An automotive lift is no small investment. After researching the ideal lift for your auto repair shop or personal garage, making the purchase, and installing the system, protecting your investment must be explored.

A reliable lift is a critical component of any garage or auto repair shop. For many repair shops, an auto lift allows the location to remain open and profitable. Therefore, business owners and auto enthusiasts should seriously consider auto lift investment protection. Below, we discuss how performing routine maintenance and identifying the correct repair parts are two critical components in preserving the integrity of an automotive lift.

Auto Lift Maintenance Checklist

A thorough auto lift inspection checklist can be compartmentalized into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tasks. Gradually incorporate the checklists into your regular routine, and they will become habitual as time progresses. If needed, print the list and hang it in an accessible location around the shop or in your personal garage! Regardless of how the tasks are completed, consistent implementation will protect your auto lift investment.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect all moving parts visually
• Examine safety lock visually and audibly during operation
• Review the condition of all electrical connections (e.g. the power cord)
• Check for proper lift arm movement
• Evaluate cable connections for damage, including bends or cracks
• Inspect any hydraulic connections, if applicable
• Check movement controls, including the emergency stop

If you own and operate an automotive repair shop, consider training technicians to perform each maintenance checklist in rotation. As more of your specialists participate in maintenance, the chances of premature lift breakdown greatly diminish.

Weekly Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect cables and lifting mechanisms
• Wipe down and clean the entire lift, eliminating dirt or excess grease buildup
• Lubricate rollers and pivot points
• Test the movement controls fully
• Check the floor for stress cracks, especially near anchor bolts
• Inspect cylinder for complete range of motion

Weekly maintenance can be completed on any desired day of the week. Perhaps Wednesday mornings or Friday afternoons tend to be slower. Perform the checklist during your free periods. Regardless of when you complete the tasks, spending 25-30 minutes performing another checklist on a weekly basis is imperative. Once more, cross-training technicians in auto lift maintenance guarantees that tasks are completed regularly and takes some of the burden off you!

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

• Lubricate drive screws, cables, and columns
• Clean beneath covers and protections to eliminate dirt or grease buildup
• Tighten floor anchor bolts
• Inspect the torque of bolts, safeties, and pivot pins
• Inspect length and tension of all cables
• For aesthetic purposes, sand over scratches and repaint, if desired – be careful not to paint over safety labels or warnings

Yearly Maintenance Checklist

While the previous checklists can be completed by a technician, the following steps should only be completed by a qualified lift inspector. If you own an auto lift, annual inspection is a priority. With a growing number of ANSI national standards, state codes, regulation, and maintenance requirements, a qualified lift inspector will protect your investment in the long run.

• Lubricate rub blocks, including any surface area in contact
• Change hydraulic fluid
• Inspect hydraulic/ air cylinder rods for damage
• Check cylinder mount for damage
• Replace the following: hydraulic hoses; chains and rollers; cables and sheaves; air and hydraulic cylinders (as required); and pumps and motors (as required)

Wire Rope Maintenance

Finally, wire ropes (lifting cables) merit special attention. The condition of a wire rope impacts the functionality of the lift and the safety of your technicians. If any defection or damage is detected, do not operate the lift.

• Wire ropes should be replaced every 3-5 years if damage or wear is not noticed before
• The rope must be replaced with broken wires are noticed
• Inspect for heat damage – if noticed, replace the rope
• Kinking, bird-caging, cutting, or crushing require replacement
• If connectors or wires are corroding, replace these specific parts
• If wear exceeds 10% of original diameter of any cable, replace the entire wire rope

Select the Proper Repair Parts for Your Auto Lift

Rebuilding or replacing auto lift is a major tool in maintaining the longevity of your auto lift investment. However, purchasing the wrong repair parts can be detrimental and costly. Purchase replacement parts from factory-authorized distributors only. Depending on the type of lift purchased, it may require a variety of accessories, supplies, and repair parts. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most common.

Above Ground 2-Post Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Car door protection
• Height extensions
• Installation and relocation supplies
• Power station air and electric utility box
• Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks
• Swing arm shims
• Turf and utility tray jacks
• Turf and utility vehicle lifting attachments

Above Ground 4-Post Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Lift installation and relocation supplies
• Power station air and electric utility box

In-Ground Front and Rear/ Fore and Aft Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Safety legs

In-Ground Side by Side Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Cassette/ pit lift aqua out water removal system
• Height extensions
• K-Cap lockout/ tagout air valve cover
• Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks

In-Ground Single Post Lifts

• Height extensions
• K-Cap lockout/ tagout air valve cover
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks
• Safety legs

Aside from the general lift variety, specific auto lift brands require additional various repair parts. Selecting the proper parts for your specific lift is important as it ultimately impacts the integrity and lifespan of your lift.

SVI International: Auto Lift Repair Parts Leader

At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of repair parts for all types of automotive lifts. Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment.

We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.