Cleaning An Oil Drain Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cleaning an oil drain pan is a crucial part of at-home vehicle maintenance. To clean an oil drain pan, first, lower your vehicle to a smooth surface, engage the brakes, and shut off the engine. Next, use a ramp to raise the front side and secure it with a portable car jack. Once under the vehicle, locate the oil drain pan and drain the oil into a container. After draining the oil, you can clean the pan with a paper towel or oil degreaser. It is important to note that you should never get under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack, as it can be unsafe.

How to Clean Out Oil Drain Pan

Use a paper towel to wipe the oil pan clean

Using a paper towel to wipe the oil pan clean is a quick and easy way to maintain the cleanliness of your oil drain pan. This method is ideal for those who like to clean the drain pan each time they use it to remove old oil from the engine. By wiping the surface with a paper towel, you can immediately remove any debris and dirt before they have a chance to stick to the pan and harden. This ensures that you won't have to worry about thorough cleaning later on.

To use this method, simply drain the oil into the pan and then wipe it clean with a paper towel. You can then wrap the used paper towel in a plastic bag and place it with your other car tools or dispose of it appropriately. Some people even place the plastic bag under the engine plug so that any remaining oil drips into the bag, keeping the pan clean.

This method is a simple and effective way to keep your oil drain pan in good condition and avoid the hassle of dealing with caked-on grease and grime. It may not be necessary to clean your oil drain pan after every use, but doing so can help extend its longevity and make the oil change process a little less messy.

Additionally, if you're looking for an even more convenient option, there are now oil drain pans with tear-away sheets available on the market. These pans have disposable, recyclable tear-away sheets that eliminate the need for manual cleaning. After draining the oil, you can simply discard the sheet or clean it for reuse. This innovative design makes oil changes quicker and cleaner, reducing the amount of post-change maintenance required.

Use oil degreasers to clean the pan

Using oil degreasers is an effective way to clean an oil drain pan, especially if you deal with multiple vehicles and have several oil drain pans to clean. Oil degreasers work similarly to detergents that remove greasy spots or spills from clothes.

When choosing an oil degreaser, opt for a reputable brand that offers products specifically designed for cleaning car oil. Ensure that the product is effective in removing grease without damaging the pan's quality. Before using the oil degreaser, always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's manual for guidance on locating and handling the oil drain pan.

Additionally, it is crucial to take safety precautions when working under a vehicle. Lower the vehicle to a smooth surface, engage the brakes, and shut off the engine. Use a ramp and a portable car jack to raise the front side, ensuring sufficient height for comfortable work access. Always use wheel chocks to prevent the wheels from rolling and secure the ramp according to the manufacturer's instructions.

When using oil degreasers, follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Wear protective gear, such as goggles, to avoid contact with the chemicals. Allow the oil to drain completely before applying the degreaser and make sure to dispose of the waste oil responsibly.

Use a funnel to avoid spillages

Using a funnel is a great way to avoid spillages when cleaning out your oil drain pan. Oil can be messy and hard to clean up, so using a funnel helps to direct the flow of oil and prevent it from going everywhere.

When choosing a funnel, look for one with a large spout that is designed to minimise spills. The spout should be big enough to allow a moderate flow of oil without causing a mess. You can also get disposable paper funnels, which you can throw away after use, so you don't have to worry about cleaning them.

If you're using a funnel with your oil drain pan, it's important to pour slowly and carefully to avoid overflow. You might also want to consider getting a larger oil catch pan to make it easier to direct the oil flow and prevent spills.

Some people choose to have separate funnels and pans for different types of fluids, such as oil, coolant and steering fluid. This can help to avoid cross-contamination and make cleaning a little easier.

Use a large enough oil container to catch the oil

When changing your oil, you'll want to make sure you have a large enough oil container to catch the oil. The last thing you want is for oil to spill everywhere, so it's important to be prepared with the right equipment.

First, you'll need to estimate the direction of the oil flow. If the drain plug is on the side of the sump, the oil will flow horizontally and curve down with gravity. It will hit the ground around 9-12 inches out from the hole, assuming your car is raised around 18-24 inches from the ground. As the flow rate drops, the point of impact will move back towards a point vertically below the hole. Therefore, you'll need to make sure your oil container is large enough to catch all the oil.

You can purchase a specialised oil drain pan from an auto store, or you can make your own using a large plastic trash can. If you're making your own, use a reciprocating saw to cut off the top portion of the trash can, leaving the bottom portion to serve as the oil catch pan. Sand the cut edge to smooth out any sharp edges, then drill a 1-inch hole through the bottom of the pan, approximately 2 inches in from the edge. Insert a rubber stopper into the hole from the bottom so you don't have to reach into the oil to remove it.

When it comes time to drain the oil, place the pan on a table with the rubber stopper hanging over the edge. Place an empty oil container with a funnel below the hole to catch the oil, then remove the stopper.

Remember to dispose of your used oil responsibly. You can return it to an auto supply shop or dispose of it during a local hazardous materials collection.

Dispose of the oil safely

It is important to dispose of your waste oil responsibly. In the UK, local councils have facilities for disposal of engine oil at their waste disposal sites. In the US, waste oil can be taken to the transfer station, where there will be a catch can for the oil and a container for oil filters. Many auto parts stores will also take waste oil.

If you are disposing of your oil at a waste disposal site, you should decant the old oil into the can the new oil came in. Put the old filter and any oil-soaked rags into the box the new filter came in, and double-wrap it in plastic bags.

If you are disposing of your oil at an auto parts store, you can take the old oil in the container that the new oil came in. Some stores will also take your old oil filter.

You should never dispose of your waste oil by pouring it down the drain, on the ground, or into a river or stream. This can cause serious environmental damage.

Frequently asked questions