Keep Your Lift Going: Car Lift Hydraulic Fluid Maintenance Guide
News 12/07/2024
Alright, let’s talk about this car lift stuff, you know, the thing that lifts them big ol’ cars up in the air. I ain’t no fancy mechanic, but I know a thing or two ’bout keepin’ things workin’. We’re gonna gab about that car lift hydraulic fluid, what it is and why it’s so darn important.
First off, that there fluid ain’t just any ol’ oil. It’s special stuff, makes the lift go up and down smooth like butter, well, sorta like butter, you get the idea. They call it hydraulic fluid, fancy name, huh? This fluid, it’s gotta be strong, gotta last a good long while, and it sure as heck can’t be gettin’ all foamy and rusty.
Now, some folks say you can use this ATF stuff, transmission fluid they call it. But listen here, some smart fellers who make these lifts, they say don’t you go doin’ that. They say it’s too thin, like water almost. It’ll leak out and mess up the seals, them little rubber things that keep the fluid where it belongs. Then you got a real mess on your hands, and your lift’s gonna be useless as a screen door on a submarine.
- The Good Stuff: The good stuff they recommend is called AW32. Now, I ain’t got a clue what that stands for, but I know it’s good. It’s like a 10-weight oil, they say, which means it’s just the right thickness, not too thin, not too thick. It works good no matter if it’s hot as blazes or cold as a witch’s you-know-what.
- Keepin’ it Full: Just like your car needs oil, this lift needs its fluid too. You gotta keep it topped off, see? If it gets too low, the lift ain’t gonna work right. It might go up crooked, or it might not go up at all. And that ain’t good, no sir. You gotta check that fluid level regular-like.
- Check for Leaks: And while you’re at it, take a peek around for leaks. If you see oil drippin’ anywhere, you got a problem. Could be a loose hose, could be a busted seal. Whatever it is, you gotta fix it quick before all that good fluid leaks out and makes a big mess.
Think of it like this, that hydraulic fluid is the blood of your lift. Without enough, or if it’s the wrong kind, your lift is gonna be sick and won’t work right. You wouldn’t put water in your car’s engine, would ya? Well, it’s the same kinda deal with this lift.
Now, how often you gotta mess with this fluid depends on how much you use the lift. If you’re raisin’ and lowerin’ cars all day long, you gotta check it more often. They say after 1500 hours, give the lift a good once over, check the wires and stuff. After 5000 hours, you gotta do some real fixin’, and after 10,000 hours, well, you might as well take the whole thing apart and put it back together again.
And it ain’t just about the fluid, you know. You gotta check the bolts and nuts, make sure they’re tight. You gotta check the hoses, make sure they ain’t leakin’. You gotta test the controls, make sure they work. And don’t forget them emergency stops, them things are important, might just save your bacon one day.
So, keepin’ your car lift in tip-top shape ain’t rocket science. Just gotta be smart about it, use the right hydraulic fluid, check things regular, and fix things when they break. Do that, and your lift will last you a good long time, and you won’t have to worry about it droppin’ a car on your head. And that, my friends, is mighty important.
To keep your car lift runnin’ good and to stop it from breakin’ down, do these things. Check the buttons and the emergency stops every day. Make sure them arms go up and down like they should. And for goodness sake, check that power cord, make sure it ain’t all frayed and dangerous. Look at the safety lock too, and them hoses, check for leaks everywhere. If you do all that, you’ll be in good shape, and your lift will thank ya.
Remember, keepin’ up with your car lift ain’t just about savin’ money. It’s about keepin’ things safe too. Nobody wants a car fallin’ on ‘em, that’s for sure. So, be smart, be careful, and take care of your lift. It’ll take care of you in return.
Tags: [car lift, hydraulic fluid, maintenance, AW32, car lift safety, car lift repair, lift maintenance, hydraulic oil]