Most garage equipment should be serviced either at 6-month or 12-month intervals as a minimum, but each can have different requirements and there are several factors to consider before purchasing equipment or booking a piece of equipment to be serviced.
Maintaining well-functioning garage equipment is crucial for the smooth operation and productivity of any garage, workshop, vehicle repair shop or MOT Bay. Regular servicing and maintenance of your garage equipment not only ensures the safety of technicians and customers but will also prolong the lifespan of the garage machinery, making breakdowns less likely and saving money in the long run.
However, many garage owners are often uncertain about the ideal time to schedule servicing for their equipment, however, the importance of regular checks, examinations and servicing of your garage equipment cannot be overstated.
Why is Regular Garage Equipment Servicing Important?
Garage equipment, such as vehicle lifts, tyre changers, wheel balancers, air compressors, and diagnostic tools, are subject to constant use in any busy garage. Over time, components may become loose, parts may wear out, lubricants may dry out, and performance can deteriorate. Regular servicing helps identify and address these issues early on, preventing costly breakdowns, reducing downtime, and ensuring the equipment operates optimally at all times.
Safety Considerations:
The safety of both technicians and customers should be a top priority for any garage. Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can pose serious risks, including accidents, injuries, and damage to vehicles. Regular servicing allows for the detection and repair of potential safety hazards before they escalate into dangerous situations. Compliance with health and safety regulations should be a fundamental aspect of any garage’s operations, and regular servicing is a crucial part of meeting those requirements.
Manufacturer Recommendations:
Every piece of garage equipment comes with specific manufacturer guidelines for servicing and maintenance. These recommendations will vary depending on the manufacturer, the type and size of equipment, its usage intensity, and other factors. It is essential to thoroughly read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions regarding servicing intervals and procedures. Following these guidelines will not only ensure optimal performance but also help maintain warranty coverage. If you are unsure of the manufacturer’s recommendations in terms of service and inspection intervals then you should contact the manufacturer or your garage equipment supplier or distributor immediately to gather the necessary information.
Factors to Consider:
While manufacturer recommendations provide a baseline, several other factors can influence the frequency of servicing your garage equipment:
- Usage Intensity: Generally, the more frequently equipment is used, the more frequently it should be serviced. High-volume repair shops may need more frequent servicing than those with lower activity levels. Equally, if a piece of equipment has not been used for a long period of time, components could have seized or rusted, so an examination of the moving parts should be performed, along with a test use before putting it into full usage. If it has not been used for an extended period then it may be necessary to have it thoroughly examined by a professional garage equipment maintenance engineer.
- Environment: The conditions in which the equipment operates can impact its performance and maintenance needs. Dust, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to corrosive substances can accelerate wear and tear, necessitating more frequent servicing.
- Visual and Auditory Indicators: Unusual noises, vibrations, or visible signs of damage or wear on the equipment should not be ignored. If you notice any abnormal behaviour or performance issues, it is advisable to have the equipment inspected promptly.
- Regulatory Compliance: In addition to manufacturer guidelines, local regulations may stipulate specific servicing requirements for garage equipment. Ensure you are familiar with any legal obligations that apply to your operation.
A Thorough Examination of Garage Lifting Equipment:
If you are a garage owner then you have a duty of care to yourself, your workers and your customers to ensure that the lifting equipment is safe to use. The HSE guidance states that “If you are an employer or self-employed person providing lifting equipment for use at work, or if you have control of the use of lifting equipment, you must make sure the lifting equipment is safe. The main requirements for you as a ‘duty holder’ are in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)”.
How Often Must Lifting Equipment and Accessories Be Thoroughly Examined?
You must have any garage lifting equipment thoroughly examined:
- before the first use: unless the equipment has an EC Declaration of Conformity less than one-year-old and was not assembled on site. If it was assembled on site, it must be examined by a “competent person” to establish the assembly was correct and safe
- after assembly and before use at each location: for equipment that requires assembly or installation before use
- regularly in service: if the equipment is used regularly and/or exposed to conditions causing deterioration that is likely to result in dangerous situations. If this applies to your equipment you have a choice. You can arrange for the thorough examination to be carried out at a minimum interval of:
- Every 6 months if a person will be lifted or lowered with (eg sitting inside) or without a vehicle
- Every 12 months if no person is lifted or lowered either with or without a vehicle on the lift
- In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person.
If garage equipment is not correctly inspected in a timely manner, and there is a subsequent accident, the equipment, the owner and the garage may not be covered by their respective insurances – As well as the safety implications, this could also lead to a fine and a potential prison sentence.
Weekly Checks of Your Garage Equipment:
It is also the garage owner’s responsibility to ensure weekly visual checks are carried out on all garage equipment, as well as prior to each use, to ensure no service or repair works are required before use.
If you or any member of your staff are due to work on any piece of garage equipment they should look both at, on, and around the equipment for any safety concerns, if they are at all unsure they should seek advice from either another competent person on site, or a trained garage equipment engineer to thoroughly check the equipment, resolve any issues or concerns and test the equipment before putting it back into regular daily use.
Regular Servicing of Your Garage Equipment
Regular servicing of garage equipment is vital for maintaining safety, maximizing productivity, and extending the lifespan of the machinery. By adhering to manufacturer recommendations, maintaining regular checks, considering factors such as usage intensity and environment, and promptly addressing any visual or auditory signs of trouble, you can ensure that your garage equipment operates smoothly and reliably for many years to come.
To ensure the highest level of expertise and quality servicing for your garage equipment, it is advisable to seek the assistance of professional service providers. Companies like Concept Garage Equipment offer comprehensive servicing and maintenance solutions tailored to your specific needs, helping you keep your garage running efficiently and effectively. Remember, investing in regular servicing is an investment in the longevity and success of your automotive repair business.
Garage Equipment Servicing & Repairs by Concept Garage Equipment
Concept Garage Equipment sells and installs every type of garage equipment, including the design and installation of MOT Bays. As a result of this, our engineers have years of experience inspecting and examining every make, model and type of garage equipment. Our installations won’t even begin unless we are 100% sure the groundworks are perfect, which we know prevents a multitude of issues later down the line. Once installation and the initial inspection are complete we will give each customer the option to subscribe for 6 monthly inspection and service visits by one of our expert engineers, removing 99% of all ongoing issues and breakdown concerns before the garage equipment is used for the first time.
But we don’t only work with customers we have sold garage equipment or MOT Bays to – if you have a garage, and need some advice, a thorough inspection or service of your garage lift, tyre changer, wheel aligner, emissions tester, ADAS equipment or anything else, call Concept!
Call us today on 0113 469 0572 or use the online contact form, for any garage equipment service and repair work and we will keep your garage business working and earning.