I have a new jack and I'm trying to jack up the front for an oil change, but that plastic gaurd is in the way.. it's too dangerous to try from the side.. how do you get around that?

 

Subframes baby!

 

What exactly do you mean by "plastic guard". Are you talking about the pad at the side under the door or what? Cause that's the place you want to jack the car from.

-Mindgame

 

Either jack it up from the frame rail on the side or use ramps. Ramps are WAY better for an oil change. Easier and much safer too.

 

I'm guessing you're talking about the air damn thing on the front underneath of the car? If so, my jack fits fine under it. Guess my jack is smaller then. After realizing my ramps won't fit under my car without scraping the bumper, I now jack up each side of the front by putting the jack on the k-arms, place a ramp under the wheel, then do the other side. Then if needed I jack up the rear via the differential.

 

Either use Rhino ramps (not as tall) or lay a 2X4 down in front of each front wheel. When you drive up onto the 2X4's you get more clearance to be able to get onto the ramps without scraping.

I actually use 4X4's with a 45 degree cut on one side. But it's easy for them to slide because of the hight. If using 4X4's I suggest laying 2 side by side at each tire. That way you tires won't try to slide off sideways.

Jacks scare me. Even with stands. If used correctly, ramps are much safer.

 

High-End Technical discussion here!
Hehe...
Just messing with buddy...I usually go in from the front at an angle...missing the air dam plastic piece. I use like a 3 ton Race Jack and have no problems clearing/doing it this way - and that thing is pretty big. Just go in from the corner in front of either wheel, and jack it up from the center of the crossmember...that's how I do it anyway, between that and the jack stands, I would lay under it for hours.