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The Pitstop Journal

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  • Install a car lift outdoors — weather considerations & tips with side-by-side scenes of a roofed 4-post and an exposed 2-post lift.
    October 11, 2025

    Can You Install a Car Lift Outdoors? Weather Considerations & Tips

    Yes, you can install a car lift outdoors—but it takes extra planning and care. Weather exposure, slab prep, and tighter maintenance schedules all factor into safety. The right lift type, protective finishes, and a solid cover make open-air installs both practical and long-lasting. With the right approach, an outdoor lift can expand storage, add workspace, and safely serve for years.

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  • Car lift maintenance checklist hero image showing a 2-post and 4-post lift with daily, monthly, yearly checkmarks.
    September 21, 2025

    How to Maintain Your Car Lift: Daily, Monthly & Yearly Checklist

    A consistent car lift maintenance routine keeps your shop safe and your lift reliable. Daily inspections, monthly service, and a yearly certified check prevent failures and protect warranties. From spotting leaks and testing locks to re-torquing anchors and replacing fluids, simple steps make a big difference. With the right checklist, you’ll extend your lift’s life, reduce downtime, and work with confidence every day.

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  • Car on jack stands with wheel removed, drum brake and suspension visible on driveway.
    September 21, 2025

    Jack Stands vs. Car Lift: Why Upgrading to a Lift Is Worth It

    The debate between jack stands and car lifts centers on safety, speed, and capability. Jack stands are inexpensive and portable, but they leave room for error and can be slow and awkward to set up. A quality car lift offers built-in safety locks, full undercar access, and faster workflow for both DIYers and shops. For anyone who wrenches regularly, a lift is the smarter long-term investment.

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  • Imported vs. USA-Made Lifts: Quality Differences & What Really Matters
    September 21, 2025

    Imported vs. USA-Made Lifts: Quality Differences & What Really Matters

    Many buyers wrestle with the choice between imported and USA-made car lifts. While American brands like Rotary and Challenger carry prestige, quality imports from AMGO, Tuxedo, Atlas, and Triumph often deliver equal safety and performance for far less money. ALI certification, warranty support, and build quality matter more than the flag on the logo. By focusing on fundamentals, you can choose the lift that truly fits your garage or shop needs.

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  • Do 4-post lifts need to be bolted down Close-up of 4-post lift base plate with anchor bolt on concrete.
    September 21, 2025

    Do I Need to Bolt Down My 4-Post Lift? (Securing Lifts for Safety)

    Wondering if a 4-post car lift must be bolted down? This guide explains exactly when anchoring is recommended, when a freestanding setup is safe, and how slab quality, load, and usage affect the call. You’ll get clear safety steps—locks, shimming, chocks—and advice on caster kits and mobility. Read on for bolt/no-bolt examples and our top 4-post picks for home and light-duty shops.

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  • Main image for AMGO vs BendPak Blog
    September 21, 2025

    AMGO vs BendPak: Which Professional Lift Brand Delivers More Value?

    Choosing a professional car lift often comes down to AMGO vs BendPak. BendPak brings tank-like builds, deep U.S. support, and broad ALI certification for inspector peace of mind. AMGO delivers 90–95% of that capability for less, with modern features and a longer hydraulic warranty. Pick AMGO for maximum value in home/light-shop use; choose BendPak when nonstop uptime, ALI labels, and resale matter most.

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  • Automotive rolling bridge jack attached to a 4-post lift platform for wheels-off service and undercar access.
    September 21, 2025

    Bridge Jacks 101: How They Work, Why They Matter, and What to Look For

    A bridge jack turns your four-post lift from simple storage into a full-service tool. By raising one end—or both with two jacks—it gives you safe, wheels-off access for brakes, tires, and suspension work. In this guide, we’ll explain how bridge jacks work, key safety practices, and what to look for when buying one. You’ll also see our top bridge jack picks to help you upgrade your lift with confidence.

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  • White Dodge Challenger lifted on a red 2-post car lift inside an auto repair shop.
    August 31, 2025

    Best 2-Post Auto Lifts of 2025: Smart Picks for Home Garages and Pro Shops

    Looking for the best 2-post car lift in 2025? This guide explains everything you need to know, from ceiling height and concrete requirements to power supply and safety standards. We also break down the pros and cons of 2-post lifts and highlight top models for both home garages and professional shops. Whether you’re a DIYer or a shop owner, you’ll be able to choose a lift with confidence.

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  • Auto mechanic performing undercar maintenance on a lifted vehicle with tools and engine parts nearby.
    August 31, 2025

    Understanding Car Lift Weight Ratings (And Why Overloading Is Dangerous)

    Car lift weight ratings aren’t just numbers—they’re critical safety limits that protect both your vehicle and your shop. Exceeding them, even slightly, can lead to equipment failure, vehicle damage, or serious injury. In this guide, we’ll explain how ratings are determined, the risks of overloading, and how to match the right lift capacity to your needs. With the right knowledge, you’ll be able to choose a lift confidently and use it safely every time.

