The convenience of nipping into a fast-service garage for a quick oil change can’t be denied – no worries about jacking the car up, loosening the sump plug, making sure the oil pan is in the correct position, and then disposing of the oil afterwards. But for some, it is not just about convenience. It’s more about being in tune with your vehicle, knowing its idiosyncracies and living with them and generally making sure it’s well looked after and, let’s face it, an oil change isn’t exactly a challenging job if you have the correct tools. Still, it can be satisfying to know that you’ve done the job yourself.
There are just a few essential bits of kit you need. A jack is needed to lift the car initially, a set of axle stands to ensure your safety whilst working underneath the vehicle, a suitable spanner to remove the sump plug. Perhaps an oil filter removal tool, and an oil pan to collect the old oil.
There’s not much to say about oil pans – some will collect the oil, some have a disposal spout, and others will act as a disposal container. We’ve selected a few to give you some ideas of the types of oil pans available just now
The best oil pans at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Sealey Drain And Recycle Container – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best open drain pan: Toolzone Oil Drain Pan 16 Litre – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best budget oil pan: Simply Tools Oil Drain Pain – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best oil pans
Editor's choice
Pros
- Handy design
- Can handle hot oil
Cons
- Ensure all seals are tight before use
The best open drain pan
Pros
- Large capacity
- Good design
Cons
- A bit taller than some, so needs more clearance
The best basic oil pan
Pros
- Easy to use
- Wide enough to catch splashes
Cons
- The draining spout could be better
Best for large capacity
Pros
- Pouring spout included
- Large capacity
Cons
- Heavy when full
Best for quality
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Holder for plug while draining
Cons
- Larger than necessary for most domestic cars
Best budget oil pan
Pros
- Good for a budget
- No fuss
Cons
- No handles
Best value pan
Pros
- Suitable for most cars
- Good value
Cons
- Pouring lip is quite shallow, so care has to be taken
Why use an oil drain pan?
You may have been happily using the old washing-up basin from the sink to do your oil changes, or an old baking tray, or maybe even just an old plastic container that you’ve cut open to catch the oil, well perhaps we can convince you to move to a purpose made pan designed specifically to collect the old oil.
Designed for the Task: Oil drain pans are specifically designed for collecting and containing oil during oil changes. They often have a larger capacity and are more durable than typical basins, which may suffer damage from the oil over time.
Spill Prevention: Oil drain pans usually feature a lip or spout that helps direct the flow of oil into the pan, reducing the risk of spills or splashes – cleaning oil spills can be a tricky job. They also often have a built-in handle for easier transport without spilling.
Measurement Markings: Many oil drain pans come with measurement markings, allowing you to accurately gauge the amount of oil drained from your vehicle. This can be helpful for allowing you to add the correct amount of fresh oil when you refill.
Oil Recycling: Some oil drain pans come with built-in features for easier oil recycling, such as a removable strainer or funnel for transferring used oil into a storage container for recycling or proper disposal.
Durability and Chemical Resistance: Oil drain pans are typically made from sturdy materials such as plastic or metal, designed to withstand exposure to oil and other chemicals without degrading. Other vessels may not be as resilient and could potentially crack or leak over time.
Convenience: Oil drain pans often have additional features for convenience, such as integrated handles for easy carrying, spouts for pouring, and lids for secure storage of used oil until it can be properly disposed of.
Remember to dispose of the old oil properly. Once all the oil has been drained, transfer it from the drain pan to a suitable container for recycling for proper disposal. The majority of recycling centres will accept old engine oil, as will some garages – it does no harm to ask.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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