While getting an oil change, I don't like seeing my car hoisted by its petards eight feet into the air.
I prefer the Walmart Way: the tech goes down to the basement and works on the car through removable grates in the floor.
I suppose the structural integrity of the frame will withstand the forces, but I always worry about human error--like the hoister not being in direct contact with the frame, and what not.
On busy Saturdays, they had me doing oil changes and tire rotations. Ya know, I always worried about thet, too...
I've done it hundreds, if not thousands of times, never had a problem. The most common mistake I've seen is when a transmission or engine is removed without placing additional stands, upsetting the vehicle's balance, and the tech ends up with a vehicle doing a hand stand.
Like Ray says, it's usually not a problem until major components are removed and the center of gravity is changed making it unsafe. I have a Bend-Pak ten thousand pound articulated hoist and you are well advised about CG changes when the vehicle is elevated. There is accompanying literature that is updated to specify each make and model vehicle lift points. If there is a problem, you know it as soon as the tires leave the floor. The new hoists are not going to damage your vehicle if used appropriately. Any problems are going to be caused by "operator malfunction".
**Have you ever seen a vehicle fall off the lift?
kaboomie
I have seen vehicles that have fallen off a lift but I have not actually watched a vehicle fall off.
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