Never allow coolant to drain out onto the ground. Its sweet smell attracts animals that will drink it. Don't leave it to drain unattended in a pan, for the same reason.

• Buy an inexpensive pan just for this purpose or use a pan that is no longer used in the house. Don't rummage around in your kitchen for the Christmas turkey roast pan. Antifreeze-flavored foods aren't so tasty.
  
• The pan should be big enough to hold the coolant, but not so deep that it doesn't lie flat or slide easily under your vehicle. Tipping a pan on its edge (to slip it into position) is a bad idea. It will only lead to spills.
  
• The location: Get down and have a look. Make sure that the pan is centered under the radiator's drain valve (called a petcock) from where the coolant will flow.