A vehicle hoist (or car lift) is a piece of specialised workshop equipment used in automotive servicing and repairs to elevate vehicles off the ground, facilitating tasks such as undercarriage inspections, tyre replacements, and engine oil changes. Operating via hydraulic or mechanical drive systems, it is the most essential and frequently utilised equipment in modern automotive workshops—with China's domestic market size reaching RM7.8 billion (RMB 12.6 billion) in 2025, representing a 92.7% utilisation rate across workshop scenarios.
The working principle of a vehicle hoist relies on either hydraulic or mechanical transmission systems. Hydraulic hoists use a hydraulic pump to force fluid into cylinders, generating upward lifting force to raise the vehicle smoothly; offering smooth operation and low maintenance costs, they remain the mainstream choice in the market. Mechanical hoists utilise lead screws, chains, or scissor linkages driven manually or electrically to achieve lifting; while they deliver excellent synchronisation and eliminate oil leak contamination, mechanical wear leads to higher long-term maintenance costs.
Vehicle hoists are primarily categorised into the following types based on their post and structure configurations:
Two-Post Hoists account for the largest share of new hoist sales (approximately two-thirds). They offer quick installation along with an optimal layout of swing arms and lifting pads, allowing mechanics easy access to the vehicle undercarriage. Two-post hoists are available in symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations—asymmetrical posts are angled rearward by roughly 30° with shorter front arms, enabling vehicle doors to be opened effortlessly once positioned.
Four-Post Hoists deliver superior stability and are widely used for heavy vehicle maintenance and wheel alignment jobs. Their designs are split into top-cylinder configurations (cylinders mounted atop the posts, driven by chains) and bottom-cylinder configurations (cylinders housed beneath the runways, driven by steel wire ropes).
Scissor Hoists feature a pantograph scissor mechanism and are available in full-rise (master-slave type), mid-rise/low-rise (single scissor), and ultra-thin low-profile variants. Mid-rise/low-rise hoists are ideal for fast-fit servicing and tyre work with high safety; full-rise hoists are commonly used for wheel alignment and underbody repairs; ultra-thin series require no ground recessing and distribute weight broadly across the workshop floor, making them perfect for premises with space constraints.
Pit Hoists (Jacking Beams) are mounted on service pit rails, utilising an electric motor with a worm gearbox to drive threaded spindles for lifting, primarily suited for bus and lorry maintenance.
Furthermore, with the rise of commercial electric vehicles (EVs), dedicated wheel-engaging mobile column lifts have been introduced; these apply lifting force directly to the tyres and wheels, maintaining safe physical clearance from underfloor battery packs and high-voltage wiring harnesses to eliminate safety hazards.
Vehicle hoists are classed as heavy machinery, and their operation demands strict adherence to safety protocols.
Prior to operation, check the hydraulic fluid level, hose fittings, mechanical safety locks, and lifting arm rubber pads for wear and tear. Once the vehicle is driven into the bay, align the lifting arms with the manufacturer-specified jacking points, ensuring the load is evenly balanced across all four arms. When raising, first lift the vehicle 20–30 cm off the ground and pause to verify stability; once steady, raise it to the desired working height (around 1.2–1.5 metres); technicians must ensure mechanical safety locks are fully engaged before working underneath the vehicle. Clear all tools, equipment, and personnel before lowering to ensure the area beneath is completely unobstructed.
Critical safety rules include: strictly no overloading, strictly no off-centre loading, no personnel permitted underneath during raising or lowering, and immediate shutdown upon detecting unusual noises or hydraulic leaks.
Routine maintenance of vehicle hoists is vital to workshop safety. In accordance with hoist safety standards (such as GB 27695-2011), daily visual inspections must be carried out and logged prior to the start of each working day. Preventive maintenance tasks include cleaning hydraulic cylinder rams, lubricating moving components, inspecting safety locks and wire ropes, and monitoring hydraulic oil levels. For four-post hoists, steel wire ropes should be replaced every three years or 15,000 lifting cycles.
During periodic vehicle roadworthiness inspections (such as PUSPAKOM inspections), the vehicle hoist serves as an essential tool for undercarriage evaluation. Raising the vehicle allows inspectors to thoroughly inspect suspension components, check shock absorbers for oil leaks, and detect illegal modifications (such as unauthorised suspension lift kits or extended wheelbases).
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