Email Support: info@buycarlift.com (24-48 hour response)
  • Online Resources: Installation videos, manuals, troubleshooting guides
  • Live Chat: Available during business hours

Our experienced technicians can help with installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and parts identification.

Can I get replacement parts?

Yes! We stock a wide range of replacement parts and accessories:

  • Hydraulic cylinders and hoses
  • Electric motors and pumps
  • Lift arms and adapters
  • Safety locks and cables
  • Rubber pads and wear components

To order parts:

  1. Have your lift model number and serial number ready
  2. Contact us at (770) 282-7897 or info@buycarlift.com
  3. Our team will identify the correct part and provide pricing

Most parts ship within 1-2 business days.

What's your return policy?

30-Day Return Policy on most items

Items must be:

  • Unused and in original condition
  • In original packaging with all components
  • Free from damage or alterations
  • Returned within 30 days of delivery

Return Process:

  1. Contact us for a Return Authorization (RA) number
  2. Package item securely in original packaging
  3. Customer pays return shipping on most items
  4. Refund processed within 5-7 business days of receipt

Restocking Fee: 15-20% may apply to large equipment returns.

Non-returnable items: Custom orders, special orders, and items marked "Final Sale"

Do you offer maintenance training?

Yes! We provide comprehensive training resources:

  • Video Tutorials: Covering basic maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Maintenance Guides: Downloadable PDFs for each lift model
  • Safety Training: Best practices for safe lift operation
  • Phone Consultation: One-on-one guidance from our technicians

For commercial customers with multiple lifts, we can arrange custom training sessions. Contact us at (770) 282-7897 for more information.

Safety & Maintenance

How often should I perform maintenance on my lift?

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

Daily (before each use):

  • Visual inspection for damage or wear
  • Check safety locks engage properly
  • Verify smooth operation

Monthly:

  • Inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks
  • Check all bolts for proper torque
  • Lubricate moving parts

Annually:

  • Complete inspection by qualified technician (recommended)
  • Load test if required by local regulations
  • Replace hydraulic fluid if needed
  • Inspect cables and chains for wear

Detailed maintenance schedules are included in your lift manual.

What safety features should I look for?

Quality lifts include multiple safety features:

  • Automatic Safety Locks: Engage at multiple heights to prevent drops
  • Slack Cable Detection: Prevents operation if cables are damaged
  • Overload Protection: Prevents lifting beyond rated capacity
  • Emergency Stop: Immediate shutdown capability
  • Dual Hydraulic Cylinders: Redundant lifting system
  • Adjustable Arm Restraints: Prevents arms from swinging during operation

All our ALI-certified lifts meet or exceed industry safety standards.

How do I know if my concrete is suitable?

Minimum Concrete Requirements:

  • 4" thick minimum (6" recommended for two-post lifts)
  • 3,000 PSI minimum compressive strength
  • Cured for at least 28 days
  • No major cracks or structural damage
  • Level surface (within manufacturer specs)

How to check your concrete:

  • Measure thickness by drilling a small test hole
  • Check building records for PSI rating
  • Hire a concrete specialist for professional assessment
  • Look for visible cracks, spalling, or deterioration

If your concrete doesn't meet specs, we can discuss options including concrete reinforcement or portable lift solutions.

Are annual inspections required?

For Commercial Shops: Yes, OSHA and most insurance companies require annual inspections by a qualified lift inspector.

For Home Use: Not legally required in most areas, but highly recommended for safety.

Annual inspection typically includes:

  • Visual inspection of all components
  • Load testing to verify capacity
  • Safety lock functionality testing
  • Hydraulic system pressure testing
  • Documentation and certification

We can refer you to certified inspectors in your area.

Still Have Questions?

Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect lift for your needs