There’s a debate in the industry that never seems to die — and we see the same question popping up every time:
Is a Vehicle Inspection Pit Worth It?
With so many other options for servicing vehicles, it can seem like a pit is a big investment.
But there are plenty of benefits that are easy to miss.
Here’s how an inspection pit can improve your workshop — and why lifts and jacks aren’t always the right choice:
Instant Access
With a dedicated inspection pit, you’ve got a fixed installation that’s always ready to go. There’s nothing to attach, nothing to power up. When a vehicle arrives, you can just drive into position and get straight to work.
That’s great news for your teams, who spend less time setting up and more time servicing vehicles.
But it’s also good news for your throughput and efficiency:
With a faster load-in and drive-off, your workshop can get through more vehicles in the same amount of time — giving you a direct boost to your revenue, and faster turnaround times for happier customers.
You can take that efficiency even further by:
- Installing your pit near an entrance or exit (or both)
- Using integrated Pit Jacks to access the wheels without moving the vehicle
- Installing Brake Testers and Play Detectors over the pit — to finish more jobs in the same location.
With a well-planned installation and the integrated tools you need, you can minimise the travel inside your workshop — while maximising the number of services your teams carry out in one place.
Saving Space
If you’re working with a premises that has a low ceiling, an inspection pit could be an easy choice:
Without the overhead clearance of a larger building, you might not have enough vertical space to safely use a vehicle lift — especially if you’re servicing larger vehicles.
But there’s another way a pit can save space that’s not always obvious:
Some vehicle inspection pits come with options for robust pit covers (like our Totalkare Compact Pit).
With a strong cover over the opening of the pit, you’re able to reclaim floor space when the pit isn’t being used.
That could mean opening up new walking routes for your teams as they move through your workshop, creating more flexibility in your workshop.
And the result?
Your fixed installation is now flexible floor space — helping your throughput and the efficiency of your teams.
Long-Term Savings
Some workshops can be wary of the upfront investment that comes with installing a pit.
But in the long run, a dedicated inspection pit can be more cost-effective than other choices:
Once it’s installed, a high-quality pit can last forever with the right maintenance. You won’t have electronics or hydraulics that need maintenance and repairs — and you won’t have moving parts that eventually suffer from wear and tear.
It’s as permanent as the rooms that make up your premises. So for companies looking ahead to the long term, an inspection pit can give you lower total costs (and a higher ROI).
That’s especially true with modern pits, which often come prefabricated:
With a pit that’s built off-site as a single, contained unit (like our Totalkare Inspection Pits), you’ll get a fully sealed enclosure that’s protected from moisture and water from the ground that surrounds it.
That makes it easy to clean, easy to maintain — and a long-lasting investment that can stand the test of time.
Ready to See What a Modern Pit Can Do?
We’ve been installing modern inspection pits for workshop and fleets for years — with fully prefabricated pits equipped with the latest lighting, ventilation, and integrated tools.
So if you’re thinking about an installation in your workshop (and you need the expert advice of seasoned installers), start a chat with one of our workshop specialists — and we’ll talk you through everything you need to know.
This article is originally published by Totalkare.
