Changing your oil seems like a relatively basic process, all things considered. Drain out the oil, replace the filter, put every little thing back together, and add new 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?

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

Oil changes as they usually are

Emptying the oil out of an engine, until most recently, has relied on gravity. The oil is held in, in general, by a removable plug at the bottom of the engine. When that plug is removed, gravity drains the oil out of the engine. Take your car to a mechanic, and this is the method they'll likely use. In theory, the sludge and gunk that settles in the oil pan is a lot more likely to get drained out with this system.

Oil changes with a suction machine

Within 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. These oil changes work just also as gravity changes, in theory. Some claim that these oil changes even get a lot more oil out of the engine and make it cleaner. Some worry the suction method of oil changing might miss some essential things.

Should you use a suction oil change?

As long as you regularly change your oil, suction and gravity will probably work equally well. No matter the method, you should include a filter change with every oil 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.