Getting your oil changed, or changing your own oil, seems like a quite basic process. After emptying out the oil, replace the filter and then re-fill the oil. In some mechanics’ garages and quick-lube shops, though, “suction” or “siphon” oil changing methods are gaining popularity. Is the suction method as good as the traditional oil change?
Oil changes as they typically are
Gravity has been the method of choice to drain oil out of an engine for a very long time. There is a drain plug at the bottom of the engine that can be removed. The engine drains oil when the plug is removed. Mechanics will most likely use this method to change oil, depending on where you go. In theory, the sludge and gunk that settles within the oil pan is a lot more likely to get drained out with this system.
Changing the oil with a siphon
Within the SkyMall catalog and in some quick-change lube shops, siphoning oil machines are making an appearance. Originally designed for boats, these machines attach to the dipstick tube and suck the oil out of the engine. These oil changes work just as well as gravity changes, in theory. Some claim that these oil changes even get more oil out of the engine and make it cleaner. Some worry the suction method of oil changing might miss some essential things.
Do suction oil changes work?
As long as you regularly change your oil, suction and gravity will probably work equally well. You need to always make certain that an oil change contains a filter change. Feel free to ask your quick-lube place or mechanic which method they use. Basically, unless you’re looking for incredibly high performance, just make sure to change your oil.
