Your vehicle lifts are among the most critical pieces of equipment in your shop. They enable efficient and profitable service and repairs with minimal maintenance, although they are not maintenance-free. Regular preventive maintenance helps reduce downtime, extend the lift’s lifespan, and, most importantly, minimizes the risk of injury to your technicians and damage to customer property.

It’s essential to remember that Automotive Lift Institute standards require each vehicle lift to be inspected at least once a year by a Qualified Lift Inspector in accordance with ANSI/ALI ALOIM-2008 (R2013). This inspector will conduct a thorough assessment of the lift’s structural integrity, operating mechanisms, safety systems, and any modifications it may have undergone.

General Inspection Guidelines:

– Inspect each lift daily before operation.

– Check cables and sheaves for wear daily, wiping cables with a rag to detect any small broken strands. 

– Periodically check the anchor bolts securing the lift to the floor to ensure they are tight according to manufacturer guidelines.

– Lubricate the lift as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

– For hydraulic lifts, regularly check the fluid level and quality, and refill or replace it as needed.

– Keep lift components clean and free of corrosive agents, solvents, and road de-icing chemicals. If such materials come in contact with the lift, rinse the area thoroughly with water and wipe it down with a clean rag.

– Regularly inspect lift adapters and accessories, like rolling jacks.

– Replace any damaged or missing caution, warning, or safety-related decals on the lift.

– Schedule annual inspections with a qualified lift inspector.

Signs Your Lift Needs Repair:

Even with routine inspections, issues can arise. Watch for these five signs that your lift may need repair:

– Hydraulic fluid leaks.

– Malfunctioning locks or restraints.

– Deformation or excessive wear on any lift components.

– Damage or excessive wear at lift contact points, including adapters.

Quick Tip: Automotive Lift Repair Florida Two-Post Lift Daily Inspection

Check out our 90 Second Know How video for a quick guide on daily inspection of a two-post lift.

Investing time in maintaining your lifts ensures they will support your business effectively for years to come and provides peace of mind knowing that the lift you’re working under is in good condition.

So, you’ve finally selected the perfect car lift for your home garage. What’s next?

After choosing the right lift for your needs and possibly having the expert team from Automotive Lift Repair Florida assist with delivery and installation, it’s time to start enjoying the many benefits of owning a car lift.

But before you start using it, there are a few important things you should know.

In this blog, we’ll outline several car lift safety tips to ensure both you and your vehicle are protected while using the lift.

Need a professionally trained automotive lift inspection? Contact Automotive Lift Repair Florida today to see how we can help.

Here are some essential car lift safety tips every owner should be aware of:

Lift Inspection

Once your lift is delivered, assembled, and installed, it’s crucial to inspect this heavy-duty equipment to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

You don’t want your car to fall off the lift, risking damage to the vehicle, your garage floor, and yourself.

An automotive lift inspection should include:

– A full functionality test, including moving the lift up and down, checking hold, shut-offs, and proper orientation

– Examination of structural components for signs of fatigue, misuse, or overloading

– Testing of safety latches and springs

– Testing and adjusting cables, arm locks, sliding blocks, screws/bolts/nuts, floor anchors, and fastening devices

– Checking electrical components

Once your home auto lift has been inspected by a certified lift inspector from Automotive Lift Repair Florida, you can confidently use it!

However, there are additional safety guidelines to follow, as highlighted by the ALI.

Lift Safety Checklist

When operating your lift, both Automotive Lift Repair Florida and the ALI recommend adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe usage.

Additional recommended safety precautions include:

– Daily inspection of the lift for wear or fatigue

– Using only OEM replacement parts for repairs

– Avoiding overloading the lift’s capacity

– Never lifting a vehicle with someone inside it

– Keeping the lift area free of debris and clutter

– Ensuring locking devices are engaged before working under the vehicle or lift

– Raising the lift to the recommended lifting points

– Removing materials from under the vehicle before lowering

– Using supplementary stands to prevent instability when necessary

If you have any questions about installing, operating, or servicing your garage automotive lifts, feel free to reach out to the certified professionals at Automotive Lift Repair Florida.

We offer the experience, expertise, and customer service you can rely on for any automotive lift needs. Looking for top-quality car storage lifts for your home?

Shop Automotive Lift Repair Florida today and get lifted!

One of the most valuable tools for a DIY car repair and maintenance enthusiast is a high-quality car lift. While not everyone needs one, they can significantly simplify many car repairs. Much of the work on modern vehicles requires access from underneath, and constantly jacking the car up and sliding underneath can be exhausting. I’ve always admired how easily mechanics at auto repair shops work on cars, whether changing tires or servicing the engine and transmission. My lifelong dream was to have my own car lift at home, and nowadays, you can get one installed without spending a fortune.

Car lifts come in various shapes and sizes, generally falling into three categories:

In-Ground Lifts: These are large structures with a single hydraulic cylinder installed below ground, connected to four arms that lift the car. They save floor space but restrict access to the car’s central area and require a complex installation process involving significant excavation.

Four-Post Lifts: These are relatively easy to install and function like a large platform on which the car is raised. Many models include rollers for mobility within the garage. However, they provide limited access since the car remains on its wheels, necessitating additional bottle jacks for wheel work. These lifts are large and can occupy a lot of space in a small garage.