chrisryn64

iTrader: (2)

I'm away at college and want to change my oil myself like I always do back home

although here I don't have a jack but I do have the spare tire jack

would it be safe to just jack up the drivers side and go under the car? would there be any danger of it slipping off, assuming the parking brake is on and I put something behind the rear wheels?

ryant430

I wouldn't do it personally but you could, its not safe though...just get some car ramps, they are cheap and easy to use.

WhiteKnightZ28

iTrader: (5)

Go to wall-mart and buy a cheap jack-stand, they dont cost much and it would be easy to keep in your dorm room (or at least it would be easier than a full size jack). IMHO you should always use a jack-stand, theyre cheap insurance.

chrisryn64

iTrader: (2)

I have a set of car ramps at home but my car is too low to drive up on them, the car is at the stock height, but the front hits the ramp before the tire

what is a set of ramps that would work and whats the price

might just have to pick up some jack stands

Lucas'02SS

iTrader: (4)

Yikes. The spare tire jack is pretty small. I wouldn't trust it myself. You can get some ramps from autozone for pretty cheap. I would trust those a lot more.

Lucas'02SS

iTrader: (4)

My friends TA is very low, and we get his car on my ramps just fine. I'm not sure how much they are though.

chrisryn64

iTrader: (2)

I have a formula, seems like the front bumper might extend out a bit further than a TA?

StealthZ06

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't do it, but then again I have no deathwish.

chrisryn64

iTrader: (2)

no deathwish, just don't trust anyone working on my car but me

Lucas'02SS

iTrader: (4)

Well just go buy some jack stands. Its a sure thing then.

99camarosupersport

iTrader: (6)

i understand that, and especially something as simple as changing the oil....BUT if you dont get another jack or something, i'm gonna suggest taking it someplace, it's not like they will F it up, they do it atleast 20 times a week.

chrisryn64

iTrader: (2)

looks like jack stands are only about 20 a peice, I need some anyway so I'll probably go pick some up

Lucas'02SS

iTrader: (4)

Thats a smart idea. And I dont like taking my car to get the oil changed or stuff like that either. I did it 1 time when I was in a hurry, and they didn't even change the oil filter. Last time I'll ever do that.

2K2WS6TA

iTrader: (2)

Go to wal mart, and get some rhino ramps (you can also get your Mobil One there too) you'll be able to drive a stock T/A up on those ramps no problem, then you won't have to worry about the jack (the ramps are ~$22)

chrisryn64

iTrader: (2)

how far off the ground will a pair of ramps get you?

WhiteKnightZ28

iTrader: (5)

about 10" from what i remember, but I'm not going out in the cold to find out

GreekGator

the ramps will do the job fine. Youll be able to get under the car just fine.

casca2001

Ever since my first car i've always changed my oil myself and always used the emergency jack, that is until one time after i jacked it up and leaned on the car a lil, jack bent and toppled over slamming the car to the ground, anyways if you have the ramps and your only problem is not having the jack stands then simply jack the car up and place the ramp under the tire while the car is already raised, i know it defeats the purpose of the ramps but your alot less likely to get pancaked

1994Z28Lt1

iTrader: (1)

hey man take it from a guy thats in college right now i change the oil on my camaro right out in front of my house, all you gotta do is drive one side of the car up onto a curb so both the front and rear tire are on the curb and you have enough room to shimmy under there to do your oil, thats what i do might be kind of redneckish but nobody does something on my car that i cant do a better job and save money by doing it myself

Mr Incredible

IMO, your cheapest and best bet is to get a pair (or even one) jack stands. It (they) will take up less room to store and they are extremely useful. Moreso, I think, than ramps.

Wal-Mart and farm stores are the cheapest places. Harbor Freight has them pretty cheap, I'd bet. Get 2ton stands.