schmoozer

Hey everyone just wondering what method you think is best/safest for getting under your car to do oil changes and what not?

I am thinking about getting some rhino ramps soon, but wanted to get everyone's take and see if anyone had any clever ideas.

I recently just drove the car half on the driveway and half off and did the oil change in the space of the gutter, but it was still pretty tight.

sbmonkey

Rhino ramps are awesome. Takes several minutes out of the process.

BDSL

I never have to raise the cars (97 ES300, 06 ES330, 97 Corolla, 94 Camry, 97 Celica, 91 MR2, etc) to do oil changes. I just lay down on the ground and reach in with a 14mm wrench to remove the drain plug.

Audacity

Do you do the filter too BDSL?
Martin

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Get a set of ramps, they work for a lot of other stuff, lol. I use that or just a jack and jack stands. But a ramp is a lot easier.

PDXLex

Honestly, I think the filter is easier to get to from the top, IMHO. At least it is on my '97 ES300

Audacity

Thanks- I'll be doing mine for the first time in the next couple weeks....I haven't even looked for the filter location on the car yet.
Martin

BDSL

On most Toyota's, the oil filter is located between the engine and the radiator. It can be access just standing in front of the car. Make sure you put on mechanic gloves because it is very close to the exhaust manifold.

schan1w

I use jack and jack stands to raise the car for tire rotations and brake jobs, but I vowed never to get under a raised car (either jack stands or ramps). Just not worth it to me from a safety perspective. Sure, the chances may be small if you take proper precautions and follow the proper procedures, but I don't like to take risks. I can drain the oil on the ES without lifting it. Other stuff, I'd just get someone to do it. So far, I haven't needed to raise it.

schmoozer

Yea I'm debating if I want ramps or not. I look pretty ghetto sitting in the gutter trying to do the oil lol. I'm trying to think of what else I might need them for other than the tranny drain and oil for normal DIY maintenance. Maybe the belts, but I thought I saw the tire needed to come off for that?

I don't think god want's me under cars anymore either. I had a scissor jack bend and collapse once when I was doing some brake stuff on my Camaro. Thankfully I had just put the tire back on so there was no damage, but very odd. My hydraulic is now shot too. Ramps just seem like the safest (easiest) alternative so I don't have that nerve racking feeling getting under the car. Probably go with the grey 12,000 ones too just so I can have an even bigger security blanket.

BoostedE21

/thread.

BDSL

The emergency scissor jack is NOT meant to use as a normal jack. Always use jack stands before you get under the car!!!!!!!!!! You are lucky to be alive.

schmoozer

Yea

I just figured since I was taking off the tire, that's what it was made for and therefore shouldn't collapse. I wasn't under the car doing anything, but I would've been near it.

tromly

+1, best ramps in the industry, safe and easy. Always chock the rear wheels once the car is up on the ramps

lexus559