Oil extractor or traditional oil change? Learn the pros and cons!

Oil extractors are one of the most controversial topics in our industry. They have their supporters, as well as opponents, claiming that the traditional method of replacement is much better. But what is it really like? 

In this article we will try to describe oil extractors and their advantages and disadvantages.

Oil extractor – a modern approach to oil change

The popularity of the equipment known as an oil extractor has led an increasing number of mechanics to move away from this traditional method.

Well, because how much are you able to earn during such an activity? Well, that’s right – probably not much. 

And you have to occupy a position in the car service – be it a pit or a lift – for the duration of this activity.

How does an oil extractor work?

It’s simple. You place the probe of the oil extractor in the oil dipstick tube, start the device, and the pressure generated by the compressor removes the oil from the engine.

How does the oil drainer work?

These are devices that are used to change oil by gravity. They work exactly as if you brought the vehicle into position, unscrewed the drain plug in the sump and let the oil drain out. The only difference is that in this case you really don’t need to occupy a repair stand.

Oil extractor vs. oil drainer – do you always need power?

Oil Extractor works by relying on air from a compressor. Meanwhile, in an oil drainer, you don’t need a compressor to operate. You don’t even need any power source. Such oil drainers work relying on the rules of physics – the oil drains out of the sump and into the tank.

Will the oil drainer go under the car?

Our oil drainer has a sump at a height of 20 centimeters. This means that with lower-slung cars it can be a problem to place them under the chassis – so we always suggest raising the car on air jacks.

How to choose a device?

Choosing the right device depends on the type of car service and the specifics of its work:

For heavy-duty car services

Oil extractor allows for quick oil changes, which reduces occupation time.

For car service with limited budgets

Oil drainers with a hand pump are less expensive.

No access to power? 

Oil drainers do not require electricity or a compressor.

Type of vehicles

Oil Extractor will not work well in cars where changing the oil filter requires access “from underneath.”

Disadvantages of oil extractor

Although oil extractor have many advantages, they are not without disadvantages to consider:

• The oil extractor requires connection to a compressor, which can be problematic in smaller car services.
  
  
• For cars where there is no access to the filter from the top, using a oil extractor does not solve the problem – it is necessary to lift the vehicle, which can increase working time.
  
  
• Although oil extractors units are relatively inexpensive to purchase, their use involves maintenance and cleaning.

Why is investing in an oil extractor a good decision?

Environment

An oil change usually involves a huge amount of contamination. It is worth remembering that the oil comes out of the engine in a large stream, with the risk of spilling it around the car or jack.

The advantage of an oil extractor is the extremely tight connection to the engine. The wires coming out of the device tightly connect to the dipstick hole in the engine. As a result, there is no risk of oil spillage.

Safety

The oil to be changed should be sufficiently warmed up to ensure the proper rate of removal. By unscrewing the drain plug by hand, you run the risk of burning yourself with hot oil. Connecting an oil extractor virtually eliminates it.

Saving time

With the traditional method, you have to go under the car, unscrew the lower engine cover (if there is one), organize the oil pan and put something under it. This takes a lot of time!

With an oil extractor, you can remove up to 6.5 liters of oil in a minute.

Engine cleaning

In theory, even with the gravity method of changing oil, it is possible to keep the interior of the engine relatively clean. Special chemicals are used for this purpose. However, as to their use we do not have a clear opinion – an aggressive flush in heavily worn engines can lead to the detachment of solid dirt, which in turn will lead to clogging of oil lines or even the oil filter.

Oil extractor solves this problem because they thoroughly remove oil from hard-to-reach areas, leaving the engine cleaner than with the gravity method.

No risk of screwing up the thread

Thread damage can happen to anyone, and it will cause a lot of trouble. After such an action you will have a lot of problems with gaskets or the need to put another thread – it isn’t worth the risk. 

Oil Extractor solves this problem, because you don’t have to unscrew the plug, so the thread remains intact.

Summary

By using an oil extractor, you can save time and increase the efficiency of your car service. It’s an investment that will quickly pay for itself. 

Check out our range of equipment: oil drainers and oil extractor.