Suction vs. gravity - What is the best way to change your oil?

Changing your oil seems like it should be relatively simple. Drain out the oil, replace the filter, put anything back together, and add new oil. A method that changes the oil with a suction method is becoming even more popular. Given the rising popularity, though, is the suction method just as good?

Article Source: Suction vs. gravity – What is the best way to change your oil?

A basic oil change

Most oil changes, given that the earliest autos, have relied on gravity to get the oil out of the engine. The oil is held in, in general, by a removable plug at the bottom of the engine. The engine drains oil when the plug is removed. Mechanics will probably use this method to change oil, depending on where you go. Theoretically, the dirt within the oil pan is a lot more likely to be removed with this process.

The siphon/suction oil change

In the SkyMall catalog and in some quick-change lube shops, siphoning oil machines are making an appearance. The dipstick tube is used to suck or siphon all the oil out of the engine with these machines. In theory, this method is just as effective as gravity changes. There are some enthusiasts who claim that these siphoning oil changes actually get more oil and gunk out of the engine during each change. Others, though, worry that the suction method of changing the oil might miss some of one of the most essential parts of an oil change.

Is the suctioning method as good?

As long as you regularly change your oil, suction and gravity will probably work equally well. You need to always make sure that an oil change includes a filter change. Feel free to ask your quick-lube place or mechanic which method they use. Changing your oil, no matter what method you use, is an important step in keeping your engine in good working order.