Ramps for oil change?

[ColonelPanic]

I bought a pair of Rhino ramps from Advanced auto parks. They are black, small, light and rated for (12,000lbs GVW) which really means something like 3000lbs per ramp.

Either way they were like $50 and fit under the Sonic well and are light to carry. The rubber on the front rubs a tad as others have mentioned but it doesn't hurt it.

Buy Rhino Gear 12000 GVW RAMP 11909 at Advance Auto Parts

ChrisJ, how much does the air dam rub on those? I have a set of older Rhino 8000's which is a different design than what is available today. I am curious to see if it is worth the money to upgrade to the new design.

Seems like the inside edge of the ramp really pushes the air dam in pretty far with the 8000's. I'm trying to figure out if it the scraping will be lesser with the redesign.. The two types both have the same 17 degree incline I believe.

I had some slight scraping with my old car's air dam, never hurt anything but the dam on that car was 1/3 the width of this one. It seems like it will flex a bit too much for my liking with the Sonic, but then again I'm probably just being paranoid.

I've seen from consulting teh googles that some creative folks have built approaches for these ramps out of wood, I may have to look into that...

 

[ColonelPanic]

Clearance concerns resolved for cheap... Just roll it up on the boards first to get it a little higher and then gently go up the ramp.

It's still very close - the air dam barely scrapes the inner edges of the ramps, but at least it isn't making the air dam cave inwards now. I am a little more comfortable with this arrangement.

 

[Jennie745]

It's crucial to use car ramps for oil change work. Make sure the car is in good working order and only take 3rd gear while driving up and down hills to keep break pressure equal.

The purpose of a ramp is so you can lower your vehicle with the engine off and by parking it on two or more wheel chocks, then drive into place, without having to jack the entire vehicle using a lift system. This will enable you to do an oil change on your own without needing assistance from another person who has experience in this area. Plus, you won't risk injury such as damage due to spilled oil touching hot surfaces. The next step would be safety goggles and gloves! Good luck!

 

[macdiesel]

Build your own ramps out of wood. Don’t get crazy with the grade. Just mellow enough. Makes oil changes a snap.