The Oil Drain Pan: What's Its Purpose?

An oil drain pan is a glorified bucket, but it's an essential tool for anyone looking to drain the oil from their vehicle. While it may be tempting to use a non-specialized pan, this can lead to trouble when it's time to dispose of the used oil. Oil drain pans are designed with features such as leak-proof caps, wide catchment areas, and comfortable carry handles, making the process of removing and transporting old oil much easier. They also come in a range of sizes, from simple oil drip trays to high-capacity oil caddy drain tanks, so it's important to choose the right one for your vehicle.

Oil drain pans can be open or closed style

Oil drain pans are an essential tool for any DIY oil change. They can be open or closed style, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Open-style oil drain pans typically have a large opening at the top, allowing for easy drainage of oil. They often feature built-in spouts, which provide control when pouring oil into another container for disposal or recycling. These pans are straightforward to use and can be stored upright or on their side. However, open-style pans require careful handling to avoid spillages and can be challenging to empty without making a mess.

On the other hand, closed-style oil drain pans are designed with a secure, leak-proof cap, eliminating the need for a separate container. They usually have a wide catchment area, making the oil change process neater. Closed-style pans can be stored upright or on their side and transported easily due to their comfortable carry handles. Nevertheless, they might not be suitable for frequent oil changes or multiple vehicles, as they need to be emptied before reuse.

When choosing between open and closed-style oil drain pans, consider factors such as built-in storage, handle placement, material, and size. Built-in storage allows for direct drainage into the pan but requires emptying before reuse. Handles are essential for comfortable transport, especially when the pan is filled with oil. The material should be durable, and the size should accommodate the engine's oil capacity while being easy to manoeuvre when full.

They can be made of plastic or metal

Oil drain pans are an essential tool for anyone who wants to change their own oil. They are used to catch the oil that comes out of your car's engine when you remove the drain plug. The pans can be made of plastic or metal and typically hold between four and six quarts of oil, depending on the engine.

Plastic oil drain pans are usually made from tough polyethylene, which is lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. They often feature a spout for easy pouring and handles for comfortable carrying. Some even have wheels for added convenience. Plastic oil drain pans are a popular choice for DIY oil changes due to their affordability and ease of use.

On the other hand, metal oil drain pans are typically made of steel or aluminum. They are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy-duty use. Metal oil drain pans often have a larger capacity than plastic ones, making them suitable for vehicles with larger engines. They usually feature handles for easy transport and may also include additional features such as wheels or a funnel for added convenience.

When choosing an oil drain pan, it is important to consider the capacity, material, and features that best suit your needs. The capacity of the drain pan should be slightly larger than the oil capacity of your vehicle. Additionally, look for features such as handles, spouts, wheels, or funnels that will make the oil change process more manageable.

By selecting the right oil drain pan and following proper disposal procedures, you can make your oil changes cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

They can be cleaned with kerosene or brake cleaner

An oil drain pan is used to collect oil from a vehicle during an oil change. While some people may not see the need for one, it is an important tool to have to avoid oil spills and the need for serious cleanups.

Cleaning with Kerosene or Brake Cleaner

After an oil change, the oil drain pan will need to be cleaned. One way to do this is with kerosene or brake cleaner. First, let the oil drain pan sit for a few hours to allow the oil to drip out. Then, using paper towels, wipe the pan loosely to remove any excess oil. Next, fill the pan with kerosene or brake cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes. Finally, scrub the pan with a brush or sponge to remove any remaining oil residue. Rinse the pan with water and allow it to air dry before using it again.

It is important to note that when using kerosene or brake cleaner, proper ventilation is necessary as these chemicals can produce toxic fumes. It is also important to dispose of the kerosene or brake cleaner in an appropriate manner to avoid environmental contamination. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label.

They can be stored upright or on their side

Oil drain pans can be stored upright or on their side. This is especially useful for easy transport to your local disposal point.

The Hopkins FloTool 42003MI 16 Quart Drain Container is a great example of an oil drain pan that can be stored upright or on its side. It is a drip tray with a wide catchment area and a container for used oil with secure, leak-proof caps. Its 16-quart capacity is extremely generous, allowing for multiple oil changes before needing to be emptied.

Another option is the Lumax LX-1632 15 Quart Drainmaster Drain Pan, which has a large 8-inch opening for easy drainage. This product also has a 15-quart capacity and ergonomic built-in handles for easy transport.

The Lisle 17942 Black Plastic 4.5 Gallon Drain Pan is a simpler option but no less effective. It has a huge opening, reducing the accuracy needed during pouring, and large, well-placed handles for easy transport, even when full of oil.

For those who prefer an integrated drain pan and container, the Hopkins 11838 FloTool Oil Drain is a great choice. It has a wide catchment area and a built-in spout for controlled pouring. However, the spout means that it cannot be stored vertically.

When choosing an oil drain pan, consider features such as built-in storage, handle placement, material, and size. Built-in storage allows for easy handling of used oil, while handles make it easier to transport the pan, especially when it's full. The material and size of the pan will also impact its durability, weight, and ease of movement.

They can be used to drain oil, transmission fluid or coolant

Oil drain pans are used to drain oil from vehicles during oil changes. They can also be used to drain transmission fluid or coolant. The best oil drain pan will be large enough to tackle the biggest vehicle you own, and should be built with a way to easily empty the pan when the oil change is complete.

There are two types of oil drain pans: open and closed. Open-style drain pans are simple and popular. Oil is drained into the open top of these pans and later discarded through the spout. Closed-style drain pans feature a shallow catch basin with a larger storage reservoir contained below. Oil is drained into the catch basin and deposited into the reservoir. These pans also feature an attached spout that can be covered with a threaded cap.

When choosing an oil drain pan, consider the capacity you will need, the style, and the durability of the pan. The capacity you need will depend on the oil capacity of your vehicle and how often you wish to empty the pan. Open-style drain pans are simpler but may result in more splatter and spillage. Closed-style drain pans offer more secure storage but are prone to leaking over time as the plastic caps and plugs can strip.

• Hopkins FloTool 42003MI 16 Quart Drain Container: This product combines a drip tray with a wide catchment area and a container for used oil. It has a generous 16-quart capacity and can be stored upright or on its side.
• Lumax LX-1632 15 Quart Drainmaster Drain Pan: This pan has a large 8-inch opening, making oil changes simple and mess-free. It has a 15-quart capacity and ergonomic built-in handles for easy transport.
• Lisle 17942 Black Plastic 4.5 Gallon Drain Pan: This pan has a huge opening, reducing the accuracy required during pouring. It also has large, built-in handles for easy transport and a built-in spout for controlled pouring.
• Capri Tools CP21023 Portable Oil Drain Pan: This drain pan is made of super-tough polyethylene plastic and has a capacity of around 18 quarts. It features a built-in spout and an anti-splash lip to regulate the flow and prevent splashback.
• Matrix Concepts M28 Oil Drain Container: This product combines a drain pan and container, making oil changes easy. It has a large drain pan, big capacity, ergonomic handle, solid construction, and a leak-proof cap.

Frequently asked questions