Ever stared at your car and thought, “How am I ever going to get under there to change the oil?” For many car owners, this is a common frustration. Trying to jack up a car can be tricky and sometimes even a little scary. You want to save money by doing it yourself, but you also want to be safe and not damage your vehicle.
Choosing the right car ramp for an oil change can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and figuring out which one is strong enough, safe, and fits your car can be confusing. You might worry about it slipping or not being tall enough. It’s a big decision because you need something reliable.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important features and help you understand what makes a car ramp a great choice for your next oil change. Get ready to feel confident about tackling this car maintenance task yourself!
Our Top 5 Car Ramp For Oil Change Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Car Ramp For Oil Change Detailed Reviews
1. FloTool 11909ABMI RhinoRamp Vehicle Ramp Pair – Ideal for Stress-Free Home Garage Maintenance – Reduces Slippage – Works with Low Clearance Vehicles – 12
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of struggling to work on your car at home? The FloTool 11909ABMI RhinoRamp Vehicle Ramp Pair is here to make your garage maintenance a breeze. These ramps offer a sturdy and safe way to lift your vehicle, giving you the clearance you need for oil changes and other common tasks. They’re built tough and designed for easy use, even if you have a car that sits low to the ground.
What We Like:
- These ramps are super strong and can handle up to 12,000 pounds, so they’re safe for most cars and trucks.
- The special non-skid base keeps the ramps from sliding around, which is a big plus for safety.
- They have a gentle 17-degree angle, making it easy to drive even low-clearance vehicles onto them without scraping.
- The extra-wide design fits tires up to 9 inches across, which is pretty standard for many cars.
- They are also portable and rugged, meaning you can take them with you or store them easily.
- Working underneath your car is much easier with the extra height these ramps provide.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are portable, they can still be a bit bulky to store if you have a very small garage.
- The maximum tire width of 9 inches might not be enough for some larger trucks or specialized off-road vehicles.
If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly solution for home car maintenance, these RhinoRamps are a solid investment. They provide the safety and convenience you need to tackle your DIY projects with confidence.
2. Black Widow Plastic Car Service Ramps – Lifts Vehicles 6.25″ H for Maintenance or Oil Changes – Each Ramp is 12″ W and 10
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of struggling to get under your car for simple fixes? The Black Widow Plastic Car Service Ramps are here to make your at-home car maintenance a breeze. These sturdy ramps lift your vehicle 6.25 inches, giving you the perfect amount of space for oil changes, tire rotations, and other essential upkeep. They’re built tough and designed for safety, so you can tackle those tasks with confidence.
What We Like:
- These ramps are made from strong, high-impact plastic. They are also lightweight, making them easy to move and set up.
- Each ramp can hold up to 10,000 lbs. when used as a pair, supporting most cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
- A special support system inside the ramp helps spread out the vehicle’s weight safely.
- The grid design lets water, snow, and dirt drain away, so they work well in any weather.
- They lift your vehicle 6.25 inches, which is enough room for most routine maintenance jobs.
- You get a set of two ramps, so you have everything you need to get started.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plastic is durable, some users might prefer a heavier metal for added peace of mind on very heavy vehicles.
- The 6.25-inch lift might not be enough for some specialized repairs that require more clearance.
These Black Widow ramps offer a solid and convenient solution for most home mechanics. They make routine car care much more accessible and safe.
3. MaxxHaul 50515 6.25″ Lift Car Ramps
Rating: 8.8/10
The MaxxHaul 50515 6.25″ Lift Car Ramps are a great tool for anyone who needs to work on their car. This set comes with two heavy-duty ramps. They are made of strong plastic and are built to last. You can lift your vehicle up to 6.25 inches. This gives you plenty of room to get underneath and do repairs or maintenance. The ramps can hold a lot of weight, too. Each ramp supports 3,250 pounds, and the pair can handle 6,500 pounds. This means they are safe for most cars and trucks.
What We Like:
- These ramps offer a generous 6.25-inch lift height for easy access to your vehicle’s undercarriage.
- Each ramp supports 3,250 lbs, and the pair handles 6,500 lbs, making them suitable for many vehicles.
- The deep grooved surface provides excellent traction, helping your tires stay in place as you drive onto the ramps.
- Rubber stops on the base keep the ramps from sliding, adding an extra layer of safety.
- They are constructed from heavy-duty plastic, ensuring a sturdy and reliable product.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plastic is heavy-duty, some users might prefer metal for extreme durability.
- The 13,000lb GVW mentioned in the title refers to the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, not the ramp’s individual capacity. This could be clearer.
Overall, the MaxxHaul 50515 ramps provide a safe and effective way to raise your vehicle for maintenance. They are a solid choice for DIY car enthusiasts.
4. ROBLOCK Car Ramps for Lift and Vehicle Maintenance
Rating: 9.1/10
The ROBLOCK Car Ramps are a handy tool for anyone who needs to work on their low-slung vehicle. These ramps make it easier to lift your car for simple maintenance or repairs, giving you more space to work comfortably and safely underneath.
What We Like:
- These ramps are longer and wider than many others, giving you more room to use your jack and tools.
- The 10-inch width is great for cars with wider tires, preventing them from hanging off the edge.
- They are designed specifically for low-profile cars, with a gentle slope that makes it easy to drive up.
- The honeycomb design adds grip, and the curved shape helps keep your car in place.
- They are made of tough, impact-resistant plastic that can hold up to 20,000 pounds.
- The ramps are lightweight and easy to carry, making them great for home use or a professional shop.
- They add about 2.6 inches of lift, perfect for many common tasks.
- The non-slip pads on the bottom add extra security.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they offer a good lift for low cars, they might not provide enough height for some more involved repairs.
