Car lifts are essential tools in garages and workshops. However, to ensure your car lift stays in good working condition and continues to serve you for years to come, regular maintenance and routine checks are crucial. Proper upkeep not only maximises performance and enhances efficiency, but also prevents costly repairs and downtime. In this post, we share some suggestions for maintaining your car lift. We’ll share our essential maintenance tips that will help you keep your car lift running smoothly and efficiently. Read on to discover how to preserve your equipment and ensure its long lasting functionality.

Visually Inspect All Moving Parts

Regularly inspecting all moving parts, such as the cables, pulleys, and safety locks, is essential to maintaining the safety and efficiency of your car lift. Make sure that you regularly check for any wear, corrosion, or damage that could affect performance. For instance, frayed cables or misaligned pulleys can compromise your lift’s ability to function smoothly, potentially leading to accidents or further damage. Catching these issues early allows for timely repairs, ensuring both the safety of the operator and the longevity of your lift.

Wipe Down the Lift to Remove Dirt and Excess Grease

A clean car lift not only looks more professional but also operates more effectively. Dirt and grease can accumulate over time on your car lift, especially in high use areas like the posts and base. Using a clean, dry cloth, ensure that you regularly thoroughly wipe down all accessible parts, focusing on removing any debris from critical components like the arms and lifting points. 

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of harmful materials that can lead to rust, increased friction, or wear, which can shorten the lifespan of your lift.

Test the Lift’s Weight Capacity Regularly

It’s important to ensure your car lift can handle the weight loads it’s rated for by periodically testing its capacity. Over time, your lift may experience wear that reduces its ability to safely raise vehicles of a certain weight. To perform this test, start with a vehicle that’s well within the lift’s rated capacity and gradually increase the weight while observing how the lift operates. If your lift struggles or makes unusual noises, it may be time to inspect or repair key components. Regularly testing the lift’s weight capacity ensures that you’re not unknowingly pushing it beyond its limits, which could lead to serious safety hazards or equipment failure.

Lubricate Rollers and Pivot Points

Friction can cause issues in any mechanical system, and your car lift is no exception. To keep it running smoothly, regularly apply a high quality lubricant to moving parts like rollers, pivot points, and hinges. This simple task reduces wear on the parts that bear the most stress, ensuring that your lift operates effortlessly. Without proper lubrication, components can grind against each other, leading to malfunctions, increased repair costs, and downtime. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the type and amount of lubricant to use.

Check and Tighten Bolts, Nuts, and Screws

Loose bolts, nuts, or screws can cause serious problems for the stability and safety of your car lift. Over time, the movement of the lift can gradually loosen these essential fasteners, which can compromise the overall structure of the lift. Using a torque wrench or appropriate tool, check each fastener to ensure they are tight and secure. This simple maintenance step can prevent dangerous accidents or lift failure, making your workspace safer and minimising future repair costs.

Check Hydraulic Oil Levels

Maintaining the correct hydraulic oil levels is crucial for the smooth operation of your car lift. Low oil levels can strain the hydraulic system, causing the lift to operate inefficiently or even fail altogether. Regularly check the oil reservoir and top it up as needed with the correct type of hydraulic oil. In addition, check for any leaks or damage to the hydraulic hoses, which can indicate bigger problems. Ensuring the system has the proper oil levels keeps the lift running smoothly and can prevent costly repairs or system failures down the line.

Inspect Safety Locks and Mechanisms

The safety locks on your car lift are designed to prevent accidents and injuries, making them one of the most critical components to maintain. Test the locks regularly to ensure they engage and disengage properly, and look for any signs of wear or misalignment. If the locks aren’t functioning as intended, this could lead to a dangerous situation where the vehicle slips or the lift malfunctions. Keeping these safety mechanisms in good working order ensures a safe and reliable lifting process, providing peace of mind when performing maintenance tasks.

Schedule Regular Servicing

To ensure your car lift continues operating efficiently and safely, regular professional servicing is a must. During a service, trained technicians conduct a thorough inspection of all components, such as the hydraulic system, cables, safety locks, electrical connections, and overall structural integrity. By identifying potential issues early, they can prevent more serious problems from developing, saving you time and money in the long run. Regular servicing helps ensure that it remains in peak working condition, minimising downtime and reducing the likelihood of costly, unexpected repairs.

Want to Book a Car Lift Service?

As a leading garage equipment supplier in Ireland, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including professional car lift servicing. Our team of GEA certified engineers provides nationwide servicing for all makes and models of car lifts and garage equipment. We conduct thorough inspections of all car lifts, checking every component to ensure your lift is functioning safely and efficiently. Should we identify any issues, our skilled engineers are equipped to carry out the necessary repairs to restore your lift’s performance. At Equipco, we offer fixed price scheduled services for car lifts. To book your car lift service, simply get in touch or alternatively, visit our website and book online using our booking form.