The Ultimate Car Lift Safety Checklist (Before, During, After)

Car lifts make garages more productive—whether you’re fixing brakes at home or running a professional shop. But a lift is only as safe as the person using it. Skipping a step, rushing, or neglecting maintenance can put both you and your vehicle at risk.

To help, we’ve built the ultimate safety checklist. Use it before, during, and after every lift cycle. Print this out, stick it to the wall in your garage, and make it part of your routine.

Before You Lift: Prep Work Matters

• Inspect your lift: Check posts, arms, runways, cables, chains, and hydraulic hoses for damage or leaks.

• Verify anchors: If you’re using a 2-post, make sure anchor bolts are tight and the slab is solid.

• Know your weight: Confirm the lift’s capacity against your vehicle’s curb weight (plus any extra load).

• Position correctly:

  • 2-post: Place arms under the factory jack points.

  • 4-post: Center the car on runways, ensure ramps/pins are locked.

• Clear the area: Remove tools, cords, and clutter around the lift.

• Chock wheels: Especially on 4-post lifts—front and back.

During the Lift: Stay Alert

• Raise slowly: Bring the vehicle to the first lock point, pause, and shake-test stability.

• Engage safety locks: Never work on hydraulic pressure alone. Always lower onto the mechanical locks.

• Check balance: Ensure the vehicle sits level and secure before going higher.

• Stay clear: Don’t stand under arms or posts while the vehicle is in motion.

• Use proper lighting: Make sure your workspace is bright enough to spot leaks, movement, or instability.

After You Lift: Don’t Skip This

• Lower with care: Raise slightly to clear locks, disengage, then lower smoothly.

• Clear locks fully: Verify safety locks are disengaged before lowering all the way.

• Remove tools first: Ensure no tools, jacks, or trays are left under the car.

• End-of-day checks:

  • Re-torque anchors after the first weeks of use, then at regular intervals.

  • Lubricate moving parts monthly.

  • Inspect cables, chains, and hydraulic fluid levels.

Pro Safety Tips

• Never exceed rated capacity—even “just once.”

• Keep kids and pets out of the garage during lift use.

• Always wear PPE: safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe boots.

• Schedule professional inspections annually (required for commercial shops under OSHA).

Why Safety Habits Pay Off

Car lifts are built tough—but like any piece of equipment, they demand respect. A few extra minutes spent checking locks or inspecting cables can save thousands in repairs—or worse.

At Tool Supply Guys, we don’t just sell lifts—we want you to use them with confidence. Follow this checklist, and your lift will serve you safely for years to come.