[vfc]

For those who change the oil & filter themselves; I recommend the Rhino Ramp 12,000. You will need a ramp to get under the car to remove the belly pan. With my other cars, I would drive one wheel up on a curve; can't do that with the cube. I bought the ramp at Advanced Auto for $45. Same price on Amazon.com. They also make an 8000 model for ~ $32, but I liked the wider 12,000 better.

I briefly stopped doing my own oil changes, but after issues with Pep Boys (grease like substance clogging the oil fill opening), and my wife's car getting a dent on the fender during an oil change (ugly experience getting the dealer to fix the dent and how the repaired area is starting to fade/crack), I'm back to doing my own.

Below is a picture that shows there are no clearance issues. There is over an inch of clearance between the ramp and front bumper, so you don't have to worry about damaging your bumper driving up/down the ramp.

 

[HRWatson68]

Thanks, I was thinking of doing my own again too.

 

[Cube]

Do you trust those plastic ramps?

And I am correct in thinking the Oil filters are most likely the same as the Versa since the two are the same underpinnings?

 

[Square1]

Do you trust those plastic ramps?

And I am correct in thinking the Oil filters are most likely the same as the Versa since the two are the same underpinnings?

Those plastic ramps are VERY strong, been using them for years.

The oil filter is the same on the Versa. - Dan

 

[coolguy]

Do you trust those plastic ramps?

we have similar ones (not sure if they're that exact brand, but they look the same), and they're incredibly sturdy. they hold our sti with no problems whatsoever we love our ramps; totally worth the money!

 

[Beat_box]

Do you trust those plastic ramps?

And I am correct in thinking the Oil filters are most likely the same as the Versa since the two are the same underpinnings?

Very good question. I have read some reviews that these exact same ramps can be come flying projectiles if used on a smooth surface, I.E. Garage floor. :no:

 

[Square1]

Do you trust those plastic ramps?

And I am correct in thinking the Oil filters are most likely the same as the Versa since the two are the same underpinnings?

Very good question. I have read some reviews that these exact same ramps can be come flying projectiles if used on a smooth surface, I.E. Garage floor. :no:

I've been using them for years with no slipping. Mine have rubber pads under them. As soon as a tire starts up onto the ramps it pushes down and the rubber holds them in place from slipping out. - Dan

 

[miata007]

I had issues using them inside the garage where the concrete is much more smooth. I had to put a peice of think plastic under the ramps to keep them from sliding.
Definately recommend them for DIY'er for oil change. You can get them cheap at walmart (my favorite store).

007

 

[ChristineK]

The problem with ramps becoming projectiles is much reduced with a front wheel drive car. The wheels actually grab the ramp instead of push it or slide.

I actually made my own ramps out of 2X12 by 24 inch long pine and 2 stacked 2X4 all screwed together. My big ol Titan does not even stress these. Cheap too, they were building a new house behind me and were going to burn the waste materials up so I grabbed them, so they were free. :yes:

The plastic ramps are good too, but some are too steep and if your ride is lowered like mine the air dam will hit the ramp before the wheel does.

 

[Rubik]

http://www.phantasmusa.com/ldsramps.html

^ Above link is for Takata ramps for lowered cars. For those of you who don't know Takata, they are one of the best known producers of Racing harnesses in Japan, and subsequently due to the JDM Movement, America. They are expensive, but come in handy for when you can't even get a jack under the car. Sure you can roll it up on a 2x4, but it's not as safe, and not as awesome.

***I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS SHOP, AND AM NOT ENDORSING THEM. THEY WERE JUST THE FIRST TO COME UP IN A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THE RAMPS***

 

[ChristineK]

http://www.phantasmusa.com/ldsramps.html

^ Above link is for Takata ramps for lowered cars. For those of you who don't know Takata, they are one of the best known producers of Racing harnesses in Japan, and subsequently due to the JDM Movement, America. They are expensive, but come in handy for when you can't even get a jack under the car. Sure you can roll it up on a 2x4, but it's not as safe, and not as awesome.

I agree this alone is not safe, either is cynder blocks but we see that alot too

The right answere, for wood, plastics and other is ALWAYS,ALWAYS use jack stands, even if you use a standard or bottle jack. Jackstands :yes:

 

[Rubik]

I agree this alone is not safe, either is cynder blocks but we see that alot too

The right answere, for wood, plastics and other is ALWAYS,ALWAYS use jack stands, even if you use a standard or bottle jack. Jackstands :yes:

I agree whole heartedly, Christine. Please, guys and girls, always remember proper safety is using both mechanical stands in conjunction with a hydraulic jack or in this case, ramps. At a BARE MINIMUM, you should be chocking your rear wheels when the car is on the ramp. Transmissions slip, Parking brakes disengage. Does it happen a lot? Not that I'm aware of, but one time could be your last time. I want my cube friends to be modding and maintaining for many years to come!

And to clarify, I believe the Takata LDS Ramp is merely an aid to assist super low cars into getting clearance for a jack. Hopefully someone will get coilvers and need this soon.:yes:

 

[vfc]

The Rhino-Ramp 12,000 has a rubber foot to keep it from slipping.

 

[ChristineK]

The problem I have with these plastic versions is they are veined and the weight is distributed over very small areas. I am sure they are well rated and completely safe. Looking at the Takata ramps they look good too but only offer a few inches of lift so you are lucky to poke your head under a lowered vehicle. It says right in the wright up that it is so you can get a jack under the vehicle.

The ramps I built are actually 4.5 inches of solid wood at the stop so unless your car is so heavy to pulp 4.5 inches of solid wood you are good to go. But again always safety and jack-stands.

Look at the original photo and notice there is only 1 1/2 to 2 inches of clearance so a dropped ride would definitely hit these. My Fit would just push them along, rubber stops and all with its lower valance, most likely damaging the paint.

I cant see your pics at my office computer, the server scrubs them, so my earlier comment is just getting confirmation.

 

[vfc]

Christine,
I assume your ramp looks similar to this one. I was going to build my own, but it was so easy (and cheap) to buy the Rhino's.

 

[ChristineK]

Close, very close. Mine are a little simpler and and the 2X12 in the driving surface no jogs in mine. Straight wedge for mine.

I like those tho.

EDIT: Actually reduce this one to 24 inches and flip it over and you got mine. That one is 7.5 inches in total raise and weighs a ton.