3 tips on how to choose the right car jack

Hever or jack? Whether it's mechanical or hydraulic lifting of heavy loads or subsequent support for stability - these devices are not to be missed in any workshop or garage. Before purchasing them, it is necessary to answer a few essential questions that will help in the final selection.

1. What will the hever be used for?

A professional with a garage will approach the purchase differently to an ordinary driver who changes the wheels on their vehicle from time to time.

For garages, tire shops and workshops, a column jack, pneumatic or hydraulic jack with a higher lifting capacity, equipped with wheels for better handling, is suitable. Robust design, lifting height, maximum load capacity and quality of construction influence the price, which for professional hoists is in the order of several hundred euros.

In contrast, a simpler type of car jack is suitable for the normal responsible driver. Although the lifting capacity is slightly lower, it should be borne in mind that, for example, only one part of the car is lifted at a time when changing tyres outside the workshop. Therefore, when selecting a lifting device, it is not essential that the lifting capacity is as close as possible to the total weight of the vehicle.

2. Which type of car jack is best for my job?

Do you need a jack that can be placed in the trunk and serve you reliably on the road? For occasional repairs or tire changes on cars, SUVs and vans, use the maintenance-free and totally reliable scissor lift. It works on the principle of two arms. They are lifted together with the load by mechanically screwing the handle or ratcheting the centre bolt.

Concerns about low load capacity or lift height are unnecessary with this hoist. A conventional scissor lift with a lifting capacity of 1.5 tonnes lifts only part of the vehicle, so it is suitable for normal passenger vehicles weighing up to 1.5 tonnes. Hever with 2 t load capacity has a higher lifting capacity, so it is mainly used for working with SUV types with higher ground clearance than passenger vehicles. In the case of space saver wheels, it is then advisable to get a hever with a load capacity of 1.5 to 2 tonnes.

The hydraulic jack, which is a common part of car repair shops in particular, works on a different principle. It contains two pistons with hydraulic oil in two cylinders. By applying pressure to the smaller cylinder, it lifts the load to the desired height. It is mainly used by professionals to lift vehicles with higher weight. Also, it is more difficult to handle when working because it is larger in size and heavier.

3. What price am I willing to pay for it?

There are many criteria for buying a suitable lifting device - ease of handling, higher load capacity of the hever or compact design. Scissor lifts meet exactly these requirements. For a purchase price of several tens of euros, you get a device that will not disappoint in the workshop or on the road. Low weight, easy handling, yet robust design and reliable stability are increasingly sought after by customers.

Don't forget to work safely with the hever

Whether you're working in the workshop or replacing a damaged tyre in an emergency, always keep protective equipment and safety features.