There are various routine maintenance tasks that help keep your car’s engine working optimally. Timely oil change is one of those routines. You might head to the nearest dealership anytime you want to change the engine’s oil.
However, if you are a car enthusiast, you might want to do it yourself. Most vehicles are designed such that you can have the oil changed even at the comfort of your garage.
So it is not rocket science. You will only need a jack stand, a jack, and an oil drain pan. Large vehicles will require large oil drain pans.
Best drip pan for oil change reviews
The truth is getting the best oil drain pan that works for your needs is easier said than done. Some are not so good.
Some spill oil to the floor of the garage – which will harm the environment. Other brands are super good and will get the job done smoothly and without leaving a mess for you to clean up.
There are various factors you might want to look at when choosing a great oil drain pan for your vehicle. Some of the factors include your preferred design, oil capacity, durability, ease of use, ease of cleaning and price.
Based on these factors, we compare two drain pans for different jobs: a portable open pan for routine car maintenance and a larger wheeled truck drain:
1. ATD Tools Black Drain Pan
If you are looking for something more basic, ATD Tools 5184 Black Drain Pan will be a great choice.
Take note though, when we talk of basic, we don’t mean it’s a cheap knock off probably imported from a certain country. Actually, this drain pan is carefully designed to offer not only convenience but also superb service to you.
Some of the models best features include:
- Large spout for easy pouring
- Anti-splash lip contains fluid
- 6″ deep x 15.25″ diameter
- Molded handle for easy, carrying and pouring.
- Capacity – 4.5 US gallons (18 US quarts)
The ATD Tools 5184 drain pan holds 4.5 US gallons, equivalent to 18 US quarts. Check your vehicle’s oil capacity and leave enough room to move the open pan without spilling. The anti-splash lip helps contain fluid, and the large spout assists pouring into a suitable waste-oil container. Position the pan carefully and pour slowly to limit spills.
The molded handles are carefully designed for easier and convenient use of the oil drain pan around. If you are a mechanic or have ever changed transmission fluid, you know what a mess the whole thing may turn out to be. Most drain pans will bend or flex when full of the fluid. That means you will most likely end up with a mess to clean up.
The ATD 5184 is designed to help collect used fluids during maintenance. Its open design requires careful positioning and handling; it cannot guarantee spill-free work.
Overall this is a great oil drain pan. If you thought this is something cheap you could easily throw away, you probably won’t need this. Look elsewhere. However, if you want a high quality, big drain pan that you can use again and again, you cannot go wrong with this one.
Take care though if you want to fill your drain pan to capacity. Otherwise, the fluid might backflow, and come out of the spout, messing the floor.
Strengths
- Allows easier fluid changes
- Has a large spout that facilitates easy pouring
- Molded handle makes it easier to pour, carry or store the fluid.
- Anti-splash lip helps limit spills
- Lightweight and durable plastic material, so that it will serve you a little longer.
Limitations
- Not recommended for transporting oil
- The pouring spout might need a bigger lip above it
2. Lincoln 3669 Low Profile 17 Gallon Large Capacity Oil Change Truck Drain
The Lincoln 3669 is a 17-gallon truck oil drain with a 120V electric evacuation pump. It is intended for collecting fluids beneath vehicles with sufficient clearance. Its overall height is 7-3/4 inches, so measure the space beneath your vehicle before choosing it.
Some of the model’s top features include:
- Capacity 17 gallons
- Heavy-duty polypropylene construction
- 120V electric evacuation pump
- Four Casters for maneuverability
- T-Handle & hose
- Removable metal filter screen and 6-foot discharge hose
Four swivel casters help position the Lincoln drain, and its high-impact polypropylene reservoir holds the collected fluid.
The T-handle helps move the drain into position. Use the pan for collecting and transferring fluids, rather than as a step or support.
The removable metal screen helps keep larger debris out of the reservoir. The electric pump transfers collected fluid through the discharge hose into a suitable waste-fluid container; the screen does not restore used engine oil for reuse.
Overall, this is a great oil drain pan that works efficiently and will last for a long time.
Strength
- Features a robust design
- Great filter that traps debris
- Removable metal screen helps keep debris out
- 7-3/4-inch overall height; requires sufficient vehicle clearance
Limitations
- The length of the warranty not clear
Power washer sandblaster reviews
It is not easy to get the best oil drain pans for your needs. There are many models out there that might look ‘good’ to the inexperienced users.
So you have to dig hard, deeper and gobble up a lot of reviews before you get the one that exactly fits your very needs.
We hope this review will help you get the best oil drain pan you are looking for.