How to Drain Oil from a Car?
3 Answers
Methods for draining oil from a car: Draining oil on a flat surface is not very easy. To extract oil from a small car, first fill the car's fuel tank completely, then drive it onto a slope. Shift the gear into first, engage the handbrake, and secure the car properly. Open the fuel tank cap, insert a pre-prepared soft tube into the tank, pushing it as far down as possible, and then use airflow to draw the oil out. Simply using a soft tube for suction won't work; you also need to find a plastic bottle with a slightly larger diameter than the tube. Flatten the plastic bottle beforehand, tightly connect the bottle's mouth to the tube, and use pressure to draw the oil out. Then remove the bottle and direct the tube's opening into a container for collecting the oil. This is a traditional method for draining gasoline from a car, but it cannot completely remove all the gasoline. When you need to drain the oil, you can visit a repair shop or a 4S store to use professional equipment for oil drainage.
Last time I changed the oil myself, draining it felt quite simple, just needed some preparation. First, park the car on level ground and let the engine cool down to avoid burns. Then, take out the jack and safety stands to lift the front or the entire underside of the car, depending on the model. Crawl under the car, locate the large bolt on the oil pan—that's where the oil drains from—loosen it slightly to let the black oil flow out slowly. Use a dedicated large oil pan to catch it, making sure not to spill any on the ground to avoid environmental pollution. After it's fully drained, wait patiently for a few minutes to ensure it's completely empty before tightening the bolt. Finally, don't dispose of the used oil carelessly; collect it and take it to a repair shop or recycling center where they can handle it properly. Wear gloves for protection during the whole process—first-timers might get a bit messy, but it becomes easier with practice. Beginners are advised to buy a ramp for added safety, avoiding instability when lifting the car. Regularly changing the oil can extend the engine's lifespan and reduce failures.
I've been changing my own oil for decades, and experience has taught me that safety comes first. First, park on level ground and make sure the engine isn't hot when you work. Use a jack to lift the car, secure it with jack stands before crawling underneath. Locate the oil pan drain plug and carefully loosen it—don't force it to avoid stripping or damaging the threads. Place a large pan to catch the oil, and if it flows slowly, just wait patiently. Proper disposal of used oil is crucial—I usually store it in a plastic container and take it to a repair shop for free recycling. A reminder: never do this on grass or in rainy weather, as spilled oil is hard to clean and pollutes the soil. Wear gloves to protect your hands and have all tools ready. This job isn't too hard, but stay cautious to avoid slips and unnecessary repair costs from accidents.
