Oil filter mess Maybe it's just me? You know a better way?
 

Did my first oil change on my 2012, and my son's '09. both have Oil filters that point forward. While the flap is nice, After I have drained all of the oil, when I take the oil filter off, Oil spills all over the lower plastic cover, and the bar that is right there. I see now that one guy on youtube suggested using tin-foil to avoid this mess, does anyone have any better suggestions or alternatives for the mess the oil filter makes?

I open the oil fill cap then drain plug then filter with no mess. Also I use my fluidyne evacuater when I dont have spare dump pan

i think ive seen someone cut a liter soda plastic bottle in half (top to bottom) and use that as a guard/funnel to redirect the flow from the oil filter

You can fold the plastic cover back along the crease and there is a hole you can put a screw driver into that will hold that plastic flap back in place.

I do my oil changes once a year (barely drive it). Been pulling the lower cover off entirely so I can inspect the lower portion of engine, cv boots, etc for any damage or leaks.

Wait op is not removing the engine cover?

Why should he? There is a flap to access the filter.

Bc it's small and he says it makes a mess

Op said this was his first G oil change. He assumed the little door was adequate to do the job cleanly. Back off.

So ur saying better to take the cover off?

I did not take the whole cover off. I assumed the cut-out for the drain plug, and the door for the Filter were designed in such a way as to facilitate a complete oil change. I have a 'form-a-funnel' which we used on the second car with limited success. ( )

I was just wondering if there was a better way. I may use the form-a-funnel again and maybe fold back the plastic skid plate next time. Thanks guys.

This is the technique I use. I think it's like 4-6 bolts to fold the cover back along the crease.

I use a ziplock freezer bag when removing the filter, but it can still be messy. The only other thing I can think of is maybe piercing the filter before removing it so it drains, but you'd still need some way to direct the oil to the drain pan.

Give it a partial turn until oil starts coming out. Have a beer while oil drips out. Remove and flip up and lower into drain pan.

Yes, but it's dripping onto the skid plate, which, due to its shape is holding the oil. And on a side note, held, then dripped oil all over the garage and then driveway, of of which have inclines at the entrances. I am trying to avoid spillage from the between the filter and engine, or somehow redirect the spillage.