Whether you use a car lift in your home garage or operate one daily as part of your business, car lifts are big investments for anyone, so you obviously want to get as much use out of them as possible. Fortunately, there are some care and handling strategies you can use to maximize the lifespan of your lift. Here are some helpful tips to increase the longevity of your car lift.
Conduct Personal and Professional Inspections
Inspections are a typical part of a car lift’s regular maintenance. Daily inspections are crucial for verifying the condition and operation of your lift. Always look over your lifting system before use to ensure safe operating conditions. You should also schedule regular professional inspections. One of the biggest reasons to get your lift inspected by a professional is because they know exactly what they’re looking for regarding lift performance, and they can help you spot any issues early on.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Once the inspection is complete, you can move on to more detailed maintenance work. Lifting systems require lubrication to keep each of their parts running smoothly. Use a lubricant recommended by the manufacturer for clean operation and optimal results. If you notice your lift collecting rust, dirt, and debris, be sure to clean and re-lubricate it as needed. You should also regularly check and tighten the anchor bolts and surrounding parts to keep the system steady.
Don’t Wait on Repairs
One of the oldest rules in the book for maintaining any type of equipment is to never put off repairs. As soon as you discover an issue or anomaly in your personal inspections, don’t wait to contact a professional repair company. You should never use a car lift when it shows signs of damage; if you do, it could cause the damage to worsen or risk vehicle damage and injuries to you or others. Always mark your lift as out of order as soon as you notice an issue and schedule repairs immediately.
Car lifts can last decades, but their lifespan largely depends on proper care and handling. If you want your lifting system to last for as long as possible, follow these longevity tips for car lift care. Remember to consult professionals for repairs and other tasks and keep up with daily maintenance for optimal car lift performance.
