How do you look under your car?

[Ryan]

Hey everyone,

The other day I was installing a hitch on my other car, and so I used some ramps to back the car onto for the installation process.

Since my PT has been leaking oil recently I decided to put it up on the ramps to see if the filter needed to be tightened. However, as I was moving up the ramp I heard a loud crunch from my bumper because it was scraping the ramp. So, basically, now I have no way to look under my car.

How do you guys manage to look under your cars? (Preferably the front of the car because I could have backed up on the ramp but that wouldn't have done anything.)

[rcktpwrd]

Put a couple of boards in front of the ramps to get the car lifted up slightly before going up the ramps...

[UptownSport]

There was a recessed man-hole drain in my neighbors front yard- He'd drive his old Chevy over it and crawl under-
worked, and no way car was gonna fall
Shoulda seen how he took a shower ...

You could drive one side up on something (our driveways have diff heights, so there's a ledge-ramp

[wwpptc]

Two jackstands. They aren't that expensive. First use whatever jack you normally use (factory or preferably a "roll around" floor jack) and jack one side up to the point where you don't feel comfortable going up any further. Quickly measure the opening you have created at the "jack point" just behind the front wheel. Your drivers manual will show you where that is. Now buy a couple jackstands that will fit easily in that opening when they are fully released (all the way down). Bob's your uncle, you're done.

Jerry

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by UptownSport

You could drive one side up on something (our driveways have diff heights, so there's a ledge-ramp

I actually tried driving up a small slope in my yard but the oil filter was too far forward for me to get a good look at. I like your idea though! I may be able to find a place to do that lol.

I think 2 jacks is a bit unsafe though, I always feel like they are going to break haha. Always makes me a tad uneasy

[32seventeen]

Trolley (floor) jack and 6 ton jack stands on my concrete shop floor. I have been doing it that way for 30 years, never had any concern.
My other car is so low I would never be able to get up ramps. I can't barely get out off my driveway.

[Busted_PT]

Originally Posted by Ryan

I actually tried driving up a small slope in my yard but the oil filter was too far forward for me to get a good look at. I like your idea though! I may be able to find a place to do that lol.

I think 2 jacks is a bit unsafe though, I always feel like they are going to break haha. Always makes me a tad uneasy

Two jack stands! Your right never get under a vehicle with only a jack holding it up.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Busted_PT

Two jack stands! Your right never get under a vehicle with only a jack holding it up.

Hahaha oh my gosh I must have completely read that wrong :P

Doing a quick search showed me they cost from $40-80, which is fair enough however I don't think I would be using them enough to really make a purchase necessary.

[bandaide]

Originally Posted by Ryan

Hahaha oh my gosh I must have completely read that wrong :P

Doing a quick search showed me they cost from $40-80, which is fair enough however I don't think I would be using them enough to really make a purchase necessary.

I've got three tools in my garage for looking at cars along with a home-built accessory.

1 - 2 1/2 ton trolley jack for lifting in place.
2 - jackstands (4) each - one of each corner if I really gotta have it off the ground.
3 - Ramps (1) pair - for oil changes, quick looks etc. This is the one with the accessory. My Sebring and Mustang both have long fascias that hit the ramps long before the tires do. So, I built some lead-in "steps" from wood to raise the nose an inch or two before it hits.

I do all my own service and repair work unless extremely specialized tools or skills are needed. As a result, one or more of these tools is used nearly every weekend on one of the fleet.

NEVER, EVER get under a car or work on a car that is supported by a jack only. Unless you REALLY like tempting fate....

[rob342]

i've been spoiled. this is the only way i will get under my car anymore.