Oil Change Mat Recommendations?

[Scarpozzi]

I'm clumsy as heck when changing the oil in my vehicles. I have a hard time removing filters without losing at least a 8oz of oil to the floor.

What do you guys use to keep drips and spills to a minimum?

 

[NutBucket]

Skill? Here's a tip. Use a screwdriver to punch a small hole in the filter. Then let it drain into a pan before removing it.

 

[Fatdog]

I cut the very top off of a 2 liter soda bottle and use that to remove the filter after loosing the filter with the filter wrench. The plastic is flexible enough to grip the filter and the bottle is bigger that the filter housing so all the oil runs down the filter and pools in the bottom while I finish unscrewing the filter. Any dribbles after that fall into the drain pan.

 

[thedarkwolf]

cardboard

 

[Wuzup101]

cardboard

+1

And nitrile gloves.

I rarely get any on the floor / cardboard though. Just make sure you have a good sized oil catch tub/can.

 

[JCH13]

cardboard

+2

Or one of these things.

 

[nedfunnell]

+1

And nitrile gloves.

I rarely get any on the floor / cardboard though. Just make sure you have a good sized oil catch tub/can.

This is my usual procedure.

I cut the very top off of a 2 liter soda bottle and use that to remove the filter after loosing the filter with the filter wrench. The plastic is flexible enough to grip the filter and the bottle is bigger that the filter housing so all the oil runs down the filter and pools in the bottom while I finish unscrewing the filter. Any dribbles after that fall into the drain pan.

Not a bad idea!

 

[brainhulk]

cardboard. Although this weekend i didnt spill a single drop on to the board. It was awesome

 

[franksta]

I use these dark fabric things with PIG printed on them. My father-in-law gives them to me when I visit. Probably not as cost effective as cardboard if you're buying it yourself though.

 

[JCH13]

I use these dark fabric things with PIG printed on them. My father-in-law gives them to me when I visit. Probably not as cost effective as cardboard if you're buying it yourself though.

Pig mats! Pig is a company that specializes in spill containment gear, definitely overkill for oil changes, but if you get them for free...

http://www.newpig.com/pig/US/spill-containment-1

 

[Vetterin]

When I'm finished draining my oil I just replace the drain plug and then move my oil drain pan to under the oil filter, loosen the filter slightly and when the oil stops leaking remove it.

 

[Carson Dyle]

cardboard

Same. Nice big sheet from an old appliance box. Helps me slide under car to do the change. Doesn't really get that dirty from dripped oil.