Why Regular Vehicle Lift Inspections Are Crucial for Shop Safety?

Why Regular Vehicle Lift Inspections Are Crucial for Shop Safety

In the fast-paced environment of an automotive repair shop, vehicle lifts are some of the most heavily used—and often overlooked—pieces of equipment. From raising compact sedans for tire rotations to hoisting full-size trucks for drivetrain work, lifts handle immense loads day in and day out. Over time, wear and tear can compromise their safety and performance. At SVI Automotive, we emphasize the importance of regular vehicle lift inspections as a critical part of maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient shop.

We proudly provide certified vehicle lift inspection services across Victoria BC and throughout Vancouver Island, helping repair shops, fleet facilities, and dealerships stay operational and legally compliant.

What Makes Lift Inspections So Important?

Vehicle lifts are responsible for holding thousands of pounds overhead while technicians work underneath. Any mechanical failure—whether it’s a worn-out safety latch, a hydraulic leak, or a cracked weld—can lead to severe injury, catastrophic damage, or even death.

Regular inspections not only mitigate these risks but also extend the lifespan of your lift. Spotting early warning signs, such as cable fraying, reduced lifting speed, or uneven arm movement, allows for timely repairs before problems escalate. An uninspected lift can quietly become misaligned, rusted, or weakened until the consequences are costly.

In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC regulations and CSA standards require that lifting equipment be kept in safe working condition, which includes routine inspections by qualified professionals. SVI Automotive helps you meet these obligations with detailed inspections and thorough documentation.

What Our Vehicle Lift Inspections Include

Our certified technicians perform a comprehensive inspection tailored to the lift type (two-post, four-post, scissor, in-ground, etc.) and the specific manufacturer’s requirements. Our inspection process includes:

• Structural integrity: checking columns, welds, platforms, and anchor points for cracks, corrosion, and distortion

• Hydraulic system: inspecting rams, hoses, seals, and fluid levels for leaks or wear

• Mechanical components: verifying cable tension, pulley wear, and safety latch engagement

• Electrical systems: testing switches, sensors, and control units for proper function

• Locking and safety mechanisms: ensuring locks engage evenly and securely

• Wear indicators and moving parts: lubrication, bushing wear, arm restraints, and equalization

Each inspection comes with a full report detailing our findings, including maintenance recommendations and urgency levels. If repairs are needed, our mobile service team can often perform them on-site.

How Often Should You Inspect a Vehicle Lift?

While usage intensity varies by shop, most lifts should be visually inspected daily by operators and professionally inspected every 6 to 12 months, depending on workload. Lifts in high-throughput environments may need quarterly checks.

We also recommend professional inspection:

• After installation

• Before resale or relocation

• Following any lift repair or modification

• If unusual noise, behavior, or imbalance is observed

Common Risks of Neglecting Lift Inspections

Failure to inspect your lifts regularly can result in:

• Technician injury or fatality

• Vehicle damage and insurance claims

• Shop downtime and revenue loss

• WorkSafeBC violations and potential fines

• Voided manufacturer warranties

The cost of inspection is minimal compared to the financial and legal consequences of a lift failure. Many insurance providers and equipment warranties require documented inspection history to remain valid.

Servicing Victoria BC and All of Vancouver Island

SVI Automotive provides mobile lift inspection and repair services across Vancouver Island, including:

• Victoria

• Langford

• Nanaimo

• Duncan

• Sidney

• Courtenay

• Campbell River

We inspect and service all major lift brands, including Rotary, Challenger, Atlas, Benwil, Forward Lift, and more. Whether you run a small independent shop or a large dealership service department, our certified technicians will ensure your equipment remains safe, compliant, and ready to perform.

Why Choose SVI Automotive?

• CSA & WorkSafeBC-compliant inspection procedures

• Fast scheduling with minimal disruption to your workflow

• Certified repair technicians with extensive lift experience

• Detailed reports suitable for audit and insurance compliance

• Preventative maintenance plans to extend lift life

Book Your Lift Inspection Today

Regular lift inspections are a small investment that yield major returns in safety, uptime, and peace of mind. Don’t wait for signs of failure—stay proactive.

Contact SVI Automotive today to schedule your vehicle lift inspection in Victoria BC or anywhere across Vancouver Island.