The Importance of Uptime
Uptime, or the amount of time your equipment is operational and available for use, is a major factor in the profitability of any automotive shop. When equipment goes down, it impacts your productivity, customer service, and ultimately your bottom line. That’s why Paul from Coats emphasized the need to focus on keeping equipment up and running at all times. The key takeaway? Always prioritize service and maintenance practices that minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Why Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance is often the difference between smooth, uninterrupted operations and costly, time-consuming repairs. Preventative maintenance is not just about fixing problems when they arise but about taking proactive steps to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Here are some vital reasons why routine maintenance should be a part of your equipment management strategy:
- Preventing Major Breakdowns
The most common issues affecting equipment performance often stem from neglect. As discussed in the video, dirt, grime, and moisture build-up can impact components like seals, cylinders, and linkages, leading to reduced performance or failure. By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule and addressing minor issues promptly, you can avoid larger, more expensive repairs down the line. - Extending Equipment Life
Regularly servicing your equipment extends its lifespan, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. This includes cleaning, lubrication, and replacing worn parts before they lead to a breakdown. Preventative maintenance performed by a qualified technician can help catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems, keeping your equipment operational for years to come. - Ensuring Safety Compliance
Maintenance isn’t just about keeping equipment functional; it’s also a matter of safety. Equipment failures can pose significant risks to operators and other staff members. Adhering to a strict maintenance schedule ensures your shop complies with safety standards, such as the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) certification for lift inspections, and minimizes the risk of accidents.
Common Equipment Issues and How to Address Them
Paul explained in the video that many common equipment issues can be avoided with proper upkeep. These include:
- Moisture in Air Systems: This can cause rust and corrosion, impacting pneumatic components. Regularly draining air compressors and keeping moisture out of the system can prevent these problems.
- Build-Up of Dirt and Grime: This can cause moving parts to stick or wear prematurely. Make sure to keep machinery clean and free from debris.
- Improper Lubrication: Without adequate lubrication, parts will wear out quickly, potentially leading to a total system breakdown. Always ensure your equipment is properly lubricated as recommended by the manufacturer.
Selecting the Right Service Partner
Choosing the right service partner is just as crucial as regular maintenance. When it comes to servicing your equipment, you need a provider who can guarantee prompt response times, offers preventative maintenance plans, and employs experienced, knowledgeable technicians. Here’s why Coats stands out as a trusted service partner:
- Extensive Service Network
Coats boasts a large network of highly skilled technicians who are well-equipped to provide fast, reliable service to keep your equipment up and running. The Coats Service Network strives to provide a two-day turnaround on repairs, ensuring minimal downtime. This rapid response is essential in an industry where every minute counts. - Comprehensive Maintenance Programs
Coats offers tailored preventative maintenance programs, giving you the option to have a technician perform routine check-ups on your equipment. This helps prevent unexpected failures and keeps your equipment performing optimally. Technicians can also provide hands-on training to show your team how to perform basic maintenance tasks to reduce service calls. - Certified Lift Inspections
One of the new offerings from Coats is certified lift inspections, which are conducted by ALI-certified technicians. These inspections cover all lift brands and provide an unbiased evaluation of the condition of your lifts. While Coats does not perform repairs on lifts, they will diagnose any issues and recommend what needs to be done, leaving you with the choice of service providers for repairs. This ensures you are getting a fair and accurate assessment without any conflict of interest.
Key Considerations When Shopping for Equipment at SEMA
If you’re attending SEMA 2024 and considering purchasing new equipment, there are some critical service-related factors to keep in mind:
- Ask About Training and Support: Make sure that the equipment manufacturer provides thorough training on how to maintain and service your new equipment. This can include detailed manuals, in-person training sessions, and preventative maintenance plans.
- Evaluate Service Response Times: Quick turnaround on service requests can significantly reduce downtime. Be sure to ask potential suppliers about their service network size, typical response times, and whether they offer any uptime guarantees.
- Consider Preventative Maintenance Programs: When buying equipment, find out if the manufacturer or dealer offers preventative maintenance packages. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your equipment is being regularly checked and serviced by professionals.
The Bottom Line: Keep Your Shop Running Smoothly with the Right Partner
Regular maintenance is the backbone of a well-running shop. It maximizes uptime, extends the life of your equipment, and keeps operations safe and efficient. By partnering with a reliable service provider like Coats, you can rest assured knowing that your equipment is in good hands, and you’re backed by a network that values promptness and professionalism.
Coats at SEMA 2024 is all about bringing solutions to attendees. With our experienced service team on hand, you can learn more about keeping your equipment in top shape and ensuring you’re ready for the challenges ahead. Be sure to visit our booth for hands-on demonstrations, expert consultations, and a closer look at our latest service offerings, including unbiased lift inspections.