How to Safely Lift a Car on a 2-Post Lift
Floor jacks and jack stands are more readily available than two-post lifts, but do not offer the height and ease-of-use of two-post lifts. Two-post lifts are installed in garages that have a suitable ceiling height and can raise vehicles to a level that allows the mechanics to sit or stand up, giving greater access to the vehicle's underside and mechanical parts.
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Instructions
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Drive the vehicle in between the two posts of the lift so that it is centered in between the two posts.
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Swing the support arms that are connected to the two-post lift and align them with the vehicle's subframe, which will support the car when it is raised into the air.
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Visually spot-check the placement of the supporting arms after initially positioning them to ensure that there are no mechanical obstructions that may cause the vehicle to slip once it begins its ascent into the air.
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Engage the lift function of your two-post lift and slowly raise the car into the air. The support arms may have to travel a few inches by themselves before catching the subframe of the car.
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Maintain visual contact with the supporting arms as the car is raised to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of the vehicle, until the car is fully raised into the air.
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Tips & Warnings
Enlist the help of another person if you are uncomfortable operating the lift by yourself. Have this second person double check the placement of the supporting arms before the vehicle is raised.
