Going to start changing my own oil..question

[Benzadmiral]

Originally Posted By: Seth
I use jack stands (jack is just a way to raise the vehicle) and they are better solution than ramps. Reason being that my drive way is inclined and I cannot use ramps on the road (which btw is inclined as well) inside our townhouse complex. Also, one cannot always use public space for oil changes. So, in a nut shell I have no way to use ramps. However, I will say that do not rely on jack alone but always make sure that you use jack STANDS. Both are not one and the same (incase a casual reader mistook above posts).


I'm planning on jack stands for similar reasons. There's only so much room at the curb in front of my apartment; ramps would require more space to get up onto them. I'll be lucky at OC time if I can park directly in front of my door.

Also jack stands will be easier to store. Since I have no garage, I use a closet off my kitchen to store all my car-related junk.

 

[mongo161]

My vote goes to the Rhino ramps 12K. Easy up and Easy Down. You can also use Jack Stands with the ramps for added safety.

 

[teddyboy]

I personally know 2 people who had a car fall on them, both with disastrous results. One was using ramps, the other jack stands. Whatever you do should include some sort of backup redundancy.

 

[Rico567]

I use the 12,000 lb (gray) Rhino Ramps. I prefer ramps because they're simpler; no moving parts. Also, no slinging a 150 pound floor jack around. If you're going to get ramps, get these, because they're not much more expensive than the lighter version. I got the plastic Rhino Ramps, because all the other ones I found were welded painted steel, and I don't want to deal with deterioration over time. A 12K pound ramp has plenty of redundant strength for my 32-3500 pound car or pickup.

I don't really see the need for redundancy with ramps, as long as the emergency brake is good. My vehicles have good brakes, and they are both manual transmissions, locked into gear while on the ramps. I can see chocking the rear wheels if there is a concern.

 

[fdcg27]

For the small price difference, the 12K Rhinos seemed worth it to me.
I picked mine up last summer on an Advance coupon code deal.
One of the best maintenance equipment purchases I've ever made.
Oil changes on the BMW and the Hondas are now easy and pleasant.

 

[ChrisD46]

+1 Rhino 12K Ramps , emergency brake and wheel chocks as a minimum ; pair of 3 ton jack stands with added saftety latch placed on outer vehicle frame edges for added insurance ...that's how I roll with oil changes for family sedans and mini - van . *If I am going to be a bad statistic - it will have to be another way ...

 

[DavidZ28]

Another vote for Rhino ramps. Since I got a set about two years ago I do all my oil changes at the house now. I can take my time doing it, fill the filter, and I know what is going in the motor.
Also I can help/do oil changes for friends if they need it. Bottom line I enjoy doing oil changes!

 

[jmsjags]

just ordered a pair of ramps today from advance for $20 (after a couple of discounts)

i've always been a jack guy but i can see how ramps would be a lot more efficient for oil changes. i guess i've always thought getting the car up on the ramps would be difficult. i guess we shall see!

 

[moto94536]

yes. even with 2 jacks, it is very dangerous.

 

[Scum_Frog]

I'm another who uses Ramps.

 

[Junior96Stang]

I used a floor jack and I put a jack stand for safety.

 

[timish]

www.kwiklift.com

 

[bigmike]

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/using-ramps-to-change-oil.148402/

 

[Blaze]

I use a jack with stands. Lately I have been using an area near the garage where the water line comes through. The dirt sank and 18" there and its like a small pit I can crawl under and get to everything. Its great in the summer since its all lawn but rather messy in the winter. I'm getting Rhino ramps next.

 

[ltslimjim]

I bought a 'new' torin red hydraulic jack and it started giving way the other day when I was re-greasing the front end of my Stratus. Took it back to Pep Boys for a refund. Don't risk any work under the car with just a jack, period.

Personally, I find a set of ramps with rear wheels blocked and parking brake is all I've ever needed.

 

[johnachak]

Originally Posted By: wcbcruzer
I just jack up one side a few inches so I can fit the drain pan underneath. If I wanted to use jackstands I would have to jack up the car a lot! Not needed imo. I don't put my head under the car too much either so if I notice anything peculiar I'm ready to jump out of the way. It takes only about a minute to undo the drain bolt.


And it takes less than that to be crushed. Jack it up, use the stands AND the jack and you can actually see what else may be going on under there. You may be surprised what you can find. Cut boots, worn scored inner rotor faces etc.

 

[johnachak]

Originally Posted By: mongo161
My vote goes to the Rhino ramps 12K. Easy up and Easy Down. You can also use Jack Stands with the ramps for added safety.


+1 best idea yet I actually did that when i used plastic ramps.