Car park lifts carry people between parking levels in shopping centres, hospitals, apartment buildings, offices and public car parks. They are passenger lifts like any other, but they work in some of the harshest conditions of any lift in a building.
This guide is about passenger lifts in car parks. Lifts that carry the vehicle itself are covered in car lifts explained.
Why car park lifts wear faster
- Open-air levels let wind, rain, dust and leaves reach the lift entrances.
- Water can run down ramps and into the lift pit after heavy rain. See water in the lift pit.
- Dirt and grit carried in on shoes and trolleys collect in door tracks and sills, which is a common cause of door faults.
- Trolleys, prams and luggage knock doors and car walls.
- Peak times, such as shopping hours or shift changes, mean heavy use in short bursts.
- Car parks are often quiet and unstaffed, so damage and vandalism may go unnoticed.
The emergency phone matters more
Car parks are often empty, especially at night. If someone is stuck in a car park lift, the emergency phone may be their only way to get help. Check that the phone is working, that someone answers it and that its SIM or service plan is paid and current. A phone that has quietly stopped working is easy to miss in a building nobody watches.
See lift emergency phone checks for what owners should confirm.
Keeping car park lifts running
- Keep lift lobbies and sills clean, especially after storms and leaf fall.
- Check drains near the lift entrances and at the bottom of ramps.
- Report door faults early: a door that sticks occasionally usually gets worse.
- Make sure there is a clear sign with who to call if the lift stops working.
Because of these conditions, ask your lift company whether the service schedule suits how exposed and how busy the lift is.
Planning for downtime
When a car park lift is out of service, people with prams, wheelchairs, walking aids or shopping may have no other way between levels. Building managers should know who to call, display notices quickly and keep the lift company's emergency number on hand.
For car park lift (elevator) maintenance, repairs or a 24 hour call out, call Hiteck on 03 9293 8100.