There are several methods for draining engine oil and other fluids from a vehicle, ranging from cutting a hole in an old metal oil can to using a suction pump. If you are happy to spend some money on a means of draining and collecting engine oil and other fluids, then the following pages should help you to choose the right equipment.
Disposing of old engine oil (and other fluids) is an environmental concern, to which you need to take the correct precautions by collecting the waste and disposing of it at your local recycling centre (tip).
We’ve been testing an assortment of drain bowls, pans and containers over several months, and we’ve also tested a couple of drip trays. These have been grouped into several categories to help make some sense of it all.
HOW WE TEST & SCORE
Several factors were considered when we used each product in this group test. Important points included price, height (the shallower the better for squeezing underneath a vehicle), capacity, ease of carrying and quality of build. Bonus points were given for versatility, such as being able to use a bowl or pan for carrying tools and washing parts, although this was slightly contradictory with the closed containers that don’t have any other uses but ensure that no other equipment is required to transport waste oil. We also looked at the aspects of using this equipment, which helped to measure beyond a straightforward comparison of features.
TOP TIPS for draining oil
If you are draining engine oil on a driveway or garage floor, plastic sheeting such as an old groundsheet or tarpaulin can help to preserve the concrete or tarmac should oil leak beyond the drain bowl or container you are using. Even a large sheet of cardboard can help.
Should you need to clean up an oil spillage, a bag of sand can help to absorb it, although there are dedicated products such as granules and cloths that promise to be absorbent and quick at clearing up oil. Brake cleaner is often useful for removing oil stains.
If you are
