There are different types of car lifts in the market, such as scissor lifts, portable car In general, all car lifts use a hydraulic system. The system comprises a fluid-reliant piston mounted inside a rigid non-deforming cylinder known as the hydraulic ram.
An electric motor then pumps the fluid (mainly oil) inside the cylinder tank to create pressure. As the pressure builds up in the cylinder, the fluid pushes against the piston. This action generates enough force to move the lift (and the car) upwards. It firmly holds in place until the actions of the pump again withdraw the fluid and pressure.