Fluid Extractors

Quick, clean and easy! We try the latest gadgets for really simple oil changes

Auto Express Car Reviews

October 2006

Changing a car’s oil or coolant is one of the few jobs that DIY mechanics can still do – but it’s often a messy business.

However careful you try to be, it’s just about impossible not to drop at least a few spots of oil on the road, drive or garage floor. And on many cars these days, you have to dig out your jack and axle stands to even get near the sump plug.

Fluid extractors make life so much easier, as oil is pumped out through the dipstick. Most extractors can also be used with coolants and brake fluid too, and there are even some which come with bleeding attachments.

So if you want to save a bit on garage bills or give your car a little extra protection by changing oil between services, then this is the kit to have. But which is the super sucker and which just suck? We tested eight of the best-sellers to find out...

Verdict

Our Best Buy is the Screwfix 21663, which was also the cheapest on test. Apart from a slightly slow extraction time, it gets everything else spot-on.
Draper’s 73291 takes second place and our Recommended award. We like its large capacity, the selection of accessories and ease of pouring away extracted fluids. The House of Hastings model finishes third. A keen price lifts it head of rivals which offer similar performance.