For any car enthusiast or DIY mechanic, gaining access to the underside of a vehicle is a common necessity. While hydraulic jacks race ramps and jack stands are popular tools, car ramps offer a simpler, often safer, and more convenient alternative for many routine maintenance tasks.
What are Car Ramps?
Car ramps are inclined platforms designed to elevate a vehicle by allowing it to be driven onto them. They come in various designs and materials, each suited for different applications and vehicle types. Generally, they provide a fixed height lift, making them ideal for tasks that require access to the undercarriage without needing to remove the wheels.
Types of Car Ramps
The market offers a diverse range of car ramps, each with its own advantages:
Steel Ramps: These are typically the most common and often the most affordable. Made from sturdy steel, they are durable and can support a significant amount of weight. However, they can be heavy and may be prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Plastic/Composite Ramps: Lighter than steel, these ramps are made from high-strength plastic or composite materials. They are rust-proof and often feature a non-slip surface. Many low-profile ramps are made from these materials, catering to sports cars or vehicles with limited ground clearance.
Aluminum Ramps: Offering a balance between strength and weight, aluminum ramps are lighter than steel but still very robust. They are also rust-resistant, making them a good long-term investment.
Folding Ramps: Designed for easier storage and transport, these ramps can fold in half or in sections. This makes them a practical choice for those with limited garage space.
Wheelchair/Utility Ramps: While not strictly for cars, these ramps are worth mentioning as they share similar principles. They are designed for loading and unloading ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers, or even wheelchairs into trucks or trailers. They often have a gentler incline and may be narrower.
Benefits of Using Car Ramps
Car ramps boast several advantages that make them a popular choice:
Ease of Use: One of the primary benefits is their simplicity. Just position them, drive your vehicle up, engage the parking brake, and optionally, place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. This eliminates the need for complex jacking procedures.
Enhanced Stability: Compared to jack stands, car ramps generally offer greater stability due to their larger contact area with both the ground and the vehicle's tires. This wide base helps distribute the vehicle's weight more evenly, reducing the risk of shifting or slipping.
No Additional Support Needed: Once the vehicle is on the ramps, it's securely elevated without the need for supplementary jack stands, simplifying the setup process.
Faster Setup Time: For quick tasks like oil changes, ramps significantly cut down on the time required to get the vehicle elevated and ready for work.
Ideal for Routine Maintenance: They are perfectly suited for tasks that don't require wheel removal, such as oil changes, fluid checks, exhaust system inspections, and undercarriage lubrication.
Lower Maintenance: With fewer moving parts than jacks, ramps generally require minimal upkeep and are less prone to mechanical failure.
Considerations and Safety Tips
While convenient, using car ramps still requires adherence to safety precautions:
Weight Capacity: Always check the ramp's maximum weight rating and ensure it exceeds your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Remember, the rating usually applies to a pair of ramps.
Surface Stability: Always use car ramps on a hard, level, and non-slippery surface, such as concrete or paved asphalt. Avoid grass, dirt, or uneven ground, as this can lead to instability and accidents.
Tire Fit: Ensure your vehicle's tires fit squarely and completely on the ramp's platform. The tire should not overhang the sides.
Gentle Approach: Drive onto the ramps slowly and steadily. A spotter can be incredibly helpful to ensure you drive up straight and stop at the designated end of the ramp. Many ramps have a small lip or stop to indicate when the tire is in place.
Parking Brake and Wheel Chocks: Once the vehicle is on the ramps, engage the parking brake firmly. For added safety, place wheel chocks behind the tires that are still on the ground.
Inspect Before Use: Regularly inspect your ramps for any signs of damage, cracks, rust, or wear. If compromised, do not use them.
Low-Profile Vehicles: If you own a low-clearance vehicle, you may need specially designed low-profile ramps with a shallower incline to prevent scraping the undercarriage.
Limitations: Remember that ramps keep the wheels on, meaning you cannot perform tasks that require wheel removal, such as brake work or tire rotations, unless you also use a jack and jack stands in conjunction.
DIY Car Ramps
For the handy individual, building your own car ramps from sturdy lumber is a feasible option. Many online tutorials provide detailed plans. However, it is crucial to use appropriate materials and construction techniques to ensure the ramps can safely support the vehicle's weight. Overbuilding is always preferable to underbuilding when it comes to safety equipment.

