Whether you're a professional technician, DIY enthusiast, or shop owner researching equipment options, this glossary provides clear, plain-English definitions of commonly used automotive and terms related to professional and home garage lifts.
It covers essential lifting equipment like car lifts and jacks, diagnostic and alignment technology, pneumatic tools and air systems, and specialized machinery used in modern automotive service facilities.
Each term includes practical details about function, application, and key specifications to help you understand what different equipment does and how it's used in real-world garage environments.
In this glossary, you'll learn:
- How different types of lifts, jacks, and hoists serve specific repair tasks
- What diagnostic and alignment systems measure and why they matter
- Which tools and machines are essential for professional automotive service work
Air Compressor
A mechanical device that converts power into pressurized air by increasing the pressure of atmospheric air and storing it in a tank for on-demand use. In automotive shops and garages, air compressors power a wide range of pneumatic tools, including impact wrenches, spray guns, tire inflators, air ratchets, and sanders.
Electric motors or gasoline engines can power these machines and are typically rated by their horsepower, tank capacity, and CFM (cubic feet per minute) output. Proper selection of an air compressor depends on the specific tools being used and the required air pressure and volume for shop operations.
To determine the right compressor for your needs, consider these minimum specifications by shop type:
| Minimum HP | Tank Size | CFM @ 90 PSI | Typical Tools Supported | Shop Size/Use |
| 1.5-2 HP | 20-30 gallons | 4-6 CFM | Tire inflator, air ratchet, brad nailer | Home/DIY Garage |
| 3-5 HP | 60-80 gallons | 10-14 CFM | Impact wrench, spray gun, grinder | Small Professional Shop |
| 5-7.5 HP | 80-120 gallons | 15-20 CFM | Multiple simultaneous tools | Medium Shop (2-3 bays) |
| 10+ HP | 120+ gallons | 25+ CFM | Full shop pneumatic system | Large Facility (4+ bays) |
Alignment Rack
A specialized vehicle lift system equipped with precision measurement technology is used to inspect and adjust wheel alignment angles, including camber, caster, and toe. Modern alignment racks typically feature built-in sensors, cameras, or laser systems that measure the positioning of all four wheels relative to the vehicle's frame and suspension geometry.
These systems display real-time measurements on computer monitors, allowing technicians to make precise adjustments to ensure optimal tire wear, steering response, and vehicle handling. Proper wheel alignment performed on an alignment rack can extend tire life, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance vehicle safety.
Brake Lathe
A precision machining tool used to resurface brake rotors and drums by removing a thin layer of material to restore a smooth, flat braking surface. This equipment corrects problems like warping, scoring, and uneven wear that cause vibration, noise, and reduced braking performance.
Brake lathes are available in two main types: bench-mounted lathes that require removing the rotor or drum from the vehicle, and on-car lathes that machine the braking surface while it remains mounted on the vehicle.
Professional automotive shops use brake lathes to extend the life of brake components and ensure safe, effective braking. Proper resurfacing with a brake lathe can eliminate the need for premature part replacement when components are still within manufacturer specifications.
Car Lift
A mechanical device designed to raise vehicles off the ground to provide technicians safe access to the undercarriage for inspection, maintenance, and repair work. lifts for garages use hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical systems to elevate cars, trucks, and other vehicles to working height.
Common types include two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts, and portable lifting devices, each suited for different applications and shop configurations. Car lifts must meet safety standards for construction, testing, and validation to ensure proper load capacity and operator safety.
Car Lifts for Garage
Diagnostic Scanner
An electronic tool that connects to a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system to read and interpret diagnostic trouble codes generated by the vehicle's computer. When a vehicle's computer detects a malfunction in emission control systems or related components, it stores a code that the scanner retrieves and displays to technicians.
Modern vehicles manufactured from 1996 onward are equipped with standardized OBD-II systems that allow scanners to communicate with multiple vehicle makes and models. These tools help technicians quickly identify problems without extensive manual testing, saving time and improving repair accuracy.
