Avoiding Damage When Lifting At The Auto Shop

[KevAndAndi]

For the first time, I'm going to need to take my car to a local shop, to have them work on the differential. (There's a clunking sound when I put the car into reverse to back up my driveway.)

I'm uneasy about having anyone but me lift the car. I'm always careful to avoid the pinch welds, and I use wood blocks. I have to admit I'm wholly unfamiliar with how auto shop lifts contact the underside of a car.

What do I need to look for, ask, or point out to the mechanics? Or should I not worry about it, and assume that they are professionals and won't damage the car?

I remember reading one account here of pinch welds being damaged by a careless mechanic.

[Fiatlanta]

Don't assume anything lol. A sincere apology won't fix it if they jack something up. These aren't super complex cars, but they have a few little weird things that need attention and the right experience.

[grrrdot]

Man, I've seen lots of creative ways people have damaged 124s with lifts.
Last time I brought the car somewhere that was going to be lifted I went out and bought some bright yellow spray paint and painted the places under the car that were safe.
This way when I bring it to the shop I tell everyone there over and over, only lift where you see yellow paint.

-G

[Fiatlanta]

Man, I've seen lots of creative ways people have damaged 124s with lifts.
Last time I brought the car somewhere that was going to be lifted I went out and bought some bright yellow spray paint and painted the places under the car that were safe.
This way when I bring it to the shop I tell everyone there over and over, only lift where you see yellow paint.

-G

I like it

[dinghyguy]

so now all we need is the photo of the underside of your car with the yellow targets!

cheers
dinghyguy