These ROBLOCK car ramps are a solid choice for boosting your car’s accessibility for maintenance. They offer a good balance of safety, convenience, and design for low-profile vehicles.
5. Garvee 8″ Lift Solid Steel Car Ramp 8000 Lbs Capacity
Rating: 9.1/10
Garvee’s 8″ Lift Solid Steel Car Ramps are built tough for serious car care. These red, heavy-duty ramps lift your vehicle to give you the space you need for repairs or maintenance. They are designed for safety and durability, making them a great tool for anyone who works on their car.
What We Like:
- Made from strong steel, these ramps are built to last. They have a special coating to stop rust.
- They can hold up to 8,000 pounds total, with each ramp supporting 2,000 pounds. This makes them safe for most cars and trucks.
- The tops of the ramps have holes that help keep your tires from slipping. This adds extra safety when you drive onto them.
- They give you an 8-inch lift, which is enough space to get under your car comfortably.
- These ramps are easy to store. They don’t take up much room in your garage or truck.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are strong, the steel construction can make them a bit heavy to move around.
- The 8-inch lift is good for many jobs, but some repairs might need more height.
These Garvee car ramps offer a solid and safe way to get your vehicle up off the ground. They are a reliable choice for keeping your car in top shape.
Your Go-To Guide for Car Ramps: Making Oil Changes a Breeze
Want to save money and learn to do your own car maintenance? Changing your car’s oil is a great place to start. But getting under your car can be tricky and even dangerous if you don’t have the right tools. That’s where car ramps come in! They lift your vehicle safely, giving you the space you need for an oil change or other simple repairs. This guide will help you pick the best car ramps for your needs.
What to Look for in Car Ramps
When you’re shopping for car ramps, keep these important things in mind:
Key Features to Look For
- Weight Capacity: This is super important! Make sure the ramps can hold more weight than your car. Check your car’s manual for its weight. Always choose ramps with a higher weight limit for safety.
- Height: How much extra space do you need under your car? Measure from the ground to your car’s oil pan. Then, pick ramps that give you enough clearance. A little extra height is usually better.
- Length and Width: Longer ramps have a gentler slope, making it easier for your car to drive up them. Wider ramps offer more stability. Make sure they are wide enough for your tires.
- Non-Slip Surface: You don’t want your car sliding off the ramps. Look for ramps with textured surfaces or grip strips to keep tires in place.
- Integrated Wheel Stops: These are built-in stoppers at the top of the ramp. They prevent your car from rolling too far forward. This is a critical safety feature.
- Portability: If you plan to move your ramps around or store them in a small space, look for lightweight options or ones that fold up.
Important Materials
Car ramps are usually made from a few different materials:
- Plastic: Many ramps are made from strong, heavy-duty plastic. This material is often lightweight and resistant to rust. It’s a good choice for most DIYers.
- Rubber: Some ramps use rubber or a rubber composite. These can offer excellent grip and are often quieter when your car drives on them.
- Metal (Steel or Aluminum): Metal ramps are very strong and can handle heavier vehicles. Steel is durable but can be heavy. Aluminum is lighter but might be more expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Thicker Plastic/Metal: Ramps made from thicker, more robust materials will be stronger and last longer. This is a good sign of quality.
- Reinforced Ribs: Look for ramps with extra supports or ribs on the underside. These add strength and prevent the ramp from bending under weight.
- Poorly Molded Plastic: If you see rough edges, uneven surfaces, or thin spots in plastic ramps, this can mean lower quality.
- Cheap Welds (for Metal Ramps): If you’re looking at metal ramps, make sure the welds are clean and strong. Weak welds are a safety hazard.
- Slippery Surfaces: Ramps without good traction are dangerous and reduce the overall quality of the product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using car ramps is pretty straightforward. You simply drive your car slowly up the ramps until your front tires are on the flat top part. Make sure your car is centered on the ramps. Once your car is in place, engage the parking brake and put the car in park. You can then safely get under your car.
Car ramps are perfect for:
- Oil changes: This is the most common use.
- Tire rotations: You can lift one end of the car to swap tires.
- Brake pad replacements: Get the extra space needed to work on brakes.
- Minor exhaust repairs: Access to the underside of your vehicle is essential.
- Inspecting the undercarriage: Check for any leaks or damage.
Always remember to place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for extra safety before you drive up the ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Ramps
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying car ramps?
A: The most important thing is the weight capacity. Make sure the ramps can safely support your car’s weight, with extra room for safety.
Q: How high should car ramps be?
A: The height depends on how much space you need. Measure the distance from the ground to your oil pan and choose ramps that provide enough clearance for you to work comfortably.
Q: Can any car use car ramps?
A: Most cars can use standard car ramps. However, very low sports cars might need special low-profile ramps because regular ramps can scrape the car’s undercarriage.
Q: Are plastic car ramps safe?
A: Yes, high-quality plastic car ramps are very safe when used correctly and within their weight limits. They are designed to be strong and durable.
Q: How do I make sure my car doesn’t slip off the ramps?
A: Look for ramps with a non-slip surface and integrated wheel stops. Always drive slowly onto the ramps and ensure your tires are centered.
Q: What is a wheel chock, and why do I need it?
A: A wheel chock is a wedge placed behind your tires to stop them from rolling. You need it as an extra safety measure to prevent your car from moving while it’s on the ramps.
Q: How do I store my car ramps?
A: Store them in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can degrade plastic over time. Some ramps are stackable or foldable for easier storage.
Q: Can I use just one ramp?
A: No, you should always use ramps in pairs, one for each front wheel, to keep your car level and stable.
Q: How do I clean my car ramps?
A: You can usually clean them with soap and water. A stiff brush can help remove stubborn dirt or grime.
Q: Where can I buy car ramps?
A: You can find car ramps at auto parts stores, large home improvement stores, and online retailers like Amazon.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.