One of the leading causes of vehicle lift accidents is incorrectly positioning a vehicle on the lift.

Most automakers specify where a lift’s adapters should be placed to properly pick up their cars, trucks, or SUVs. When someone fails to follow this guidance and simply guesses where to position the adapters, the vehicle may get damaged or fall.

Improving Lifting Point Locations

Lift safety advocate Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) is making it easier than ever to quickly lookup OEM-recommended lifting points. For the first time, ALI is offering a digital Lifting Points Guide, Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts, that covers cars, SUVs, vans, light-duty trucks, and EVs from model years 2000 through 2023.

“Any time you’re raising a vehicle for service – whether at home or on the job – there’s more riding on that lift than a car or truck. Your safety is riding on it,” says R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president. “Taking a minute to find the recommended lifting points so you can properly pick up the vehicle could save your life.”

The ALI-sponsored Lifting Points Guide is updated annually to reflect the latest vehicles. Lifting points are showcased in more than 250 undercarriage images. The new digital version has the same content and layout as the familiar print guide, with the added benefit of always-on access through any device for maximum convenience. Each purchase provides online access on up to three devices, with no third-party software required.

Once a copy is purchased, customers can start using it immediately. Customize the view with magnification, choose light or dark mode or go full screen. Find a vehicle quickly using the keyword search function and highlight or make notes as needed.

The industry safety standard for lift operation, inspection, and maintenance, ANSI/ALI ALOIM: 2020, requires shops to make lifting points information available to technicians.

This requirement is satisfied by providing technicians with access to ALI’s digital Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts. Anyone using a lift at home, at the track, or elsewhere should also protect themselves by using the Lifting Points Guide.

In case you missed it, the latest version of the American National Standard covering safety requirements for vehicle lift installation and service in North America is now in effect. With the new standard 50% longer, it includes expanded content addressing accessories, attachments, decommissioning, and removal.