Lifts provide access to vehicles, enabling technicians to get more work done in less time, to maximize productivity and profitability. Proper lift maintenance practices will help provide a long service life.

To keep vehicle lifts operating properly, good maintenance and inspection practices are crucial. Rotary Lift offers the following advice:

• Read and follow the guidelines in your lift owner’s manual. Maintenance and inspection requirements vary for different styles and brands of vehicle lifts. The owner’s manual will cover the specific needs of each lift.

• Schedule annual inspections for all vehicle lifts. A factory-authorized technician should perform the inspection. Lift manufacturers can recommend authorized service companies in your area.

• Keep lifts well lubricated, according to manufacturers’ guidelines.

• Whether maintenance is performed in-house or by an outside service company, insist on genuine OE replacement parts. OE parts were designed by the lift manufacturer to original design specifications. Aftermarket parts are reverse-engineered and may not use the same materials or incorporate the latest design changes, according to Rotary Lift. The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recommends using OE parts to ensure proper fit and function. Using aftermarket parts on an ALI-certified lift may void that lift’s certification.

ALI offers general lift maintenance and inspection guidelines in a variety of materials, including a training manual and DVD. These materials are available at ALI’s Web site, www.autolift.org. 

 
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