Best Car Ramps for Oil Changes: 5 Picks by Lift Height, Capacity and Incline

Compare the picks

*Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 9 October 2026.

How we scored them

Each ramp set is scored out of 10 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published in our scoring methodology. Points favor confirmed load capacities, usable lift height, gentle approach slopes and solid construction. Full safety points require an ASME PASE certification; because none of the five listings publishes ASME PASE certification, all five score zero on safety. Similarly, no listing states a concrete warranty term, resulting in zero warranty points.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.

What the listings tell you

We compared five car ramp listings. All five stated a lift height between 6.1 and 8 inches and a load capacity, but four of the five contained internal contradictions between their titles, bullet points or specification tables. For example, one listing gave contradictory capacity figures of 13,000 lbs in the title, 8,000 and 16,000 lbs in the bullets, and 13,000 to 20,000 lbs in the spec table, alongside conflicting lift heights of 6.3 and 6.7 inches. Another listing claimed an 8,000 lb capacity while citing 2,000 lbs per ramp, and two plastic models showed minor discrepancies in width or weight. None of the five listings published an ASME PASE safety certification or a concrete warranty duration.

Buying guide: best car ramps for oil changes

Lift height and workspace

Lift height determines how much working room you have under the chassis. A lift height of 6.1 to 6.7 inches provides adequate clearance for sliding an oil pan underneath and reaching common oil filter locations. Taller ramps providing 8 inches of lift give additional elbow room for stubborn drain plugs and larger trucks, though they require a taller ramp structure. To catch old fluid cleanly, pair your ramps with a dedicated oil drain pan.

Weight capacity and GVW ratings

When driving onto ramps, the ramps support only one axle rather than the entire vehicle weight. A gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating describes the maximum total vehicle weight the pair can safely support when two wheels are driven up. Ratings among these ramps span from 6,500 lbs up to 16,000 lbs GVW. Always verify your vehicle’s curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating on the driver-side door jamb sticker before selecting ramps.

Approach angle and bumper clearance

Low-clearance passenger cars frequently scrape steep ramps before the tires make contact. A 17-degree incline provides a gradual slope that allows standard passenger cars and crossovers to clear without bumper contact. Ramps with steeper incline angles require careful alignment or low-profile designs to prevent front spoiler damage.

Surface traction and wheel stops

Tire grip on the incline is essential when driving up. Molded honeycombed grids and textured ribs enhance friction and let surface water drain away. Raised stops or curved grooves at the top alert the driver when the wheel reaches the center platform, preventing overshooting.

Ramp stability and jack stands

Always place car ramps on hard, smooth, level concrete; never use them on dirt, gravel or uneven ground where plastic can crack or sink. Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires. When lifting with a jack instead of ramps, remember to use a floor jack safely by never getting under a vehicle supported by a jack alone. Always lower the vehicle onto rated jack stands placed at manufacturer-approved lift points. For a detailed comparison between these lifting methods, see our guide on car ramps vs jack stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are car ramps safe for changing oil?

Yes, car ramps provide a stable, solid platform when used on flat, level concrete within their rated weight capacity. Always apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the opposing tires. Never crawl under any vehicle supported by a hydraulic jack alone.

What lift height do I need for an oil change?

A lift height between 6.1 and 8 inches provides ample space to access the oil drain plug, maneuver a drain pan and remove the oil filter on most passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks.

What does 16,000 lb GVW capacity mean on car ramps?

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity means the pair of ramps is rated to support the axle load of a vehicle weighing up to 16,000 lbs total. Because the ramps support one axle at a time, each ramp bears a fraction of the vehicle’s total weight.

Will low-profile cars scrape on car ramps?

Standard ramps can rub front air dams on low sports cars. Ramps with a 17-degree slope provide a gradual rise that clears many factory bumpers, but very low vehicles may require dedicated low-profile ramp extensions.

Can I use car ramps on gravel or dirt?

No. Ramp manufacturers explicitly warn against using car ramps on dirt, gravel, sand or uneven ground. Soft or irregular surfaces can cause the ramps to tilt, crack or slide during vehicle approach.

Related: our guide on how to use a floor jack safely, our comparison of car ramps vs jack stands, the best car ramps, car ramps cheap, our review of the best oil drain pan, the best jack stands, our guide on what size jack stands do I need, how many jack stands do you need, the best low profile jack stands, the best floor jack for cars, what size floor jack do I need, steel vs aluminum floor jack, floor jack vs bottle jack, and our jacks and stands hub.