[plplplpl]

OK Piloteers, it's that time again: Time for a new public poll.

Which would you prefer (not necessarily what you currently use), a pair of jack stands or a pair of car ramps? Why?

You can (and should) use chocks with either option.

Just for the purposes of this poll, you can only have a pair of each. Also, not both.

 

[aggrex]

Depends on the work to be performed. Both types of vehicle supports have positives and negatives. Ramps can inspire confidence when loaded correctly but require some skill/practice to use. Both ramps and jack stands can damage asphalt driveways and ramps can slide on concrete floors. Quality jack stands preferably with a pin can be safer than the ratchet type. If I can only have one type it would be the jack stand as the ramp crowds the work space.

 

[PLT383]

Is there something ramps can do that stands can not? Can’t do tire rotation or brakes with ramps.

 

[Nail Grease]

It's rare I use ramps anymore. Especially for ATF change. Your fluid drains out better with a drivers side rear wheel being lifted.

 

[Nail Grease]

Is there something ramps can do that stands can not? Can’t do tire rotation or brakes with ramps.

Ramps can lift the front end of a vehicle without a jack.

 

[PLT383]

You got me there......but I thought we were talking "once lifted".

 

[Tourist2012]

Both.

 

[xGS]

Both.

 

[plplplpl]

Just for the purposes of this poll, you can only have a pair of each. Also, not both.

Both.

Both.

I know ideally we all want both and everything, but to make it a bit more challenging this is an either/or question where you have to make some hard choices, like desert island discs or when your wife makes you choose between a car expense or a kitchen expense.

 

[xGS]

I know ideally we all want both and everything, but to make it a bit more challenging this is an either/or question where you have to make some hard choices, ...

Already have both.

 

[plplplpl]

Which would you prefer (not necessarily what you currently use), a pair of jack stands or a pair of car ramps?

Great, you have the best of both worlds, but if you had to choose between them, which would it be?

 

[cloudasc]

Jack Stands because the height is adjustable, and depending upon the vehicle and task at hand, provide that extra clearance you can't get with ramps. (E.g. I'm not sure I could drop the gas tank on my 91 Accord with ramps).

 

[xGS]

Great, you have the best of both worlds, but if you had to choose between them, which would it be?

Still both.

 

[plplplpl]

Still both.

OK, I guess you qualify for a grandfather clause, then. You've earned it.

 

[plplplpl]

It's rare I use ramps anymore. Especially for ATF change. Your fluid drains out better with a drivers side rear wheel being lifted.

I wonder what it would be like if you lifted both driver's side wheels, front and rear, for an ATF drain & fill. On either jack stands or ramps. Tilting the Pilot sideways.

 

[plplplpl]

Ramps can lift the front end of a vehicle without a jack.

So ramps could save you either the expense of buying a floor jack or the drudgery of using the provided emergency scissor jack?

 

[Nail Grease]

I wonder what it would be like if you lifted both driver's side wheels, front and rear, for an ATF drain & fill. On either jack stands or ramps. Tilting the Pilot sideways.

Why?
Without ramps, I first pull dipstick to vent. Lift the driver front jack point. Break the ATF bolt loose. Slide in the drain pan and open bolt. Lower the front back to the ground and move jack to the rear drivers side (left rear) and lift. If your not in a hurry let it drip. Remove 3.8 qt this way.

 

[cintocrunch]

I agree you failed miserable when you didn't include both. You should not be allowed to create a poll for 6 months due to this treachery!

If you are really making me choose one over the other, it's got to be the jack stands since you can do work with the wheels off or on with stands. I have ramps and they are generally relegated (and preferred) to assisting with fluid changes. Even then, I usually have to jack up the vehicle and lower it onto the ramps because my garage floor was painted by the previous homeowner and is very slick.

 

[Daltongang]

Sorry, but this poll is like asking which do you prefer, eating or breathing.

I have long made it a rule to never use a hammer to loosen a nut and never use a wrench to drive a nail. What I prefer is using the right tool for the right job.

 

[311042]

I would choose jack stands if I was forced to pick. But for fluid changes and working under the car 4 ramps work pretty well.