Changing your own oil is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to maintain your vehicle—but if you own a low car or performance vehicle, getting access under the car can be a real challenge. That’s where car ramps for oil changes come in. They provide a stable, quick, and safe way to elevate your vehicle for maintenance without relying on jacks or stands.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how ramps work, which types are safest, and why low-profile ramps are the perfect solution for modern sports cars, tuners, and track builds.
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🔧 What Are Car Ramps for Oil Change?
Car ramps are angled platforms designed to lift the front or rear of a vehicle high enough for oil changes, inspections, or light mechanical work. They’re especially popular for DIY maintenance because they eliminate the risk of hydraulic failure associated with jacks and offer greater stability on uneven surfaces.
Most ramps are made from heavy-duty plastic, aluminum, or steel, and feature grooves or textured surfaces for traction. Low-profile ramps use extended lengths and gentle approach angles to prevent scraping bumpers and splitters.
🏁 Why Ramps Are Ideal for Oil Changes
Oil changes require clearance to access the drain plug, oil pan, and filter. Using ramps creates a consistent, stable incline that allows oil to flow naturally toward the drain while keeping the car level side-to-side.
- ✔️ Safety: No moving hydraulic components—ramps are solid, mechanical supports.
- ✔️ Speed: Drive up, secure the brake, and you’re ready to work in under a minute.
- ✔️ Drain Efficiency: The incline helps oil drain completely from the sump.
- ✔️ Low Cost: Ramps last years and require zero maintenance.
📏 Understanding Ramp Angles and Approach Height
The most important factor when choosing a ramp for an oil change is the approach angle. This determines whether your car can climb the ramp without scraping. Lower cars—like BMW M3s, Nissan 350Zs, or Subaru BRZs—need ramps with a longer body and shallower angle.
| Ramp Type | Approach Angle | Lift Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ramp | 17°–20° | 7–9 inches | Trucks, SUVs, sedans |
| Low-Profile Ramp | 8°–12° | 3–5 inches | Sports cars, lowered vehicles |
| Modular Ramp | Customizable | Variable | Garage and shop use |
Our SLR Low-Profile Car Ramps are specifically designed for lowered cars and feature ultra-wide surfaces with a gentle incline to accommodate splitters and diffusers.
⚙️ How to Use Car Ramps for an Oil Change (Step-by-Step)
- Find a Level Surface: Always perform oil changes on flat, solid ground—never on an incline or gravel.
- Position the Ramps: Align the ramps directly in front of your drive wheels.
- Drive Up Slowly: Roll onto the ramps in first gear (manual) or drive (automatic) at a steady pace until the tires are fully seated.
- Set the Parking Brake: Engage the handbrake or place the transmission in park to prevent rolling.
- Use Wheel Chocks: Place chocks behind the rear tires for added security.
- Begin Your Oil Change: Once the car is stable, proceed to remove the drain plug and oil filter.
For lowered or track cars, SLR’s low-profile ramp systems provide the perfect compromise between ground clearance and access height—especially when paired with extended splitter-safe inclines.
🧠 Are Ramps Safer Than Jack Stands?
Yes—and no, depending on usage. Ramps are inherently safer for quick tasks like oil changes, coolant flushes, or underbody inspections because they support the full vehicle weight across a wide surface area. However, for suspension work or wheel removal, jack stands remain necessary since ramps prevent wheel removal.
For long-term maintenance or track preparation, a combination of ramps and stands offers the best versatility.
🛠️ Low-Profile Ramps vs Regular Ramps
Low-profile ramps are specially engineered for cars with aggressive aero, deep lips, or aftermarket coilovers. Traditional ramps can cause front-end damage, whereas low-profile versions extend the approach length for smoother transitions.
Benefits of Low-Profile Ramps
- Reduced risk of bumper scraping.
- Compatible with splitters, diffusers, and side skirts.
- Lightweight and stackable for storage.
- Ideal for sports cars, race builds, and drift cars.
🔬 Materials: Plastic, Aluminum, or Steel?
Each ramp material has distinct advantages depending on your workspace:
- Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, and weather-resistant—perfect for home garages.
- Aluminum: Strong, corrosion-proof, and ideal for portable use at events or tracks.
- Steel: Extremely durable but heavier and prone to rust if not coated properly.
🧩 Ramp Maintenance Tips
Ramps last for years if maintained properly. Keep them clean, store them flat, and check for cracks or damage before use. Always inspect non-slip surfaces and ensure they grip well on concrete or asphalt.
🏁 SLR Speed: The Ultimate Low-Profile Ramp Solution
SLR Speed’s Low-Profile Car Ramps are specifically engineered for lowered cars, drift builds, and exotic applications. With precision approach angles and high-strength composite construction, they’re the go-to choice for anyone serious about performance maintenance.
- ✅ Safe for splitters and aero lips
- ✅ Designed for lowered and slammed vehicles
- ✅ Lightweight composite build
- ✅ Textured surface for traction
- ✅ Made in the USA by motorsport enthusiasts
Whether you drive a daily commuter or a full drift car, the right ramp setup makes all the difference. Ditch the jacks and make your next oil change faster, cleaner, and safer.
📚 Related Reading
- Best Ramps for Changing Oil in 2025
- Low-Profile Car Ramps – The Best Way to Lift Slammed Cars
- What Is a Coilover? Suspension Explained
Upgrade your home maintenance setup today with SLR Speed Low-Profile Car Ramps—built to make every oil change easier and safer.
