Why You Need Ramps for Changing Your Oil at Home
Whether you're a weekend DIY mechanic or a seasoned racer prepping in your driveway, finding the best ramps for changing oil in your car is key to hassle-free maintenance. Ramps provide a safer, quicker, and more stable alternative to jack stands when you're draining your oil at home.
Not all ramps are created equal, and choosing the wrong ones can lead to clearance issues or even safety hazards. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about oil change ramps, including why the SLR Low Profile Race Ramps are the go-to choice for performance vehicles.
Ramps vs Jack Stands for Oil Changes
Jack stands may be great for undercar work, but for oil changes, ramps have several clear advantages:
- Speed: Drive up, set parking brake, and you're ready to drain.
- Stability: Ramps provide a broader base and less movement risk.
- Ease of Use: No need to locate jack points or worry about uneven terrain.
For low-profile sports cars and track builds, however, the wrong ramp angle can scrape bumpers. That’s why low approach angle ramps matter—a lot.
Best Ramps for Low Profile Cars
If you’re dealing with a lowered car or coilover-equipped chassis, your average ramps won’t cut it. You need specially designed low profile ramps with a gentle approach angle, like the SLR Low Profile Race Ramps – Split Style. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Designed for extremely low cars with front lips or splitters
- Split-style: remove the front half of the ramp to get a jack under the car
- Lightweight but heavy-duty high-density foam core
- Rubber traction for smooth garage floors
They're not just for oil changes—they're a multi-tool for any undercar maintenance.
How to Safely Use Ramps for an Oil Change
Using car ramps for oil changes is straightforward, but always follow safety best practices:
- Place the ramps on a flat surface (preferably concrete).
- Slowly drive the front wheels up the ramps until fully seated.
- Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear tires.
- Turn off the engine and let the car sit for a few minutes.
- Begin your oil change process as normal.
If your ramp includes a split or jack-friendly design, you can remove the upper portion to gain access to the subframe for more involved service tasks.
Top Features to Look for in Oil Change Ramps
Before buying, consider these critical features:
- Weight capacity: Must handle your car’s front-end load
- Approach angle: Low enough for your bumper clearance
- Material: Durable but lightweight (avoid cheap plastic ramps)
- Surface grip: Essential for garage floors and slick environments
- Portability: If you wrench at the track, you want split-style or folding ramps
Best Overall: SLR Low Profile Race Ramps
The SLR Low Profile Race Ramps check every box. Designed for lowered drift, race, and show cars, they provide easy access without scraping and work in both home garages and track paddocks.
Key Specs:
- Supports wide-body cars and 3-piece wheels
- Fits easily in a trunk
- Perfect for both daily drivers and high-performance builds
They’re not just ramps—they’re a game-changer for car care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are car ramps safe for oil changes?
Yes—if used correctly on a flat surface and with proper chocking. They’re often safer than jack stands.
Can you use ramps on gravel or uneven surfaces?
Not recommended unless you use a strong baseboard underneath to prevent slipping or settling.
What if my car is too low for regular ramps?
That’s where the SLR split-style low-profile ramps shine—custom-designed for low cars with minimal clearance.
