If the thought of a massive machine doesn’t sound like entertainment, safety is probably a big issue for you when working around car lifts. You can do many different things when working around this equipment to keep yourself safe. Maintenance is also important. Sometimes, adding additional car lift parts to an existing lift will make it safer and easier to work with.

Maintenance Tips For Car Lifts

With hydraulic-style lifts, regular maintenance will keep them safe and working properly. One of the most common things to check is the system’s fluid level. If it is low, top it up with the recommended oil and not the oil you drained from the car last week. The cylinders and pistons often collect dirt and debris, so make sure this area stays clean. Check to ensure all moving parts are oiled and greased according to the owner manual.

The hoses can easily spring a leak. By checking them frequently, you will avoid having them leak while the lift is up in the air with a car on it. If the unthinkable does happen, stay as far back as you can and lower the vehicle. From there, get the right car lift parts, fix it, and check everything over before using it again. You also want to have the platform and controls inspected on a regular basis to prevent them from going haywire while you are underneath.

Working With The Lift

Another common mistake is loading lifts incorrectly. Many people either put too much weight on them or have the weight unevenly distributed. This is mostly a matter of making sure the vehicle is centered on the platform and being aware of the size and weight the unit is rated for.

When you raise the vehicle, make sure it is locked, the power is off, and that it is not over the recommended height. If you forgot to put the emergency brake on in the vehicle, you may want to lower it and put it on so the vehicle can’t roll off. Lastly, make sure you know where the controls are and how they work in case of an emergency. Watch any pressure gauges and the machine’s movement as it rises and lowers. As a general rule, anything that doesn’t look right (uneven movement or high/low fluid pressure) is a sign that something isn’t right and you will need to fix it before using it again.

Additional Car Lift Parts

Some of the car lifts out there are designed poorly when it comes to safety. This doesn’t mean you are stuck with a scary piece of equipment. With single post auto lifts, for example, you can add bolt-on safety legs with multi-positions to increase the level of safety for single post models and make the machine easier to use.

Because of the height and weight involved with car lifts, safety rules need to be practiced at all times. To reduce accidents, make sure to maintenance the equipment regularly and don’t be afraid to add on additional car lift parts to increase their safety level. Many times, these practices will not only make them safe, but easier to use as well.

christine o’kelly is an author for svi international, a provider and producer of car lift parts and car lifts for home and commercial use with more than 28 years experience. they also provide lift systems for buses and heavy-duty trucks.

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