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  • Mechanic operating a 2-post car lift in an auto repair shop with a vehicle raised for undercarriage inspection.
    August 31, 2025

    Top Vehicle Lift Safety Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

    Every time you use a car lift, you’re raising thousands of pounds overhead—so safety isn’t optional. From ignoring weight limits to skipping daily inspections, small mistakes can create serious risks. This guide breaks down the most common car lift safety mistakes and shows you how to avoid them for safer, smarter lifting. Protect your equipment, your vehicles, and yourself by making safety a daily habit.

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  • Main image for the Best Vehicle Lifts of 2025 article
    August 25, 2025

    Best 4-Post Vehicle Storage Lifts of 2025: Space-Saving, Secure, and Budget-Friendly

    Short on garage or shop space? A 4-post vehicle storage lift lets you stack one car over another and instantly double parking—no remodel required. In this guide, we explain how these lifts work, what to measure before you buy (ceiling height, footprint, capacity, certification like ALI vs CE), how they compare to other options, and our best 4-post picks for 2025—make more room, lift with confidence, and stay on budget—explained simply.

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  • Three ALI certified vehicle lifts raising a red pickup, white truck, and box truck, with text asking 'Can You Trust These ALI Certified Lifts
    August 25, 2025

    What Is ALI Certification—and Does Your Car Lift Really Need It?

    Seen the ALI gold label on a car lift and wondering if it’s worth it—or required? You’re not alone. With inspectors, insurers, and code enforcers favoring ALI-certified models, it’s easy to think they’re the only safe option. But is that really true? In this guide, we break down what ALI certification actually guarantees, who needs it (and who doesn’t), and how it compares to CE-marked lifts. Whether you’re running a commercial shop or just wrenching at home, this deep dive helps you make a smart, code-conscious lift decision.

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  • Auto service bay with two gray two‑post lifts raising a black van and a white van while a technician works underneath the black van using an oil drain cart
    July 23, 2025

    Floor Plate vs Clear Floor Lifts: What’s the Real Difference?

    Trying to pick between a floor plate and clear floor 2-post lift? 🔩 This guide breaks down how each design works, the pros and cons of both styles, and which one fits your ceiling height, workflow, and budget. Whether you're upgrading a home garage or outfitting a pro shop, we'll help you find the lift that keeps your tools—and your vehicles—moving smoothly.

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  • Main image for the ALI vs CE article
    July 23, 2025

    ALI vs CE Certification: What’s the Difference—and Which One Should You Trust?

    Not sure whether to trust ALI or CE certification when buying a car lift? You’re not the only one. ALI is North America’s gold standard backed by third-party lab tests, while CE marks are self-declared for the European market. In this guide, we’ll break down how each system works, what the labels actually guarantee, and which one fits your garage, budget, and compliance needs—no fluff, just facts.

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  • Main image for the Symmetric vs Asymmetric article
    July 23, 2025

    Symmetric vs Asymmetric Lifts: Which Setup Is Right for Your Bay?

    Shopping for a 2-post lift but torn between symmetric and asymmetric designs? 🛠️ This guide breaks down how each style works, which vehicles they’re best for, and the pros and cons of both setups. Whether you’re lifting work trucks, sports cars, or a mix of both, we’ll help you compare arm layouts, understand space requirements, and find the right lift for your garage—so you can wrench with confidence.

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  • Main image for tuxedo article
    June 29, 2025

    Are Tuxedo Lifts Worth It? Honest Review of Quality, Safety & Support

    Heard of Tuxedo car lifts but not sure if they’re worth the money? You’re not alone. Built overseas but backed by a U.S.-based company with over 15 years in the industry, Tuxedo lifts offer solid performance, safety features, and nationwide parts support—often at hundreds less than big-name brands. In this guide, we break down real-world reliability, ALI certification options, and how Tuxedo stacks up to Atlas and BendPak. Whether you're shopping for a 2-post, 4-post, or space-saving lift, this article gives you the facts.

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  • Main image for Atlas Car Lifts, Are They Any Good, Certified, and Where Are They Made Complete Guide
    June 29, 2025

    Are Atlas Lifts Worth It? Certification, Manufacturing & Full Breakdown

    Curious about Atlas lifts but worried they’re made overseas and cutting corners on safety? You’re not alone. Atlas designs and quality-tests every model in the U.S., then contracts trusted factories abroad—some carry the ALI Gold Label, others skip certification to stay budget-friendly. In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise on build quality, ALI certification, and warranty support for their 2-post, 4-post, and scissor lifts—no fluff, just facts.

