Failed oil change......Rhino Ramps.....

[InfernoMan2011]

Well it looks like I just threw away $60. Got all of my stuff together to do my oil change and picked up some Rhino Ramps 12000's last Friday. Got my engine cover off and was ready to get started this morning before I go to work at noon. Set the ramps up in the garage and attempted to pull the car up on them. The ramp on the driver side stayed put and I was on it, but the passenger side ramp slide on the garage floor and I was only halfway up on it. Tried a few more times, same thing ramps kept sliding forward. So I tried it in the driveway rougher surface, and ended up driving off the ramps. No damage to the one on the driver side, but the passenger side ramp got a little warped with a gouge in the top of the plastic of the ramp. I am guessing these are no longer safe to use and I'm just out $60. The thing that really pisses me off is that I never even got a chance to change the oil out. It really sucks not having equipment to work on the car.

-infernoman2011

[midnighter]

I've used these type of ramps but had to jack up the car, slide the ramps under the tires, and then let the jack down. I have heard they are not real safe.

[c_LoW29]

i use rhino ramps but when i do i ensure that back of them are pushed up against the curb to ensure they do not move foward. Hope this helps.

[kmcd]

Race Ramps. No more problems.

[clg_98ta]

Invest in a (low profile) floor jack & jackstands - that way you can raise the car, remove the drain plug, and lower the car to a level position for the oil to completely drain.

Plus, you'll have it for tire rotations and other maintenance.

[hypurone]

Just put a remanant carpet piece under them. When I use my ramps (diff brand) that have rubber grips on them, on my RaceDeck flooring in my garage, they tend to slide. I have a remnant rug that I use under them and good to go!

[brianko]

Another trick I shamelessly stole from someone: Tie a rope on each, then drive up on the ramps with the ropes extended. Ramps stay put because the ropes are under the tires.

Rhino ramps are actually quite safe if you're centered up on them. They're rated at something like 6000 pounds. Feel much safer under them than under jack stands (always thinking about metal fatigue when I'm under those...)

[CamaroKid300]

^ All of the above is why I just pay $43 for a full service oil change at a local shop. Get all my tire pressure where its supposed to be, get my air filter cleaned, and get a refill on my windshield washer fluid!

[c_LoW29]

Originally Posted by CamaroKid300

^ All of the above is why I just pay $43 for a full service oil change at a local shop. Get all my tire pressure where its supposed to be, get my air filter cleaned, and get a refill on my windshield washer fluid!

I prefer to do the work myself this way i make sure everything is done correctly. Last time a shop changed my oil they forgot to put the drain plug back in and started the car. No thanks ill do it myself no one cares about the things you pay for more than yourself.

[BigRed585Lbs]

Usually the second job they put a new kid on after sweeping the floor is oil changes. Doesn't require ASE certification or even a HS degree.

You pays your money and you takes your choice. (Or chance!)

[chriscrash37]

they put bulk oil on mine ... for the first and last time I take it to the dealer.

[kmcd]

Originally Posted by clg_98ta

Invest in a (low profile) floor jack & jackstands - that way you can raise the car, remove the drain plug, and lower the car to a level position for the oil to completely drain.

Plus, you'll have it for tire rotations and other maintenance.

This is a good point. Even though I use the ramps, I always get another pint or so to drain by jacking the rear end slightly higher than the front while it's on the ramps.

I wouldn't recommend getting under the car in the this configuration, but as long as you're chocked on the ramps, this technique works great for getting the last drop of used oil to drain from the pan. I always put the rear wheels back on the ground before getting back under the car to install the new filter and replace the drain plug.

And clg_98ta is correct. A low profile jack is a must if you routinely work on your own Camaro or Corvette.

[KnightRiderSS]

I use the rope trick...I also have a racing Jack and stands when I need the extra lift

[Sin]

I put the ramps in the grass in my yard and drive up on them. No oil stains in the driveway or garage.