Double Parker

Maintaining a car stacker involves more than just checking the hydraulics or lubricating moving parts. In public parking facilities and garages where these systems are used daily, particular attention must be paid to the load-bearing structure and driving plates . These components ultimately support the weight of vehicles and must therefore always be in perfect condition.

One often overlooked aspect is cleaning after winter: Salt residues and de-icing agents settle on metal surfaces and can lead to significant corrosion damage over time—especially in drainage channels, which may also serve as load-bearing elements. This hidden deterioration poses a serious risk: the so-called “time bomb” of concealed material fatigue can result in expensive repairs or even complete replacement later on.

To detect and prevent damage early, we recommend an annual deep cleaning , ideally right after winter. Both the driving plates and the entire supporting structure should be thoroughly cleaned using high-pressure or steam cleaners.

These tasks are best carried out when the garage is empty—such as during maintenance periods or before re-leasing. This prevents parked cars from being dirtied or damaged. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to inspect the existing anti-corrosion protection , repair any defects or completely renew the coating—a crucial step toward extending the system's lifespan.

When individual driving plates show visible signs of wear, the question arises: Is partial replacement worthwhile? In practice, this process often involves a great deal of effort. To replace a single plate, nearly all plates must usually be unscrewed , as they operate as a connected unit.

The problem often lies with the screws themselves: due to corrosion, many fasteners can no longer be removed cleanly, let alone reused. Professionals often use a nut or bolt splitter to carefully remove damaged screws. Nevertheless, the effort remains high—and the results are usually short-lived, as remaining parts continue to corrode.

From an economic standpoint, a complete retrofit with saltwater-resistant aluminum profiles often makes the most sense. Although up to 25% of old driving plates could theoretically be reused, repairing individual components rarely pays off in the long run. Recurring costs for maintenance, spare parts and labor add up—while the risk of material fatigue constantly increases.

Aluminum, by contrast, is corrosion-resistant, lightweight and durable —ideal characteristics for long-term outdoor use or in winter conditions. In addition, its longevity significantly reduces maintenance needs, which positively impacts operating costs.

For long-term economical and safe operation, it’s important not to cut corners when serious corrosion damage occurs. While replacing individual driving plates may suffice temporarily , this approach is neither calculable nor sustainable in the medium to long term due to high labor costs and limited durability.

Instead, we recommend a strategic approach: regular maintenance, thorough cleaning and, if necessary, a complete retrofit using modern materials such as aluminum . This ensures not only greater longevity, but also improved safety, fewer downtimes and lower overall costs over the system’s lifetime.

Have your car stacker professionally inspected and consult with our experts—we’ll find the solution that fits your operation perfectly.