Draining Oil: Complete Cleanup Of Oil Drain Pans

Keeping your car in good condition is essential, and oil changes are a key part of that. But what's the best way to clean your drain pan afterwards? Some people suggest using a degreaser, while others say it's not worth the effort and you're better off just letting it drip-dry. If you do want to clean it, you can scrape off large deposits with a plastic scraper, then soak it with a cleaning agent, and wash it with high-pressure water. You can also buy special oil drain pans with tear-away sheets to eliminate mess.

Use a larger oil catch pan

If you're looking to remove all oil from a drain pan, a larger oil catch pan is a great solution. This is especially true if you're working with a car on stands, where the oil will flow horizontally and curve downwards with gravity. A larger pan will ensure that you cover a larger area to catch the oil as it comes out.

When it comes to oil changes, the job can get messy, and a larger oil catch pan can help to minimise the mess. The flow rate of oil will decrease as you drain it, so having a larger pan means you won't have to move it around to catch the oil as it comes out. This also means you won't have to worry about the oil hitting the ground and splashing everywhere.

Some people prefer to use a larger enclosed pan, but this can lead to issues with the drain lid popping off and causing messes. If you go for a larger pan, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid and a large enough opening to accommodate the flow of oil.

One user recommends draining the oil with the engine warm, as this helps it flow better and takes more sediment with it. Just be careful not to burn yourself!

So, if you're looking for a more efficient and cleaner way to remove oil from a drain pan, a larger oil catch pan is definitely the way to go.

Drain oil with the engine warm

To drain oil with the engine warm, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure the engine is warm but not hot. This helps the oil flow better and takes more sediment and gunk with it. Be careful, as you don't want hot oil spilling down your arm when you remove the drain plug.

Next, place a catch pan under the drain plug. The catch pan should be large enough to cover the area under the plug, as the oil will begin to flow horizontally and curve down with gravity. As the flow rate drops, the point of impact will move back towards a point vertically below the hole.

Once the catch pan is in place, remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain for about half an hour. After the oil has fully drained, remove the drain pan and replace the plug.

Now, put the catch pan under the filter and remove it carefully. Pour the oil from the filter into the catch pan and leave the filter face-down in the drain pan for a while.

Finally, dispose of the old oil and filter responsibly. In the UK, local councils have facilities for disposing of engine oil at their waste disposal sites. You can decant the old oil into the can the new oil came in and put the old filter and any oil-soaked rags into the box the new filter came in. Double-wrap it in plastic bags and take it to the council site.

Dispose of oil at local council facilities

If you're disposing of engine oil, it's important to do so responsibly. In the UK, local councils have facilities for the disposal of engine oil at their waste disposal sites. You can decant the old oil into a container and take it to your local council site. Make sure the container is not damaged and has a secure lid.

In Northern Ireland, your local council will advise you on where to take all types of hazardous waste, including oil. You can also contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' hazardous waste unit for advice.

In the US, you can usually take oil to the transfer station (aka the dump) or to a local oil recycling center. Many auto parts stores, Tractor Supply stores, and Walmart stores with auto centers also have oil recycling available.

Remember, never pour oil down a drain or onto the ground.

Use a disposable tear-away sheet

Using a disposable tear-away sheet is a convenient way to remove oil from a drain pan. This method eliminates the mess from draining old oil. The GarageBOSS Tear Away Clean Drain Pan is a popular option for this purpose. It comes in 8-quart and 16-quart capacities and includes a recyclable tear-away sheet.

Here's how you can use it:

• Place the GarageBOSS drain pan under your vehicle, ensuring it sits flat.
• Open the drain plug and let the old oil flow into the drain pan.
• Once the oil has completely drained, remove the quick tear-away sheet.
• If needed, you can clean the sheet and reuse it, or simply dispose of it.
• Additional tear-away sheets can be purchased separately.

The GarageBOSS drain pan is designed with a built-in handle for easy carrying and its rectangular shape makes it convenient for transport and storage. It is made of durable and long-lasting material, ensuring that you can rely on it for years.

Using a disposable tear-away sheet with the GarageBOSS drain pan provides a quick, clean, and efficient way to remove oil from your drain pan and vehicle.

Clean with a degreaser

To clean an oil drain pan with a degreaser, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove the oil pan from your car and scrape off any large oily deposits with a plastic scraper. Wipe the scraped oil residue off the slightly clean, flat surface using paper towels or rags.

Next, you can soak the pan with a potent cleaning agent, such as a strong detergent or brake cleaner. Spray the oil pan with the degreaser and leave it to sit for a while.

After this, turn the oil drain pan upside down to allow any remaining water to drain out. This will make drying the pan easier.

Finally, thoroughly wipe the pan with a cloth. Keep wiping until the pan is completely dry and free of any chemicals. Pay particular attention to drying the parts inside the pan, such as the oil drain plug gasket, as these can sometimes retain moisture.

Frequently asked questions