One of the biggest problems you face during vehicle repair is safely lifting the car. Without proper support, the car can slip or fall. According to studies, in auto repair shops, many injuries occur when a vehicle falls and strikes a person.
Hence, the correct use of ramps and jack stands is important. Let’s explore the difference between ramps & jack stands in this article.
Car Ramp Meaning
A car ramp for oil change is a solid physical wedge shaped tool which you can use to lift your vehicle. It has a strong sloped shape. You can drive your car onto it. Then, the ramp raises the wheels off the ground. This creates safe space under the car.
What are Car Ramps Used For?
You can use car ramps to lift your vehicle for basic work. For example: you can put a ramp under your car to change engine oil. They make inspections easier. Also, you can check brakes and tires. With these ramps, you can reach the underside of the car. It is the best tool for quick and simple maintenance tasks.
What are Jack Stands?
Jack stands are strong and adjustable equipment. It is used to hold up vehicles after you lift them with a jack. Firstly, you need to lift your car with a jack. Then, you can place the jack stands under your vehicle.
In this way, they keep the car raised while you work underneath. It has a base, an adjustable post plus a saddle. You should always use them in pairs, never use it alone.
What are Jack Stands Used For?
You can use jack stands to safely hold your car off the ground. They also let you work under your vehicle without risk. As a mechanic, you can use it to change tires, check brakes or do engine repairs. Moreover, they are useful for long-term maintenance.
Types of Car Ramps
Below are main ramp types.
Low-Profile Ramps: These ramps are short and close to the ground. They are designed for your vehicles, which have low ground clearance.
Heavy-Duty Service Ramp: They are built for strong support and regular use in mechanic shops. With heavy duty ramps, you can lift vehicles such as trucks & SUVs (sport utility vehicles).
Hydraulic Ramps: These ramps use a hydraulic system (liquid pressure) to lift automobiles. Basically, it can raise your cars smoothly. Hence, you do not need to push the vehicle up on the ramp.
Jack Stand Types
The different types of jack stands have a unique design and lifting method.
Pyramid Jack Stand has a wide and triangular four-legged base. You will see a central column with a ratchet to adjust height.
Ratchet Jack Stands are strong and adjustable supports used in auto repairs. To adjust the height, you can use a toothed post which locks with a handle.
Pin-Lock Jack Stands use a removable pin to set the height. You can use it for heavy vehicle maintenance.
Scissor Jack Stand has a folding and screw-based design. You need to turn a handle/screw to raise your car. This stand is compact and easy for you to store.
Telescopic Jack Stands contain an adjustable post which you can slide up and down. Its locking mechanism keeps it secure & stable.
Differences of Car Ramp vs Jack Stand
Car ramps and jack stands both used to lift and support a vehicle. But they work differently. Each has its own uses and limits. Below comparison will show you how ramps and stands are unique in safety & convenience.
Weight Rating/Vehicle Weight
Standard plastic ramps weight limit: Around 1000 lbs per ramp
Heavy duty steel ramps: Hold 9,000 lbs per pair
Jack stand weight limit: Approx. 3000 lbs per stand
6-ton set of jack stands: Lift 12000 lbs
However, the Jack stand dimensions are also directly related to its weight limit. For example: if the jack stand height is 12 inches, it can hold 3 tons. But, a 24-inch jack stand of the same design may lift 2 tons.
Materials
Car ramps are generally made of plastic or metal. Plastic ramps are light and easy to carry but hold less weight. And, metal ramps can lift heavier vehicles. Jack stands are mostly made of steel. But, some have reinforced designs for extra strength.
Cost Difference
Car Ramps Price: $50 to $100 or more
Jack Stand Price: $30 to $50+
Maintenance Requirements
Car ramps need very little maintenance. You have to keep them clean and check for cracks or damage. Also, plastic ramps can wear out over time.
On the other hand, jack stands need a bit more care. You have to check its locking mechanism & pins before each use.
Ride Height
Ride height refers to the distance between the ground and the lowest part of a body or frame of a vehicle.
- Low-profile ramps lift around 2.5 to 5.5 inches and standard ramps can lift 6 to 10+ inches high.
- Jack stands use ratchet bars or screw mechanisms to change height. Generally, they can lift 13-20 inches or taller for lifted trucks.
Safety Considerations
Car ramps are safe for your quick tasks because the vehicle rests on a gentle slope. But, you should place them on a hard and level surface to prevent slipping.
In contrast, jack stands give adjustable height and secure support under the car. When you use jack stands, you have to place them correctly at the right height & angle.
Ease of Use
Vehicle ramps are easier to use. Because you only need to drive your car onto ramps, and it will be stable at a slight slope. However, jack stands take more time to set up. You first have to lift the car with a jack. Then, you can place the stands and lock them in position.
Applications
Car ramps are best when you need to perform simple tasks. These include oil changes, fluid checks, light inspections & maintainnece.
