Jacks are dangerous. If used improperly, they can cause serious injury and death. Many mechanics and do-it-your-selfers are perfectly at ease with the jack and know how to use it well. But for those who are less sure, there is another option- car ramps.
Car ramps are made with injection-molded plastic-making, a modern technological advance in materials that produces plastics with unthinkable strength. Designed with an incline up to a textured level on top, car ramps are lightweight enough to easily pick up and move with one hand, but can support the weight of a truck. When you need to change the oil, drain some fluid, lubricate the suspension, or otherwise get under the car, it takes a lot less time to prep when you use car ramps.
With the jack, you have to position it correctly, raise it up, balance it out, and then lower it back down when you are done. With car ramps, you simply place the ramps in front of the front tires and press the gas gently until you reach the top flat area. It is helpful, however, to have a friend watch as you creep up the ramp and tell you when to stop.
Make sure you start with a level surface and only use ramps that are wider than your tires. Also, use a ramp that is rated for above your vehicle’s weight. Drive up smoothly without any jerky movements. Use the parking brake on top.
Lastly, keep in mind that the transmission and brake system need to maintain their grip on the wheels. So do not take anything out of the vehicle, like a drive shaft, that could free the drive wheels and send the car rolling. Once you are done with what you need to do, just gently roll the car back off of the ramps and store them for another day.
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