When working on your vehicle, sometimes you may need to lift your car off the ground. In such cases, car ramps can come in handy. By using car ramps, you can perform some larger jobs that may need to take your vehicle to the garage. So, a car ramp is a simple tool that enables you to raise your vehicle from the ground for service. Apart from being convenient, these tools are safe to use and offer high stability throughout the repairing process. Another advantage of using a car ramp is that it will let you drive your vehicle onto a higher surface safely.
Car ramps are available in multiple designs and are usually made of different materials such as plastic, wood, and metal. Metal car ramps are mostly used for their sturdiness and versatility. These ramps are usually made of carbon steel, alloy, or high-grade aluminum materials to offer high durability. Further, they are light in weight and offer high strength. Also, metal car ramps are less expensive than plastic ramps because they are easy to manufacture. However, the only disadvantage of using a metal car ramp is that it can lead to corrosion when used in harsh weather conditions. Although some metal car ramps come painted or powder-coated, they can get corroded with time. Aluminum car ramps are corrosion resistant, but they are expensive.
Like metal, wooden car ramps are also a good option to use. So, you can opt for these ramps for a better experience. Also, you can make wooden car ramps as per your requirements, but it might cost more than buying a ready made one. Further, wood is not waterproof, so it can get damaged when used in harsh environments.
Plastic car ramps are an excellent choice for use because they come with some unique features that are usually not included in metal car ramps. Since they include a removable section, you can easily access anything of your vehicle while working, excluding space where tires are located. Further, they come with a texture on the driving surface that prevents your tire from going out of the edge. Plastic car ramps are also available in multiple sizes so that you can get the right one for your needs.The best thing about plastic car ramps is that they feature advanced designs that can improve the user experience. However, they are priced more compared to metal ramps.
Uses of Car Ramps
Car ramps are used for several applications,and some of them are discussed here.
- Car Ramps for Driveways
Those who have a sloped driveway can consider using a car ramp instead of using a jack or axle stand. It is easy to take your car wheels onto the ramp than using any other tool. Further, they are safe, so you can work underneath the vehicle by parking it on the car ramps. However, it is a better idea to keep your car in gear and leave it with the parking brake applied. Moreover, you can consider using wheel chocks for improved safety.
- Car Ramps for Oil Changing
Car ramps can also be used for changing the oil of your car. But when buying a car ramp for oil changing, make sure that the ramp has enough height to provide you with ample space while working. While changing the oil, you will also need to raise the rear of the car to make the process easier. For this purpose, you can use two more ramps or a jack and axle stand.
- Car Ramps for Low Clearance Vehicles
You can use car ramps to lift low clearance vehicles too. However, while choosing a car ramp for low clearance vehicles, you need to consider the type of ramp that you are purchasing. If the height of the car ramps that you use is more, then it can damage the bumpers or design of your car while driving it onto the ramps. So, you can consider using a longer car ramp for safety. Apart from that, you can consider using ramp extensions for low clearance vehicles because they will fit the standard car ramps easily. By doing so, you can drive your car onto the ramps effortlessly and do your job.
Benefits of Car Ramps:
- Safety
Car ramps are an ideal choice to use if you want to work underneath your vehicle. When jacks and the axle stand come with risks, car ramps are a safer option to work with. Also, most mechanics find it simpler to use car ramps for their work. Also, ensure that you apply the parking brake, keep the car in gear, and use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling during your work.
- Offer Higher Grip
Some car ramps come with rubber grooves to offer high grip and prevent the wheel from slipping. If you use a non-slip car ramp for your work, then you can ensure higher stability and safety while working.
- Helps Move Vehicles Safely on Steep Inclines
Usually, some garages feature steep inclines that can damage your car. In such cases, having portable car ramps will come handy. With these car ramps, you can take your car in and out of the garage without damage.
- Available at Affordable Prices
Most car ramps in the market are affordable. So, you can easily get the best one for you without spending a lot of money. Although high-quality plastic car ramps are expensive, you can consider purchasing one because you are going to use them for a long time.
Conclusion:
Car ramps are a brilliant tool for anyone who wants to lift his/her vehicle for some work. These are sturdy, easy to use, safe, and offer better performance than other lifting tools. Therefore, mechanics recommend using this tool to make the task simpler.