You can use jack stands for more involved and heavy work. For instance: they support automobiles at adjustable heights for repairs, brake jobs, suspension work or long-term maintenance.
How To Use Jack Stands?
Step 1: First of all, you need to lift the vehicle with a jack.
Step 2: Now, you can place the jack stands under strong and recommended points of the vehicle.
Step 3: You should adjust the stand to the desired height.
Step 4: You have to check the pins and ratchets are secure.
Step 5: After that, you can slowly lower your vehicle on the jack stand.
How To Use Car Ramps?
Step 1: You must park your vehicle on a flat and hard surface. Also, engage the parking brake.
Step 2: Now it’s time to place ramps in front of or behind the wheels you want to lift.
Step 3: You should move the vehicle slowly onto the ramps and keep it in the center.
Step 4: You must use wheel chocks or wheel stoppers behind or in front of the other wheels for extra safety.
OSHA Jack Stand Requirements
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) set some basic rules about jack stands usage. OSHA strongly recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you use the jack stand.
The stand should be straight and free from cracks. The operator must use a jack that is strong enough to lift and hold the load. Furthermore, you have to only work with jack stands with proper locking mechanisms.
What Size Jack Stands Do I Need?
You may also be confused about what jack stands do I need? You should always use jack stands rated for your vehicle’s weight. Suppose you need jack stands for SUVs and light trucks, you can use a stand with a load limit of 3 to 6 tons. But for cars, 2 to 3 ton stands are enough.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Ramps and Jack Stands
Ramps Benefits
- Easy to use
- Quick for simple tasks
- Stable & has gentle incline
- Portable tool
- Require low maintenance
Drawbacks of Ramps
- Fixed height (no height adjust option)
- Not suitable for low/heavy vehicles
- Dangerous on uneven surface
Jack Stand Positive Points
- Adjustable height
- Strong and stable
- Suitable for heavy vehicles
- Safe for long-term work
- Ideal for full access auto repairs
Limitations of Jack Stands
- Require more time to setup
- Need extra tool (jack) to lift vehicle
- Incorrect placement is dangerous
- Demands regular inspection
What To Use Instead of a Jack Stand?
If you do not have a jack stand but need easy & risk free setup, you can use other tools. Some options include:
- Auto ramps
- Permanent Auto Lift
- Wheel ramps
- Heavy-duty blocks
- Hydraulic lifts
- Quick Jack Mobile Lifts
Heavy Duty Truck Ramps For Oil Change
There are several types of truck ramps available in the market. You can use them for different tasks such as truck engine oil change and other undercarriage work. These ramps support high weight and provide a stable incline (slope). They give you enough space to access the oil pan & drain plug.
Are Car Ramps Safe?
Following sections explain all safety points when you use ramps for auto repair or maintenance.
Are Car Ramps Safe to Work Under?
Yes, ramps are a danger free tool which you can easily use to work under vehicles. However, you must make sure you are using high quality ramps on a hard & flat surface. You should always choose ramps which have equal or more load lift capacity than your vehicle overall weight.
Are Plastic Car Ramps Safe?
Well, ramps made of plastic are a safe option for your light and DIY use. You have to inspect them for cracks before use. When you use plastic ramps correctly, they also work well for light to medium vehicles.
Are Car Ramps Safer Than Jack Stands?
If we compare the strength of both ramps and jack stands, ramps are considered more safe for simple tasks. Jack stands are safe for jobs such as brake or tire work. Ramps give your car broad support with less chance of mistakes. But, jack stands provide full clearance but they need correct placement.
You can also read this reddit post where people share their real life experiences and advice about when to use ramps or jack stands.
Oil Change Ramps For Low Cars
To avoid the scraping on the bumper or bottom of the low car, you require ramps with a low profile. These ramps are short and have a slope approx. 7 to 9 degrees. With proper setup of ramps, you can make sure safe access to the oil pan and underside of low cars.
Our Advice: Ramps or Jack Stands For Oil Change?
According to our experience, we recommend you to use ramps for vehicle oil changes tasks. Jack stands are the perfect option when you need adjustable height and have to work on uneven surfaces. We also suggest: you always keep a small flashlight handy to see under the car. If you have inquiries related to jack stand or ramps, you can contact us now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Put Jack Stands on Front of Car?
For the front of a car, you can place jack stands on the solid pinch welds (metal edges under the car) or the main frame rails/subframe. Then, you need to lift the car with a jack and position the stands under these strong points.
What is the Best Angle For Car Ramps?
The best angle for car ramps is shallow and generally under 15 degrees. If you set it around 10 to 12 degrees, it works well for low-clearance cars. Plus, steeper ramps over 18 to 20 degrees may damage your vehicle bumper or chassis.
You can also read these helpful topics:
What is a Curb Ramp? – Material, Installation, Types