Engine Hoist
A mobile hydraulic lifting device, also commonly called a cherry picker or engine crane, is designed to safely lift and remove heavy engines and transmissions from vehicles. The equipment typically features an adjustable boom arm mounted on a wheeled base with a hydraulic pump mechanism that provides controlled lifting capacity, commonly ranging from 1 to 3 tons.
Engine hoists use a chain or lifting strap attached to the engine, allowing mechanics to maneuver the removed component away from the vehicle for repair or replacement. Most models fold for compact storage when not in use, making them practical for professional shops and home garages.
Floor Jack
A portable hydraulic lifting device mounted on wheels (typically four casters) that is used to raise vehicles off the ground for maintenance, repairs, and tire changes. The jack operates by pumping a handle that activates a hydraulic cylinder, providing a mechanical advantage to lift heavy loads with minimal physical effort.
Floor jacks feature a low-profile design that slides under vehicle frames and lift points, with typical lifting capacities ranging from 1.5 to 3 tons for consumer models. They provide greater lifting height and stability compared to scissor jacks, making them the preferred choice for professional garages and home workshops.
Four-Post Lift
A vehicle lifting system that features four vertical support columns and uses drive-on ramps to raise vehicles for maintenance, storage, and inspection work. This type of lift distributes the vehicle's weight across four posts positioned at each corner, providing stable support without requiring precise placement of lift arms under the vehicle's frame.
Four-post lifts are commonly used for tasks such as wheel alignment, oil changes, brake work, and long-term vehicle storage in both professional garages and home workshops.
The open design allows easy access to most undercarriage components while the vehicle remains safely elevated. Four-post lifts certified to ANSI/ALI ALCTV standards meet recognized safety requirements for automotive service equipment.
Hydraulic Press
A machine that uses fluid pressure to generate large compressive forces for automotive repair and fabrication tasks. The press operates on Pascal's principle, where pressure applied to a confined hydraulic fluid transmits force through a cylinder to a ram or piston.
In automotive shops, hydraulic presses are commonly used to press bearings into hubs, remove seized components, straighten bent metal parts, and install bushings or U-joints. These presses are typically rated by tonnage capacity, with common shop models ranging from 6 to 50 tons or more.
Jack Stands
Sturdy metal support devices designed to hold a vehicle securely in a raised position during maintenance, repair, or inspection work. These stands feature an adjustable height mechanism and a wide, stable base to prevent the vehicle from falling once it has been lifted by a jack.
Jack stands must be properly positioned under the vehicle's designated support points and adjusted to make full contact before any work is performed underneath. They are essential safety equipment that should always be used in pairs or sets, as hydraulic jacks alone are not safe for supporting a vehicle during extended work.
Jack stands come in various designs, each offering distinct advantages for different automotive applications:
| Stand Type | Weight Capacity (per stand) | Height Range | Base Width |
| Pin-Type (Ratchet) | 2-6 tons | 11-17 inches | 8-11 inches |
| Screw-Type (Threaded) | 2-10 tons | 10-16 inches | 9-13 inches |
| Tripod (3-Leg) | 2.5-10 tons | 11-17 inches | 12-18 inches (triangular) |
| Low Profile | 2-3 tons | 10-14 inches (min: 3-4") | 8-10 inches |
| High-Reach | 3-22 tons | 17-25 inches | 10-14 inches |
| Locking Pin (Safety) | 3-6 tons | 12-18 inches | 9-12 inches |
| Adjustable Tripod | 10-25 tons | 14-24 inches | 16-22 inches (triangular) |
Parts Washer
A cleaning station that uses solvent, detergent, or water-based solutions to remove grease, oil, dirt, and contaminants from automotive parts and tools. The equipment typically consists of a basin or tank with a pump that circulates cleaning fluid through a nozzle or brush for scrubbing components.
Parts washers help mechanics safely clean engine parts, transmission components, and other hardware before inspection or reassembly. These units may use petroleum-based solvents, aqueous solutions, or bio-based cleaners depending on environmental and safety requirements.
Scissor Lift
A vehicle lifting device that uses crossed supports in an X-shaped pattern to raise and lower automobiles vertically for maintenance and repair work. The lift mechanism operates hydraulically or pneumatically, with the scissor arms extending and contracting to achieve the desired height while maintaining a stable, level platform.
