A car lift holds thousands of pounds over your techs' heads every day, so it needs regular checks. The short answer: every lift should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified inspector, with a quick check by the operator before each use. Here is what that means for your shop, what an inspection covers and the warning signs that should not wait for the yearly visit.

The rule: at least once a year

The industry standard for lift inspection and maintenance, ANSI/ALI ALOIM, calls for every vehicle lift to be inspected at least annually by a qualified lift inspector. Lifts that get heavy daily use, lifts that have been overloaded, hit or repaired, and older lifts can need more frequent checks.

Many insurance carriers, landlords and fleet managers also ask for proof of an annual inspection, so a written report is worth having on file.

Daily checks before each use

Between inspections, whoever runs the lift should take a minute before using it:

• Look for hydraulic leaks under the power unit and cylinders
• Check that cables are not frayed, kinked or slack
• Raise the lift a few inches and make sure the safety locks click on both sides
• Check arms, arm restraints, pads and adapters for damage
• Make sure the area is clear and the controls work properly

If anything looks wrong, don't use the lift until it is checked.

What a professional inspection covers

• Structure: columns, carriages, runways, arms and welds for cracks, bends or wear
• Anchors and concrete: anchor bolts, base plates and the floor around each column
• Lifting system: cables, chains, sheaves, pulleys and equalizer cables
• Hydraulics: cylinders, hoses, fittings, fluid level and the power unit
• Safety devices: locks, lock releases, arm restraints, overhead shutoff bars and velocity fuses
• Controls and electrical: switches, wiring and the motor
• Labels and capacity: capacity plates and safety labels in place and readable
• Load test: the lift is cycled to make sure it rises, locks and lowers evenly

You get a written report showing what passed, what needs attention and what has to be fixed before the lift goes back in service.

Warning signs that can't wait for the yearly inspection

Take the lift out of service and call for lift repair right away if you notice:

• The lift drifts down or won't hold height
• One side lifts faster than the other, or the lift chatters or jerks
• A safety lock won't catch, or catches on one side only
• Frayed or broken cables, or grinding and popping noises
• Hydraulic fluid on the floor
• Cracked concrete or loose anchors at a column

Book your annual lift inspection

AFS inspects car lifts for repair shops, body shops, dealerships, fleet garages and home garages across Long Island, New York City and Westchester. We inspect 2-post, 4-post, scissor, alignment, parking and in-ground lifts, and we can fix most problems on the spot. If a lift is past saving, we will tell you plainly and quote a replacement. Not sure which lift to choose? Read 2-post vs 4-post: which is right for your shop.

Frequently asked questions

How often does a car lift need to be inspected?

At least once a year by a qualified lift inspector, according to the ANSI/ALI ALOIM industry standard. Lifts that see heavy daily use, or that have been damaged, overloaded or repaired, may need to be checked more often.

Who should inspect my car lift?

A qualified lift inspector who knows lift construction, safety devices and the industry standards, not just the person who uses the lift every day. Your techs should still do a quick check before each use.

What happens if my lift fails the inspection?

The inspector tags the problems and tells you which ones mean the lift must come out of service right away and which can be scheduled. AFS can repair most problems on the same visit or come back with parts.

Do insurance companies require lift inspections?

Many insurance carriers, landlords and fleet managers ask for proof of an annual lift inspection. A written inspection report keeps you covered and helps protect your business if there is ever an accident.

Do you inspect lifts you didn't install?

Yes. We inspect BendPak, Coats and most other major lift brands across Long Island, New York City and Westchester, no matter who installed them.