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  • Main triumph article image
    June 7, 2025

    Are Triumph Lifts Worth It? (2-Post & 4-Post Lift Guide)

    Curious about Triumph lifts but unsure if they’re legit? You’re not the only one. While they aren’t ALI-certified and are made overseas, Triumph lifts come from National Auto Tools—a Texas-based company that’s been backing mechanics and small shops for 20+ years. In this guide, we cut through the noise and break down Triumph’s real-world performance, warranty support, and what owners actually think. Whether you’re eyeing a 2-post, 4-post, or scissor lift, this article shows you what to expect—no fluff, just facts.

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  • White SUV on lift undergoing computerized wheel alignment in service garage
    June 7, 2025

    The Ultimate Wheel Alignment Machine Guide: Drive Straight, Save Tires, and Choose the Right System

    Tired of crooked steering, uneven tire wear, or customer complaints about pulling? A wheel alignment machine might be your shop’s best investment. In this hands-on guide, we’ll break down how alignment machines work, what to look for when buying one, and why 3-D systems are the new standard for speed and accuracy. Whether you're a weekend DIYer or running a full-service garage, this deep dive shows how the right aligner can boost safety, extend tire life, and keep every car tracking straight. 🎯🔧

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  • Katool Blog post main image
    June 7, 2025

    Are Katool Car Lifts Worth It? A Closer Look at Quality, Safety, and Support

    Looking at Katool lifts but wondering if they’re too good to be true? You’re not alone. With no ALI sticker and prices well below big-name brands, it’s fair to be cautious. But Katool—backed by U.S.-based Autokato Engineering—blends heavy steel, CE-certified safety, and real tech support at a price that’s hard to beat. In this guide, we break down how Katool lifts are built, how they perform in the real world, and what buyers are saying after install day. Whether you’re wrenching at home or running a busy bay, this deep dive helps you decide if Katool deserves a place in your garage.

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  • Mechanic using wheel balancer to install and balance studded tire
    May 13, 2025

    The Ultimate Wheel Balancer Guide: Stop Vibration, Extend Tire Life, and Choose the Right Machine

    Tired of steering wheel shake or uneven tire wear? It might be time to invest in a wheel balancer. In this no-fluff guide, we’ll break down exactly how wheel balancing works, which machines are worth your money, and how to fix vibrations for good—whether you’re a DIYer working out of your garage or a full-time tech running a busy shop. From bubble balancers to road-force units, we cover the tools, tips, and top features that make every ride smoother and every tire last longer. ⚖️🚗

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  • Some working on a tire using a tire changer
    May 9, 2025

    Tire Changer Guide: How to Choose, Use & Buy the Right Machine

    In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how tire changers work, why they’re worth the investment, and how to choose the right model based on your vehicle type, usage, and budget. We’ll walk you through the different types of machines, key features to look for, how to use one step by step, and how much you can expect to spend. Whether you're a DIYer or a pro, this guide gives you everything you need to make an informed purchase—and start changing tires like a pro.

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  • Mechanic inspecting car tire on elevated scissor lift
    May 7, 2025

    Scissor Lift Guide: How to Choose, Use, and Maintain the Perfect Lift for Your Garage or Shop

    Looking to upgrade your garage setup? 🚗 A scissor lift might be the space-saving, back-saving solution you’ve been dreaming of. In this ultimate guide, we break down everything from how scissor lifts work to choosing the right model for your needs—whether you’re a DIYer in a tight garage or a pro running a small shop. Compare lift types, explore top-rated models like Katool and Atlas, and get expert tips on setup, safety, and maintenance so you can lift with confidence. 🔧✨

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  • Main image for the 4 post lift blog post with three 4 post lifts holding up three cars
    March 21, 2025

    The Ultimate 4-Post Car Lift Guide: Setup, Maintenance & Safety Essentials

    Unlock the full potential of your garage with a 4-post car lift. Our comprehensive guide dives into the benefits of upgrading from 2-post lifts and provides essential tips for installation, maintenance, and maximizing safety and efficiency. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, you'll discover expert advice to optimize your workspace and make vehicle care effortless.

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  • Main image for the 2-Post vs 4-Post Lift: Which Lift is Best for Your Garage? Blog with someone working under a car
    March 19, 2025

    The Ultimate 2-Post Car Lift Guide: Expert Advice on Safety, Installation & More

    Looking to upgrade your garage with a 2-post lift? This ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know—from installation and safety tips to choosing the right model for your needs. Whether you're a pro mechanic or a DIY car enthusiast, we cover concrete requirements, lift positioning, stability, and essential maintenance. Get ready to elevate your automotive workspace! 🚗🔧

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  • A 2 post and 4 post lift sitting side by side
    March 18, 2025

    2-Post vs 4-Post Lift: Which Lift is Best for Your Garage?

    Deciding between a 2-post and a 4-post car lift? It all comes down to what you need—efficiency for repairs or rock-solid stability for storage. A 2-post gives you full undercar access, while a 4-post makes lifting effortless. But which one is the right fit for your garage? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make the best choice!

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