26/10/2020
If you're a car enthusiast who loves to tinker with your vehicle, you'll know the importance of having the right equipment. Car ramps and jack stands are invaluable for everything from simple oil changes to more complex modifications. While jack stands offer a certain utility, car ramps often provide a safer and more stable platform, especially for extended work sessions. This guide focuses on helping you select the best car ramps for your garage, with a particular emphasis on the unique needs of lowered cars.
Why Invest in Car Ramps?
Car ramps offer several advantages over traditional jack stands. They provide a more stable lifting solution, giving you ample space to comfortably manoeuvre and work on your car's undercarriage. While a professional car lift is the ultimate dream for many, the space and cost can be prohibitive. Ramps offer a more accessible and budget-friendly alternative.
Enhanced Accessibility and Safety
One of the primary benefits of car ramps is the increased accessibility they provide. They lift your vehicle to a height that allows for easy access to the underside, offering more room to work than you might get with just a jack. For cars with very low ground clearance, a standard jack might not even fit underneath, making ramps the only viable option for raising the vehicle.
Safety is paramount when working on your car. Jacks, while useful, can be less stable, and a slight misalignment or a failure in the jack mechanism can lead to serious damage to your vehicle or, worse, injury. Ramps, by design, distribute the vehicle's weight over a wider surface area, significantly reducing the risk of slipping. Furthermore, by lifting both wheels of an axle simultaneously, ramps offer a more balanced and secure stance for your car.
Ground Clearance and Work Space
Car ramps come in various heights and designs, allowing you to choose the amount of lift and crawl space you need. This flexibility is crucial for accommodating different types of maintenance tasks. Whether you need just enough room for an oil filter change or more space for exhaust work, there's a ramp set designed for your needs.
Cost-Effectiveness
Performing maintenance and modifications yourself can lead to significant savings on labour costs. Car ramps are a foundational piece of equipment for any home garage, offering a high return on investment by enabling you to tackle jobs that would otherwise require a professional mechanic.
Travel and Display Benefits
Beyond their functional use for maintenance, car ramps can also be beneficial for practical purposes like loading vehicles onto trailers or navigating steep driveways. For owners of lowered cars, ramps can prevent dreaded undercarriage scrapes. Additionally, ramps can be used to elevate your car for display purposes, showcasing your modifications and the clean lines of your vehicle's underside.
Key Features to Consider When Buying Car Ramps
Choosing the right car ramps involves considering several key factors to ensure they meet your specific needs and safety requirements.
Ramp Height and Width
The most critical consideration is ensuring the ramps provide adequate lift height for your tasks and sufficient clearance. The width of the ramp is equally important; it should be at least as wide as your tire, ideally slightly wider, to ensure a stable platform and prevent the tire from rolling off. A wider base increases stability and confidence when driving onto the ramps.
Construction Material
Car ramps are commonly made from various materials, including steel, aluminium, and durable polymers or plastics.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Very strong, durable, high weight capacity. | Heavy, less portable, can rust if not maintained. |
| Aluminium | Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant. | Can be more expensive, may have lower weight limits than steel for the same size. |
| Plastic/Polymer/Composite | Lightweight, portable, resistant to rust and corrosion, often more affordable. | Can become brittle in extreme cold, weight capacity may be lower than metal, potential for cracking under heavy or repeated stress. |
For heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks, steel ramps are often the preferred choice due to their strength. For portable service equipment or lighter vehicles, aluminium or composite ramps are excellent options. For home garage use with standard cars, high-quality plastic or polymer ramps can be perfectly adequate, provided they meet the necessary weight ratings.
Angle of Incline
This is perhaps the most critical factor for lowered cars. A lower angle of incline (also known as the approach angle) is essential to prevent the front splitter, bumper, or undercarriage from scraping the ramp's edge. Ramps designed for sports cars or low-profile vehicles will have a more gradual incline.
Additional Safety Features
Look for ramps with features like integrated tire stops or wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward or backward off the ramps. Non-slip surfaces or grips on the base of the ramps can also enhance stability on various garage floor surfaces.
Types of Car Ramps
Understanding the different types of car ramps available will help you narrow down your choices:
Low Profile Ramps
Specifically designed for vehicles with reduced ground clearance, low profile ramps feature a much gentler approach angle. This gradual incline allows the vehicle to ascend the ramp smoothly without impacting the bodywork. To achieve this gentler angle, low profile ramps are typically longer than standard ramps.
Heavy-Duty Ramps
Built for larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans, heavy-duty ramps are constructed from robust materials and are designed to handle higher weight capacities and wider tires. They often offer a significant lift height but may have a steeper incline, making them unsuitable for lowered vehicles.
Two-Piece Ramps
These innovative ramps consist of a detachable slope section and a platform. Once the vehicle is securely on the platform, the slope can be removed, which can then be used as a wheel chock for added safety. This design also improves portability and storage.
Standard Ramps
These are the most common type of ramps, offering a balance of lift height and incline. They are suitable for a wide range of vehicles but may not be ideal for extremely low cars.
