Quality Shop Equipment
Symmetric vs Asymmetric Car Lifts – What’s the Difference?
Symmetric vs Asymmetric Car Lifts – What’s the Difference?
If you’re a professional mechanic, you are probably acutely aware of the differences between a symmetric car lift and an asymmetric car lift. However, if you’re new to buying a lift it’s a question that many might just be wondering about.
In this video, Ron Healey with Tuxedo Auto Distributors talks about the differences. He also describes how to identify when you have the vehicle loaded properly on your two-post car lift. Here’s a quick summary:
- Symmetric lifts load vehicles evenly with about 50% of the vehicle forward of the posts and 50% of the vehicle behind the post
- Asymmetric lifts allow more of the vehicle in front of the post which allows easier access to the front car doors
- Historically lifts achieved asymmetric orientation by rotating the columns which also limited drive-thru width
- Modern Asymmetric lifts have the lift-arm brackets welded at an angle and longer telescoping front arms which allow the columns to be installed facing each other in parallel.
- Symmetric lifts are typically used for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks 3/4 ton and up.
- To check the proper loading; raise the vehicle a few inches off the ground, all four tires should leave the ground simultaneously. If the front tires are still touching and the back are up off the ground, lower and adjust your lift points.
We sell a broad range of both symmetric and asymmetric lifts. Our Des Moines showroom has both styles for you to check out in person and as we grow, this opportunity will be available in more locations across the country.
These are great examples of asymmetric car lifts we sell:
These are great examples of symmetric car lifts we sell: