Auto lifts are a vital piece of equipment for most any sized garage. To conduct your mechanical repairs in a safe manner, it's important to check all car lift parts on a regular basis. It may seem like a time wasting effort, but if you set up a regular safety routine, you won't even have to think about it. This article gives you some tips on how to keep your car lift parts in top shape.
Platform Maintenance
The passage of time and improper usage of the main platform can cause damage. It's important to include the platform in your routine check of car lift parts. Look for bent or cracked metal or anything that is loose or appears abnormal. If you do see something unusual, remove the machine from use and disable it so repairs can be performed. If you fail to disable auto lifts, it could result in an employee injury. In addition, a vehicle could fall, slide, or get stuck in the air, making it difficult to conduct the repair safely. Be sure to grease or lubricate the recommended areas to avoid unnecessary wear on the moving parts.
Check The Movement
The easiest safety check you can conduct is simply watching as you move a vehicle up and down. If it jerks or hesitates as it's working, it could be an indication of problems. A vehicle should be raised and lowered in a smooth flowing motion. Note any irregular movement, providing a closer inspection before adding weight.
Security Features Need To Be Checked
The security features are often overlooked when it comes to car lift parts. Some garages may use the unsafe practice of disabling these safety features in an effort perform their job faster. This is a major mistake. If anything should go wrong, the safety features may be the only thing standing between an inconvenience and a major accident. All of the safety latches and features must be fully engaged and in good working order at all times. You should ensure all features are working as they were originally designed to make sure auto lifts will not give way under pressure before raising a vehicle too high.
Hydraulics
The hydraulics systems are the heart of the equipment. They handle extreme pressure and it's vital they are tested for safety on a regular basis. Check the hoses and other auto lifts parts associated with the hydraulics to make sure there are no leaks, cracks, or worn parts that might cause problems. Check the fluid level and top it off each day with the manufacturer's recommend fluid. Once everything has been checked satisfactorily, raise and lower the unit to make sure it's working correctly before loading a vehicle.
You should keep your auto lifts in top shape to keep your garage going at full speed. Auto lift parts can be stored for quick repairs if your safety check indicates a repair is needed. Safety and efficiency are two things needed in any work area.
Author Resource:-
Christine O'Kelly is an author for the auto lifts specialists at SVI International. They carry a full line of car lifts, heavy-duty lifts, car lift parts, and other automotive equipment. They have been serving the automotive industry since 1977.