Car Ramps

About Car Ramps

Car ramps are essential lifting equipment for safely accessing the underside of vehicles for maintenance, inspection, and repair work. Whether changing oil, inspecting brake systems, or carrying out routine servicing, quality car ramps provide a stable and secure platform that's often more convenient than using a jack and axle stands. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of car ramps from trusted brands including Sealey and Sirius, with capacities ranging from 2 tonnes to 3 tonnes to suit everything from compact cars to larger family vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

Our selection includes traditional fixed-height ramps, modular ramp kits that can be configured to different heights, portable pivot lifts, and specialised low-entry extensions designed for vehicles with minimal ground clearance such as sports cars and lowered vehicles. Modern car ramps are typically manufactured from heavy-duty steel or lightweight aluminium, featuring anti-slip surfaces, safety stops, and generous working heights to provide comfortable access beneath the vehicle.

Applications

Car ramps are used daily by a diverse range of professionals and enthusiasts including:

• Professional mechanics and automotive technicians in independent garages and main dealerships
• Mobile mechanics who need portable, lightweight lifting solutions for roadside and customer premises
• MOT testing stations and vehicle inspection centres
• Fleet maintenance teams servicing company vehicles, delivery vans, and commercial cars
• Motor enthusiasts and classic car owners performing their own maintenance and restoration work
• DIY motorists carrying out routine servicing, oil changes, and brake inspections at home
• Car detailing professionals accessing wheel arches and undersides for comprehensive cleaning

Choosing The Right Car Ramps

Weight Capacity: Check your vehicle's kerb weight in the handbook, then select ramps with a capacity that exceeds this figure. For typical family cars, 2-tonne ramps are generally sufficient, whilst larger vehicles, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles require 3-tonne capacity ramps.

Ground Clearance Compatibility: Sports cars, performance vehicles, and lowered cars typically require low-entry extensions or specially designed low-profile ramps to prevent damage during mounting. Standard ramps work well with family cars, estates, and vehicles with normal ground clearance.

Material Construction: Steel ramps offer maximum strength and durability, ideal for permanent workshop installation, but they're considerably heavier to move. Aluminium ramps provide excellent portability for mobile mechanics whilst still offering substantial load capacity.

Working Height: Consider the clearance you need beneath the vehicle for your typical tasks. Oil changes require minimal height, whilst exhaust work or suspension inspection benefits from greater elevation. Modular ramp kits offer flexibility to adjust working height for different jobs.

Safety Information

Always place ramps on firm, level ground—never on soft surfaces or uneven terrain. Ensure the vehicle is in gear with the handbrake firmly applied, and chock the rear wheels securely to prevent rolling. Drive slowly and steadily up the ramps in a straight line, stopping when wheels contact the safety stops. For extended work periods or tasks requiring significant force, place axle stands under the vehicle's jacking points as secondary support. Before each use, inspect ramps for cracks, deformation, or damage to anti-slip surfaces, and never exceed the manufacturer's stated weight capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 2-tonne and 3-tonne car ramps?

The tonne rating indicates the maximum vehicle weight the ramps can safely support. Most standard family cars weigh between 1000-1600kg and are suitable for 2-tonne ramps. Larger vehicles including SUVs, MPVs, and light commercial vehicles often exceed 2000kg and require 3-tonne capacity ramps. Always check your vehicle's kerb weight and select ramps with capacity exceeding this figure.

Can I use car ramps on my lowered vehicle or sports car?

Yes, but you'll likely need low-entry extensions or ramps specifically designed for vehicles with minimal ground clearance. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks low-entry extensions from both Sealey and Sirius that reduce the approach angle, creating a gentler gradient that allows low-profile vehicles to mount the ramps without scraping the front bumper or undercarriage.

Are car ramps safer than using a trolley jack and axle stands?

Both methods are safe when used correctly. Car ramps provide excellent stability and are generally quicker to deploy for routine jobs like oil changes and brake inspections, elevating both front wheels simultaneously. However, ramps only lift one end of the vehicle, whilst jacks and stands can lift individual corners. Many professionals use ramps for the initial lift then add axle stands as secondary support for extended work periods.