Top Car Ramps for Lowered Vehicles
Selecting the right ramp for a lowered car requires careful consideration of the approach angle. Here are some of the best options available, catering to the needs of sports cars and performance vehicles:
1. Race Ramps (RR-56-2)
- Type: Two-piece, low profile
- Load Limit: 6,000 lbs
- Material: High-density foam composite
- Lift Height: 8 inches
- Approach Angle: 10 degrees
Race Ramps are often considered the benchmark for lowered vehicles. Their lightweight yet incredibly strong composite construction offers an excellent 10-degree approach angle, virtually eliminating the risk of scraping. The two-piece design enhances portability, and the grippy surface ensures stability. They provide a substantial 8-inch lift, which is ample for most common maintenance tasks. For even lower cars, Race Ramps also offer optional extenders to create an even more gradual incline.
2. Tomioka Racing TR-SLOPE
- Type: Low profile
- Load Limit: 6,000 lbs
- Material: Hard plastic
- Lift Height: 3 inches
- Approach Angle: Gradual
The Tomioka Racing TR-SLOPE ramps are a more budget-friendly option for lowered cars. Made from tough plastic, they feature a gradual incline and a superior surface grip. While they only provide about 3 inches of lift, which might be insufficient for some jobs, they are excellent for basic maintenance like oil changes and are highly portable.
3. RhinoGear RhinoRamps (11909ABMI)
- Type: Low profile
- Load Limit: 12,000 lbs
- Material: Polymer blend with CoreTRAC technology
- Lift Height: Varies (typically 7-8 inches)
- Approach Angle: 17-stage incline (gradual)
RhinoGear RhinoRamps are a popular choice due to their durability, portability, and reasonable price point. They feature a 17-stage incline, which translates to a very gradual approach, making them suitable for many lowered cars. The CoreTRAC technology provides skid protection. Their nesting feature aids in easy storage. A potential drawback is that the polymer blend can become brittle in very cold temperatures, but for most users, they are a reliable option.
4. Discount Ramps 6009-V2
- Type: Low profile
- Load Limit: 4,500 lbs
- Material: Plastic
- Lift Height: Approximately 7 inches
- Approach Angle: Gentle
Discount Ramps offer a mid-range, budget-friendly solution for lowered cars. Made from plastic, they provide sturdy support for vehicles up to 4,500 lbs. They feature end walls to stop tires and a honeycomb pattern to prevent moisture build-up. While they lack anti-slip surface treatments, their gentle incline makes them a viable option for many enthusiasts on a tighter budget.
What to Avoid
When selecting ramps for a lowered car, avoid:
- Steep Approach Angles: These are the primary culprits for scraping your car's undercarriage or bumper.
- Narrow Ramps: Ensure the ramp width is sufficient for your tires to sit securely.
- Low Weight Capacities: Always choose ramps that exceed your vehicle's weight to ensure safety and durability.
- Cheap, Poorly Constructed Ramps: Prioritise safety over a small cost saving. A failed ramp can be catastrophic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use regular car ramps on a lowered car?
Generally, no. Standard car ramps have a steeper incline that is likely to cause scraping or damage to the front end of a lowered vehicle. You need ramps specifically designed with a low profile and a gradual approach angle.
Q2: How much lift do I need for basic maintenance on a lowered car?
For simple tasks like oil changes or brake inspections, 3-4 inches of lift is often sufficient. For more involved work, 6-8 inches is preferable. Ensure the ramps provide enough clearance without being excessively high, which could lead to a steeper incline.
Q3: Are plastic ramps safe for lowered cars?
Yes, high-quality plastic or polymer ramps designed with a low profile can be very safe and effective for lowered cars. The key is the design (gentle incline) and the material's integrity, not just the material itself. Always check the weight rating and ensure the ramps are from a reputable manufacturer.
Q4: What is the best approach angle for a lowered car?
An approach angle of 10 degrees or less is generally considered ideal for most lowered cars. The lower the angle, the gentler the ramp's incline, reducing the risk of scraping.
Q5: Do I need anything other than ramps?
Yes, it is highly recommended to use jack stands in conjunction with ramps for any work where you'll be getting under the car. While ramps provide a stable lift, jack stands offer an additional layer of safety by supporting the vehicle's weight independently. Always place jack stands on a solid part of the chassis.
Our Favourite Picks
- All-Rounder: RhinoGear RhinoRamps - Excellent balance of price, performance, and suitability for many lowered cars thanks to their gradual incline.
- Best for Lowered Cars: Race Ramps - Unmatched for ultra-low vehicles, offering superior approach angles and durability, albeit at a higher price point.
Ultimately, the best car ramps for your lowered vehicle will depend on your specific car's ground clearance, your budget, and the type of maintenance you intend to perform. Prioritise safety and a gentle approach angle, and you'll be well-equipped to keep your prized vehicle in top condition.
If you want to read more articles similar to Best Car Ramps for Lowered Vehicles, you can visit the Automotive category.