What to Look For
- Capacity: At least 6 litres — most cars need 4-5L, plus room for spillage
- Low profile: Must fit under your car without jacking (many cars have only 15-20cm clearance)
- Sealed lid: Essential for transporting used oil to the recycling centre
- Pour spout: Makes transferring to a container much cleaner
Our Top Picks
Draper 8L Low Profile Drain Pan
8L capacity · Low profile · Sealed · Pour spout
From £12
Oil Change Basics
Every DIY oil change follows the same basic steps: warm the engine, drain the old oil into your pan, replace the sump plug and filter, then pour in the correct new oil. Our step-by-step oil change guide covers the full process. Use our oil finder to check the correct grade for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take old engine oil?
All local council recycling centres (tips) in the UK accept used engine oil for free. Many Halfords stores also accept it. Never pour oil down the drain — it’s illegal and heavily fined.
How much oil will come out of my car?
Most cars hold 3.5-5.5 litres of engine oil. A 6-8 litre drain pan provides enough margin for a clean drain without overflow.