Weekly Lift Maintenance

Many Automotive Lift Repair Florida customers take 15-20 minutes each Friday to complete these weekly tasks, which help prevent breakdowns:

• Wipe down the lift, removing dirt and excess grease.
• Lubricate all rollers and pivot points.
• Check anchor bolts and torque them to 130 ft-lbs. (Avoid using an impact wrench.)
• Check the hydraulic oil level.
• Tighten bolts, nuts, and screws.
• Ensure the cylinder moves freely.
• Test the full range of the lift, including full stop, top, and bottom.
• Inspect cables and lifting mechanisms carefully.

Find a day that suits your schedule, and make weekly lift maintenance part of a larger routine that includes general shop cleaning. Keep all necessary tools—rags, oil, grease, and a flashlight for cable inspection—together in a dedicated storage space to streamline the process.

Monthly Lift Maintenance

Every month, devote 30-45 minutes to a more thorough inspection:

• Lubricate columns, cables, and drive screws as needed.
• Remove covers to clear away dirt build-up.
• Retighten floor anchor bolts as necessary.
• Verify the torque of all bolts, safety mechanisms, and pivot pins.
• Check cable tension and length, adjusting as needed.

This is a good time to gather all lift operators for refresher training on the lift’s function and safety features. Regular training reinforces the importance of maintenance and safe operation. Additionally, inspect your lift for any damage such as scratches or dents, and consider sanding and repainting scratched areas to prevent rust—just avoid painting safety labels, moving parts, or information plates.

Annual Lift Maintenance

Once a year, manufacturers recommend inspecting, repairing, or replacing specific components, such as:

• Grease rub blocks and column surfaces.
• Change the hydraulic fluid.
• Replace hydraulic hoses (by trained professionals only).
• Replace chains, rollers, cables, and sheaves (by trained professionals only).
• Rebuild or replace air and hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and motors (by trained professionals only).
• Inspect hydraulic and air cylinder rods and ends for deformation or damage.
• Check cylinder mounts for looseness or damage.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Lift-Specific Maintenance

While this checklist covers general maintenance, it’s important to tailor these tasks to your specific lift model. If you’ve recently installed a new lift, always refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance guide and incorporate those recommendations into your routine.

If you have an older lift and no longer have the original manual, our guidelines provide essential maintenance tips for all lift types. You can also contact the manufacturer for more detailed information if possible.

For any questions regarding maintenance, service, or sales, feel free to reach out to our team at North American Auto Equipment. We’re here to help with decades of experience and a wide range of two- and four-post lifts.

If your current lift is outdated, frequently breaking down, or requiring constant service, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more reliable model. A dependable lift can save you time and headaches, helping you work more efficiently.

Let Automotive Lift Repair Florida know how we can assist you in finding a trouble-free auto lift to make your job easier.

We’ve all seen videos of garage lift accidents, which may seem humorous at first, but as professionals and enthusiasts, we know that auto lift failures due to misuse or poor maintenance can lead to serious consequences. Keeping your lift in excellent condition is essential for several reasons:

– A reliable lift ensures you can work on vehicles as needed, keeping your schedule intact.

– Lift failures can cause damage to your or your customer’s vehicle.

– A malfunctioning lift can lead to serious injury or even death if it fails while in use.

– Failing to follow lift safety certifications may be illegal in some regions.

To standardize safety for Automotive Lift Repair Florida auto lifts, ETL-ALI certification was established. ETL, originally created by Thomas Edison for safety testing, has evolved into a comprehensive safety standard, ensuring that all lifts meet critical safety guidelines. At North American Auto Lifts, we ensure that all the lifts we offer meet these rigorous standards, providing safe and reliable equipment for both professional and personal use.

 How Does a Lift Earn ETL-ALI Certification?

An Automotive Lift Repair Florida certified lift will have a gold sticker displaying the ETL and ALI logos, along with the ANSI testing standards. This visible certification assures your employees, customers, and visitors that you prioritize safety. 

Certification involves a third-party Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) tester who conducts a thorough inspection to verify that the lift meets safety standards. Here’s what they inspect:

– General structural strength: Ensuring no modifications, such as drilling or welding, have compromised the lift, and that no damage or cracks exist that could lead to failure.

– Drive components: Verifying the proper function of cables, chains, and gears through a full range of motion.

– Electrical components: Checking for issues like frayed wires, faulty electronics, or malfunctioning buttons.

– Control devices and speed: Ensuring the lift operates at the correct speeds and that controls work properly.

– Specific Automotive Lift Repair Florida requirements: Depending on the lift type, inspectors will check frame welds, adapter conditions, swing arm movement, and more.

– Safety elements: Inspecting emergency stop systems, fail-safe mechanisms, and locking devices.

Once your lift passes, it will receive the gold certification label, confirming that it meets ETL-ALI safety criteria and can be trusted for safe operation.

 Is ETL-ALI Certification Mandatory?

ETL-ALI certification is not currently required in the U.S. or Canada. However, many states have health and safety regulations that govern auto lift maintenance, and ETL-ALI certification is the only nationally recognized standard. By choosing certification, you demonstrate your commitment to safety and ensure your lift is ready for reliable use. 

Certifying your Automotive Lift Repair Florida lift helps you catch issues like frame cracks or faulty electrical components before they lead to larger problems. Even if certification isn’t mandatory, the rigorous inspection process can inspire you to perform regular monthly checks, ensuring your lift remains in top condition.

By opting for ETL-ALI certification, you show your dedication to a culture of safety in your shop or garage. Even if you’re using a lift at home, certification offers peace of mind for you and your family.