Oil Catch Can Canada — Do You Need One and Which Should You Buy?
Oil catch cans are one of those modifications that sound technical but are actually quite straightforward — and genuinely useful on many modern turbocharged engines.
What an Oil Catch Can Does
Modern engines use a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system that routes blow-by gases back into the intake manifold. Those gases carry oil vapour that coats the back of intake valves with carbon deposits. On direct-injection (GDI) engines there are no injectors spraying fuel into the ports to wash deposits off — so carbon builds up unchecked.
An oil catch can sits in the PCV line, intercepting oil vapour before it reaches the intake. Clean air continues to the intake. Result: significantly reduced carbon buildup over the engine's life.
Which Engines Benefit Most
- Subaru FA20/FA24 (WRX, BRZ, GR86): Well-documented carbon buildup — catch can is a recommended preventive item
- VW/Audi EA888 2.0T (GTI, Golf R, A4, A5): Known for carbon buildup on MK6 and MK7
- Ford EcoBoost (F-150, Mustang, Focus ST): GDI engines prone to carbon buildup
- BMW N54/N55/B48/B58: Turbocharged direct injection
- GM LTx V8 engines (Camaro SS, Silverado, Corvette): GDI on newer applications
What to Look for When Buying
Separated design: Internal baffles or media that force oil vapour to condense. Mishimoto's oil catch cans use baffled designs with proper separation media.
Drain valve: Lets you empty the can without removing it. You'll drain it every 3,000–5,000 km.
Vehicle-specific mounting: Mishimoto vehicle-specific kits include proper mounting brackets and correctly sized hoses.
The Canadian Winter Consideration
Catch cans can freeze in extreme cold if liquid accumulates in lines. Install with proper line routing that drains toward the can, and drain before extended cold storage. Mishimoto's vehicle-specific kits are designed with this in mind.
Browse Mishimoto oil catch cans at MyPartsGuy.ca — all priced in CAD, no duties, fast shipping across Canada. Use our Shop by Car tool to find vehicle-specific catch can kits.