While auto mechanics are generally depicted in movies and TV shows lying on their back rolling out from under a vehicle, that’s often not the reality anymore. Today, auto mechanics use a variety of lifts to get cars off the ground so that they can access the underside of the vehicle. Not only are modern day’s lifts more convenient and allow mechanics to do their job more easily, they are also a lot safer.
If you’re considering becoming an auto mechanic, read on to learn more about the history of car lifts.
Important Developments That Lead to the Invention of Car Lifts
Before automotive lifts could be created, several important developments needed to happen. Developments in the field of hydraulics were essential to the first car lifts that were ever made.
In the 17th century, a mathematician, Blaise Pascal, first introduced the idea of how a hydraulic jack would function. He went on to develop Pascal’s Principle, which is also known as the Transmission of Fluid-pressure Principle. The principle states that in a closed system, equal pressure in all directions is created when pressure is put on fluids that can’t be compressed. Then, in 1795, Joseph Bramah, an engineer of British decent, patented the first hydraulic press. The patent was a pivotal moment in the entire industry as it was used for a wide variety of purposes like moulding, punching, forging, and clinching.
Before the first hydraulic car lift was invented, one more important invention had to happen—the hydraulic jack. In 1851, Richard Dudgeon invented the first jack and patented it under the name “portable hydraulic press.” Students earning their auto mechanic certification may be interested to know that workers didn’t just use water to operate the jack; fluids like whale oil and even whisky were used to create the hydraulic processes!
A Look at Car Lift Advancements During the 1900s for Pros with Auto Mechanic Certification
As cars became more popular, the need for car repairs followed. In the early days, repair shops would have to dig holes into the ground where mechanics could stand when working on cars. The vehicle would be driven onto a short ramp, allowing the mechanic just enough space to perform repairs. Although this configuration was a huge help at the time, it still had its drawbacks. Digging large holes was very expensive, and the lighting in the holes wasn’t ideal. Thus, the need for something better quickly grew apparent.
It wasn’t until 1925 that the first hydraulic car lift was patented, thanks to Peter Lunati. The idea came to him while sitting in a barber’s chair. Inspired by how easily the chair could move up and down, Lunati set out to bring similar technology to vehicle lifts. His invention, the Rotary Lift, is still sold today.
Modern Day Car Lifts Pros with Auto Mechanic Certification Might Encounter
The first hydraulic car lift gave way to a number of important lift inventions for the automotive industry. In 1989, a scissor hydraulic car lift was patented. And in 2000, a 4-post hydraulic multiple vehicle platform lift was created, which you may encounter once you become a certified mechanic.
Today, there are five options that mechanics have when it comes to getting a vehicle off the ground. The two-post mounted car lift is the most popular option today. It has two lift arms on either side of the vehicle which are firmly attached to the floor. A beam runs between the two posts and supports the vehicle. Multi-post car lifts are another option which requires the car to be driven onto a wide ramp. Other options include scissor car lifts, low or mid-rise frame engaging lifts, and wheel engaging mobile units.
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