Yes, you can use 4 car ramps to lift a vehicle, and it's often the safest method for tasks like oil changes or tire rotations when done correctly. However, it requires careful attention to weight distribution, ramp quality, and surface conditions to avoid accidents. Using four ramps provides stability by lifting the entire car evenly, which reduces the risk of tipping compared to using just two ramps or jacks.
When to Use 4 Car Ramps
This approach is ideal for procedures where you need all four wheels off the ground, such as undercarriage inspections, exhaust work, or brake servicing. It's commonly preferred by DIY enthusiasts and professionals for its simplicity, as ramps are typically easier and faster to set up than jack stands for basic lifts. The key is ensuring the ramps are rated for your vehicle's weight—always check the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the driver's side door jamb and compare it to the ramp's capacity. For example, a mid-size SUV might weigh around 4,500 pounds, so each ramp should support at least 1,500 pounds to handle the uneven load distribution.
Safety First: Critical Precautions
- Surface Levelness: Always park on a flat, solid surface like concrete to prevent rolling. Even a slight slope can cause the car to slide off.
- Chocking Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels not on ramps, but since all wheels are elevated, use chocks on the ground against the ramps themselves for added security.
- Gradual Ascent: Drive up slowly and have a spotter guide you to avoid overshooting the ramp, which can damage the vehicle or cause injury.
- Ramp Quality: Inspect ramps for cracks or wear; plastic ramps may degrade over time, while steel ramps are more durable but heavier.
Comparison to Alternatives
While 4 ramps offer convenience, jack stands provide more height for major repairs and are often used in pairs with a floor jack. According to industry standards from the Automotive Service Association, ramp-related incidents are rare but often stem from user error, such as improper alignment or overloading.
| Ramp Type | Weight Capacity (lbs per ramp) | Best For Vehicle Types | Average Cost | Common User Mistakes |
|---|
| Plastic Rhino Ramps | 12,000 | Sedans, small SUVs | $100-$150 | Driving too fast, causing slippage |
| Steel Race Ramps | 1,500 | Sports cars, lightweight vehicles | $200-$300 | Not checking for rust or bends |
| Aluminum Modular Ramps | 5,000 | Trucks, larger SUVs | $150-$250 | Incorrect angle setup on soft ground |
| Rubberized Utility Ramps | 8,000 | General use, off-road | $80-$120 | Overloading beyond capacity |
| Folding Plastic Ramps | 10,000 | Compact cars | $60-$100 | Failing to secure locking mechanisms |
In summary, using 4 car ramps is a practical choice for home mechanics, but never work under a vehicle supported only by ramps—always use jack stands as a backup for critical safety. Prioritize ramps with high friction surfaces and wide bases to minimize risks.
