Hints and Tips For Making Car Lifts Safer and Easier to Use

Because of the weight of the car and the height of car lifts, these machines can create some scary situations. Keeping safety in mind when working around these systems is a start, but good maintenance also helps. For added safety and usability, you can add additional car lift parts onto the original system.

Caring For Car Lifts

All styles of lifts need regular attention to ensure they work safely and hydraulic-style lifts are no different. First, check the fluid level in the machine and if it is low and needs it, add the oil recommended by the manufacturer. You will also want to make sure the pistons and cylinders of the machine are clean and free from debris. You should lube any of the moving parts that need it according to your owner's manual since each machine is different.

Hoses for hydraulic fluid are one of the most common breakdowns. You want to avoid having it leak while the vehicle is on the lift by check each one for leaks and damage. If a hose does start to leak while you have a vehicle on the hoist, stay back as far as you can and lower it gently. You can then fix the hose with the right car lift parts and check the entire system over before raising it back up. The controls and platform should also be tested regularly to make sure the system doesn't malfunction while you are using it.

Safety Precautions During Use

Incorrectly loading the lift is a common and possibly deadly mistake. Most often, the machine has an uneven weight, or a load that is too heavy or too big. Center the vehicle on the platform and make sure you are aware of the size and weight rating for your particular hoist. The power should be off and the hoist locked after the vehicle is high enough to work with. Just be sure not to raise it past the recommended point. Don't forget to put the emergency brake on in the vehicle as well.

Knowing the location of the controls and the proper way to use them is important in case you need to use them during an emergency. As you use the lift, whether it is to lower or raise the vehicle, keep an eye on the pressure gauges and movement of the hoist. If you happen to notice anything out of the ordinary, such as high or low fluid pressure or uneven movement, check the entire system over and repair it before you use it.

Car Lift Parts For Safety And Usability

Some models of car lifts aren't the safest models available, but this doesn't mean you can't change that. For instance, one popular model is single post auto lifts. You can purchase a bolt on safety leg that has multi-positional locks. This makes the hoists safer to use and easier to work with.