Annual Car Lift Inspections

CAR LIFT INSPECTIONS MUST BE PREFORMED REGULARLY TO ENSURE SAFETY.

You load up the car lift with a very heavy car, raise it up and then stand under it. It is VITALLY important that you take all the precautions you can to ensure you, and your staff, is safe.

You should get your lift inspected annually by a qualified lift inspector. You can find some qualified inspectors from the lift’s manufacturer or from the Automotive Lift Institutes online database. They can inspect any style and brand of lift.

What happens during the annual car lift inspection? During the inspection, the inspector is looking to confirm that all of the lift’s components are in place and in working order. Most importantly, that your lift is SAFE.

Examining all accessible structural components, including welds, for any evidence of overloading, misuse or abuse.

Examining electrical components and wiring.

Checking the lift controls to ensure accessibility, an unobstructed view of the lift and an automatic return to the neutral or “off ” position when released.

Locating appropriate lift documentation, safety instructions, vehicle-lifting information, lift safety labeling and capacity labeling.

Confirming adequate clearances around the lift.

Checking all fastening devices for tightness and proper fit.

An annual lift inspection includes a thorough evaluation of the entire vehicle lift.

Checking the lowering speed over the full down travel of the lift.

Operating the lift through its full cycle and checking the operation of the positive stop. Checking to see if the lift locks engage in the fully extended position.

Checking all lubrication points for cleanliness, integrity of fitting and presence of lubricant.

Checking all chains and cables for excessive slack.

Checking all potential pinch points. The standard is just the starting point. Every lift manufacturer should provide specific directions for inspecting each of its lifts. ALI Certified Lift Inspectors are qualified to inspect any brand or model of vehicle lift.

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Maintain your Car Lift

How do you maintain it in tip top shape for a long period of time? I’m sure you want to get your money’s worth and use it for years to come so follow these tips in order to maintain your car lift in the best shape it can be.

How to maintain your car lift

Things that must be checked every month

    Make sure that you check the chains and cables of the car lift. What you can do is grab a thick rag, splash some lightweight oil on it and wipe the length of the cable or chain to see if there are any breaks in the strands of the cable.

    Check the hydraulic equipment and hoses for leaks, if there are any leaks, you will probably see some oil stains on the floor so this is a good way to check.

    Also, make sure that the arms of your lift are working properly. Make sure to extend the arms all the way out, and also, check to see if the rubber pads are in good shape.

    Inspect all the nuts and bolts on your car lift and make sure that all of them are fastened tightly and securely.

Things to do to maintain your car lift

    First of all, make sure that you put the correct oil in your car lift. Most people always use transmission fluid when they should always be using hydraulic oil #32.

    Clean your lift every month, otherwise a lot of dirt and mud will start building up throughout the car lift. You can do this every month or so by wiping down all the grease from those hard to reach places.

    Once you have cleaned your car lift thoroughly, make sure that the cables, chains, pulley system, rollers, and carriage pins are all correctly lubricated with enough grease. If your hear a “squeak” when operating your car lift, that means that one of the pulleys are dry, so make sure that you grease the pulleys so you can keep your car lift in tip top shape.

    It would also be a good idea to bring in a certified local service man to check your car lift every 6 months to a year. Even though it might cost you a bit for the service tech to check everything, it will be a lot less expensive than if your car lift breaks down. And since you are planning on keeping this car lift for at least 5 years, it is advisable for someone to come in and fix whatever might need tuning.

Doing all of these things will maintain your car lift in great condition for many years to come. Remember, you are investing at least a couple of thousand dollars in this equipment and want to treat it the best way possible. So make sure you do these simple things in order to maintain your car lift in great condition for at least the next 5 years.

professional car lifts manufacturer: www.chinapuli.com/Lift/