Do I need a jack or ramps?

"Skif6996" (Skif6996) 06/14/2014 at 11:53 • Filed to: Tools

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Here is my dilemma. I will be using these for oil changes and minor maintenance. My driveway is not flat. It isn't extremely angled, but it isn't flat. Maybe 5 degrees of slope. This is the only place I have to work on my car. I can't decide on a jack and stands or ramps. Maybe ramps and stands? I don't know what is best. I also don't want to drop $100 on this. I have heard some people have problems with cheaper jacks not being able to lift their cars, even though they are rated for 2 tons. I will be using this equipment for a Mazda 3 and a Stratus coupe. Hopefully replacing the Stratus with an AWD Charger soon. What does OPPO think? Can I do this safely without being completely flat? Which setup is best? Do I really need to try doing oil changes while parked on my narrow street?

Roberto G. > Skif6996 06/14/2014 at 12:00

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Definitely jacks. Hydraulic jacks. What are you gonna do, with an inclined ramp? Change your oil sideways?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Skif6996 06/14/2014 at 12:07

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Jack, stands, and wheel chocks. Get a high quality jack that'll roll so when you chock the rear wheels and jack up the car, the jack will move underneath the car and the car won't roll backwards. Then lower it on some stands.

tromoly > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 06/14/2014 at 12:33

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To add a bit, get a couple shims to place under one side of the stands so they are closer to vertical, they don't like being at an angle, something about the weight of the car can bend the main portion if done incorrectly.

Skif6996 > Roberto G. 06/14/2014 at 13:48

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I don't understand what you're saying. Ramps come in a set and go on both sides of the vehicle. It is sort of like an oil change pit.

Skif6996 > tromoly 06/14/2014 at 13:50

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That's a good point.

Skif6996 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 06/14/2014 at 13:55

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I was planning on getting a trolley jack. I feel like a bottle jack would be less stable lifting the front end.

Roberto G. > Skif6996 06/14/2014 at 14:15

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The gradient of the incline was enhanced for scenic reasons. Warning: do not try this at home!

Skif6996 > Roberto G. 06/14/2014 at 14:23

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I see what you're saying. The car illustrated would be parked sideways in my driveway. The front of my drive is higher than the back. Not one side higher than the other. I should have been more specific. The picture doesn't seem safe either way. I'm not that crazy!