Scissor lifts are valued in automotive service for their compact footprint, which allows them to fit in smaller garage spaces while still providing adequate undercarriage access. These lifts can be mounted flush to the floor, above ground, or in a pit configuration, depending on shop requirements.
Katool KT-X80 8,000lb Mid Rise Scissor Lift - Pneumatic Lock
Tire Balancer
A diagnostic machine used in automotive service facilities to identify and correct weight imbalances in wheel and tire assemblies. The equipment spins the mounted tire and wheel to detect heavy or light spots that cause vibrations during vehicle operation.
Technicians use the balancer's measurements to determine the precise location and amount of counterweights needed to achieve proper balance. Modern tire balancers may include road force measurement capabilities to assess tire uniformity and detect additional issues affecting ride quality.
Tire Changer
A mechanical machine used in automotive service facilities to remove tires from wheel rims and mount new or repaired tires back onto the rims. The equipment typically consists of a rotating turntable, a mounting/demounting head, and a bead breaker that separates the tire from the rim edge.
Modern tire changers can accommodate various wheel sizes and types, from standard passenger vehicles to light trucks. These machines reduce the physical labor and time required for tire service while minimizing the risk of damage to wheels and tires.
Tire Dunk Tank
A large container filled with water, which is used to find leaks in tires. To test a tire, it is submerged in the water and rotated so any air leaks will show up as bubbles. This method helps quickly identify even small punctures or weak spots in tires.
Tire dunk tanks are commonly used in auto repair shops and tire service centers. The process is straightforward and effective for checking tire integrity before repairs or installation.
Transmission Jack
A specialized hydraulic lifting device designed to safely support and maneuver automotive transmissions during removal and installation. It features adjustable support arms or saddles that secure the transmission's weight, which can range from 100 to 400 pounds depending on the vehicle type.
The jack's wheeled base allows technicians to position heavy transmissions precisely while working beneath a lifted vehicle. Transmission jacks reduce the risk of injury and component damage during transmission service by providing stable, controlled support throughout the repair process.
Two-Post Lift
A vehicle lifting system consisting of two vertical columns positioned on either side of a vehicle, with adjustable swing arms that engage the frame or designated lift points to raise the vehicle off the ground.
This lift design maximizes undercarriage access by eliminating floor obstructions, making it ideal for brake work, suspension repairs, exhaust system service, and routine maintenance. The lifting mechanism is typically powered by hydraulic or electro-hydraulic systems and includes automatic safety locks at various heights.
Heavy-duty two-post lifts are among the most common lifts found in professional automotive repair shops due to their versatility and space efficiency. Proper installation, regular inspection, and adherence to weight capacity limits are essential for safe operation.
Vehicle Hoist
A vehicle hoist is a mechanical lifting device designed to raise cars, trucks, and other vehicles off the ground to provide technicians safe access to the undercarriage for repair, maintenance, and inspection work.
These devices use hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical systems to lift vehicles to various working heights in automotive service facilities.
Common types include two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts, and in-ground lifts, each suited to different shop layouts and vehicle types. Vehicle hoists must meet strict safety standards and require regular inspection to ensure proper operation and prevent accidents.
Wheel Alignment System
A computerized diagnostic equipment that measures the angles of a vehicle's wheels relative to the road surface and manufacturer specifications. The system uses precision sensors, cameras, or laser technology to assess three primary angles: camber (vertical tilt), caster (steering axis angle), and toe (inward or outward pointing).
Proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear, optimal fuel efficiency, and safe vehicle handling. When measurements fall outside specifications, technicians use the system's data to adjust suspension components and restore correct alignment.
Workbench
A sturdy, flat-topped table designed to provide a stable surface for performing mechanical repairs, assembling parts, and working with hand and power tools.
In automotive and garage settings, workbenches typically feature heavy-duty construction with steel or hardwood tops that can withstand impacts, chemicals, and the weight of vehicle components.
Most models include integrated storage such as drawers, shelves, or pegboard backing to organize tools and parts within easy reach. The workbench serves as a central workspace where technicians can dismantle, clean, inspect, and rebuild automotive parts away from the vehicle.
