An automotive lift is an integral part of any auto repair shop and thus needs proper maintenance to ensure it’s in good working order at all times. Keeping your lift clean, lubricating rollers and pivot points, tightening bolts and screws, and replacing lift components as needed can prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your lift.

It’s also important to take safety measures to make sure your lift doesn’t pose a danger to mechanics or customers. Some maintenance tasks also double as safety precautions, such as tightening bolts and replacing damaged components. Other safety measures aren’t found on a typical maintenance checklist but are important nonetheless.

The Importance of Car Lift Safety

The average weight of a small car ranges from 2,600 lbs. to 4,400 lbs. SUVs can weigh as much as 6,600 lbs. Commercial vans weight about 12,000 lbs., while commercial buses weigh between 30,000 lbs. and 40,000 lbs. If a vehicle isn’t completely secure on a lift, it could lean too far to one side or fall off completely, causing devastating vehicular damage and seriously injuring anyone in range of the fall.

Furthermore, a damaged lift can cause safety problems even if it’s not being used. Leaking hydraulic fluid from a lift can damage the respiratory system, cause skin burns, and/or start a fire. Failure to properly ground the lift can cause electric shocks.

Proper Automotive Lift Procedures

Get Lift Certified

Call an ALI-certified lift inspector to inspect the lift after it’s been installed. A good inspector will make sure the lift is properly installed and working well. You’ll also want to schedule annual inspections to ensure the lift is safe and in good working order at all times. As an added benefit, lift certification builds trust in your auto shop, as customers know that you put a priority on safety.

Know the Lift You’re Using

All car lift operators should be properly trained to use the lift in question. As lift specifications vary greatly depending on the brand and model of lift, regular training will likely be in order even for experienced lift operators. Knowing the lift you’re using will help you follow best practices when operating the lift. It will also enable you to notice problems that could pose safety risks to other mechanics. If your lift operator is inexperienced or still undergoing training, proper supervision from an experienced operator is in order to prevent lift damage or mishaps.

Never attempt to use a lift for a vehicle that weighs more than the lift’s weight limit. Furthermore, bear in mind that you can’t safely use a traditional car lift for an electric vehicle. EVs have a different weight distribution than gas-powered vehicles; what’s more, an EV’s weight changes significantly when you remove components such as a battery pack. If you plan on working on EVs, invest in an EV vehicle lift designed to safely handle the type of EVs you’re maintaining and repairing.

Position the Vehicle Correctly

Every lift has instructions on vehicle positioning. Follow these closely and never settle for “almost” or “close enough”. Each lift component plays an important role in keeping a vehicle steady. What’s more, the lift’s safety locks are unlikely to work properly if the vehicle isn’t in the right position.

Follow All Work Safety Guidelines

Even a secure lift won’t guarantee lift safety for your mechanics. Each person in your shop should follow basic safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Personal protective equipment and proper clothing are a must. Mechanics should wear proper work clothing, tight-fitting gloves, and sturdy work shoes when working in the shop. The area around a lift should be free from tools, devices, parts, and other items that could cause accidents. Clean oil spills right away to prevent slips and falls.

All mechanics should have the right tools for any repair job. Using improper tools and machinery while working on a vehicle raised by a lift can cause damage and/or injury.

The recommended temperature range for operating a lift is 41° – 104° F. If the temperature of your shop is outside this range, adjust the thermostat and wait until the temperature is right before turning on the lift.

Regularly Inspect the Automotive Lift

An auto shop manager or qualified mechanic should visually inspect each lift in the shop every single morning before the workday starts. Check the cables and sheaves for signs of wear and tear. Wipe down cables if needed, check the anchor bolts, and lubricate parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the adapter for signs of damage and make sure the hydraulic fluid is at the right level.

It’s also important to inspect the area around a lift for potential hazards. Corrosive fluids should always be stored away from the lift. Move nearby machinery and tools away from the lift to prevent accidents. Make sure the warning and safety labels on the outside of the lift are clearly visible.

Elevate Your Shop with Our OEM Lift Parts

Every auto shop owner needs a reliable auto shop equipment and parts supplier to ensure all machinery is in good working order at all times. That’s why auto shop owners throughout the United States turn to SVI International for products and services.

At SVI, we specialize in providing auto shop owners with a huge selection of parts from leading brands. Our stock also includes discontinued parts and our team of mechanical engineers can even create custom parts on request to help you save money. What’s more, all parts in stock at one of our ready-ship warehouses are sent out the same day to ensure you get your order as quickly as possible. Contact us at your convenience to find out more about our products or to get a price quote. Our team of experts will work with you to help you find what you need and the best possible deals.