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The short answer: To safely set up car ramps for an oil change, park on level ground, chock the rear wheels, position the ramps in front of the front wheels, slowly drive up until the tires are centered on the ramps, engage the parking brake, and use jack stands as an extra safety measure before getting under the vehicle. Never rely solely on ramps without additional support if you are going under the car.
Using car ramps for an oil change is a common DIY task, but it comes with risks. A car falling off a ramp can cause serious injury or death. The proper setup ensures stability, prevents the car from rolling, and gives you safe access underneath. Many accidents happen because people skip steps or use ramps incorrectly. This guide will walk you through the safest method, from choosing the right location to getting under the car with confidence.
Always set up ramps on a flat, hard, level surface like a concrete driveway or a garage floor. Avoid grass, gravel, or dirt, as ramps can sink or shift. Check that the area is free of oil spills or debris that could make the surface slippery.
Place the ramps directly in front of the front wheels, aligned with the wheel tracks. Make sure the ramps are parallel to each other and not angled. If your ramps have a rubber stopper or lip at the top, ensure it is facing the vehicle so it catches the tire.
Before you drive onto the ramps, place wheel chocks (or sturdy blocks of wood) behind the rear wheels. This prevents the car from rolling backward if it over shoots the ramps or if the transmission slips. This is a crucial safety step that many skip.
Start the engine, release the parking brake, and drive forward slowly. Keep the steering wheel straight and aim the center of each front tire at the center of each ramp. As the tires climb, continue slowly until you hear or feel the tires hit the stop at the top of the ramp. Then stop immediately.
Once the front tires are securely on the ramps, set the parking brake firmly and shift the transmission into Park (or first gear if manual). Turn off the engine. This prevents any accidental movement.
Even with ramps, it is highly recommended to use jack stands as a safety backup. Place them under the vehicle’s designated jacking points or frame rails, lower the car gently onto them if possible. However, on ramps, you can simply position the stands under the frame but not load-bearing. Some people use ramps for the front and jack stands for the rear if they need the car level. The key is to have a secondary support in case a ramp fails.
Many DIYers make errors that compromise safety. Here are the most common:
Once the car is on the ramps, give it a gentle push to ensure it is stable. If it wobbles, back down and redo the setup. Then, use a creeper to slide under, or enter from the side, never from the front or rear. Keep your body clear of the exhaust and any moving parts. If you are changing oil, the drain plug is usually at the rear of the oil pan, so you may need to reach up. Ensure the car is cool to avoid burns.
Ramps are not suitable for all vehicles. Low sports cars may scrape the front bumper. In that case, use a set of low profile ramps or drive onto boards first. Also, if you need to remove wheels for brake work, ramps won’t work; you’ll need jack stands. For oil changes, ramps are ideal because you only need to lift the front slightly.
No, always use level ground. A slope increases the risk of the car rolling off the ramps. If you must work on a slope, use extra chocks and consider a different method.
It is strongly recommended. Ramps can fail due to defects or improper use. Jack stands provide a backup safety net. Many DIYers skip this, but it is a simple extra step that could save your life.
Check the weight rating on the ramps. The rating should exceed the gross vehicle weight of your car, not just the axle weight. If your car weighs 4,000 lbs, you need ramps rated at least 4,000 lbs per pair.
For a detailed comparison of reliable ramps, check out our best car ramps buying guide to find options that meet safety standards and have good reviews.
Following these steps will make your oil change routine safe and straightforward. Remember, never rush, and if you have any doubt about the stability, back down and start over. Your safety is worth the extra minute.
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