Oil changes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Regular oil changes help extend the life of your engine by removing dirty oil and replacing it with fresh, clean oil. While taking your car to a mechanic for an oil change is the most common method, another option is using an oil extractor at home. Oil extractors provide a convenient and cost-effective way to perform oil changes without getting under your vehicle. But do oil extractors actually work well? Here is an in-depth look at how oil extractors function and their effectiveness compared to a traditional oil change.
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What Are Oil Extractors?
Oil extractors, also called fluid extractors or vacuum extractors, are devices that suck oil out through a vehicle’s dipstick tube without having to get under the car and remove the drain plug. They utilize either compressed air or an electric vacuum pump to create suction through a tube. The end of the tube has a fitting that connects to the engine’s dipstick tube to remove the old oil.
Extractors collect the used oil in a reservoir tank that can then be emptied and recycled after the oil change is complete. Most extractors hold around 4-5 quarts of oil comfortably. Larger tanks are also available.
There are three main types of oil extractors:
Manual Oil Extractors
Manual extractors use a hand-operated pump mechanism to generate suction. They require the user to operate the pump continually during the extraction process. This can be tiring on the arms and hands. However, manual models are generally the most affordable type of oil extractor.
Electric Oil Extractors
Electric extractors use a motor and electric-powered pump to create a vacuum suction. This allows continuous extraction without needing to manually operate a pump. Electric models range widely in price based on tank size, strength of the motor, and additional features.
Compressed Air Extractors
Compressed air extractors connect to an external compressed air source, like an air compressor, to produce suction. They provide a high level of suction power but are less portable since they must remain tethered to an air compressor.
Advantages of Oil Extractors
Using an oil extractor for oil changes comes with several notable benefits:
Convenience
The main advantage offered by oil extractors is convenience. They eliminate the need to jack up the car, crawl underneath on the ground, locate the drain plug, and get covered in oil in the process. Extractors allow you to draw the old oil out through the dipstick tube with the car on the ground. The process is quick and clean.
Accessibility
Extractors can access oil through the dipstick tube even on cars that have skid plates or other obstructed undercarriages that make reaching drain plugs difficult. This allows you to change oil on vehicles that you can’t fit under easily.
Portability
Most oil extractors are portable devices that can easily be used on multiple vehicles. This makes them ideal for those who like to change their own oil but own more than one vehicle. Extractors are easy to move around between cars.
Cost Savings
While you do need to buy the extractor device, each oil change you perform yourself saves you the cost of labor at a mechanic shop. The savings add up over time, often offsetting the initial purchase cost of the extractor.
Environmentally Friendly
Oil extractors allow the used oil to be neatly collected and recycled. This is more environmentally friendly than traditional oil changes where some drips and spills of old oil commonly occur in the process.
Potential Drawbacks of Oil Extractors
However, there are some potential downsides to using an oil extractor instead of a professional oil change:
Messy Oil Spills
Getting a good seal with the extractor hose on the dipstick tube can be tricky. This can lead to oil spraying out and making a mess if not attached properly. Spills are more likely with high-powered compressed air extractors.
Longer Extraction Time
Extracting the oil through the dipstick tube takes longer than draining through the plug. It may take 10-15 minutes to fully extract 4-5 quarts of oil vs. 2-3 minutes to drain it conventionally.
Not Getting All Oil Out
The dipstick tube doesn’t necessarily reach the very bottom of the oil pan. Some amount of old oil and sludge can get left behind in hard-to-reach areas. A complete drain through the plug ensures all oil comes out.
No Oil Filter Change
Oil extractors only remove the oil itself. To get a full oil change, you still need to separately change the oil filter. This requires an extra step.
Overfilled Oil
Without draining the old oil first, it can be tricky to know exactly how much new oil to add in. Extractors increase the chances of overfilling or underfilling the crankcase with oil.
Upfront Cost
There is an upfront cost of $50-$200+ to purchase an oil extractor in the first place. The DIY savings per oil change need to offset this initial purchase expenditure.
Do Oil Extractors Actually Work Effectively?
The big question remains – do oil extractors actually perform as effectively as a direct drain oil change? Here is an examination of how well they work:
Extraction Thoroughness
Most standard oil extractors can remove around 85-95% of old oil from an engine when used properly. The dipstick tube misses the bottommost areas of the oil pan, leaving some residual oil behind. This may mean you don’t get quite as thorough of an oil change vs. fully draining the system.
However, some high-end extractors utilize additional tubes to reach the very bottom of the pan and extract nearly 100% of old oil.
Speed of Oil Changes
Extracting oil through the dipstick tube takes considerably longer than a fast drain through the plug, especially for larger engines that hold more oil. The process can take 10-20 minutes of continual suction versus 2-5 minutes to fully drain.
Oil Filter Replacement
No extractor actually removes and replaces the oil filter, which is an important part of a complete oil change. You must handle the filter replacement separately when using an extractor.
DIY Mistakes
There is a learning curve to using extractors properly. Beginners may make mistakes like oil spills, under-tightening, or improper insertion depth into the dipstick tube. This can lead to incomplete extractions or messes. Proper usage takes practice.
New Oil Fill Accuracy
Without fully draining first, it can be difficult to know exactly how much new oil to add back in with extractors. This can lead to overfilling or underfilling the engine, both of which are detrimental.
Tips for Effectively Using an Oil Extractor
While oil extractors have some inherent limitations, you can maximize their effectiveness by following these tips:
– Fully read and follow the extractor manufacturer instructions for proper usage.
– Insert the suction tube as deep as possible into the dipstick tube for maximum extraction.
– Secure the suction tube fitting tightly to prevent messy leaks. Consider using a flexible extension tube for easier insertion.
– Extract in stages, removing the tube and emptying the oil tank as needed during the process. Don’t allow the tank to overfill.
– When finished extracting, drain any remaining oil through the plug before refilling new oil for a thorough change.
– Use a pump-style oil can to add the new oil rather than trying to pour from bulk containers. This improves accuracy.
– Double check the dipstick to confirm you’ve added the proper amount of fresh oil after refilling.
– Properly dispose of the extracted old oil at a recycling center, not in the trash.
The Bottom Line – Are Oil Extractors Worth It?
Oil extractors provide a convenient method to perform DIY oil changes without jacking up and underneath your car. For most vehicle owners, they are an affordable and user-friendly option. While they may not drain quite as thoroughly or quickly as a direct drain plug, extractors still effectively remove the majority of old oil when used properly.
The key is taking the time to learn proper usage technique and adapting your process to maximize oil removal through supplementary draining and refilling steps. With a little practice, most car owners can save significantly on oil changes by using an extractor successfully instead of paying for professional changes. Their versatility and ease of use makes oil extractors a worthwhile investment for the DIY mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my oil with an extractor?
You should follow the manufacturer recommended oil change intervals for your vehicle, typically every 3,000-5,000 miles. Extractors don’t allow you to extend the change intervals.
Can I use an oil extractor on a hot engine?
It is not recommended to extract oil from an engine that is still hot. Hot oil can spray dangerously from the suction hose. Allow the engine to cool first.
Do I still need to change the oil filter when using an extractor?
Yes, extractors only remove the oil itself. You will still need to replace the oil filter separately to get a complete oil change.
How do I know when I’ve fully extracted the oil?
When the oil extraction has slowed to an very slow drip or stopped completely, the majority of removable oil has been extracted. Allow ample time, up to 15-20 minutes, for maximum extraction.
Can I damage my engine by using an oil extractor?
When used properly and with care, oil extractors are a safe method for DIY oil changes. Just take precautions against spills, overfilling, and underfilling the engine. Damage is unlikely.