Oil absorbing mats for filter changes?

[y_p_w]

I thought of maybe getting some to help with oil changes. The ones I've seen appear to be mostly for hazardous waste spills, but they're cheap enough for oil changes.

My main issue isn't with draining the oil, but with the filter locations in some of the cars that I change oil. Once the filter is removed it just drips all over. On a Camry that I've changed oil, the oil goes down a hole and down an exhaust pipe. It's impossible to clean, so the alternative is to just drive it until it drips completely away and/or burns off from the heat. I tried paper towels and shop rags on that car, but they're not absorbent enough.

 

[Donald]

Boat supply places have these.

 

[solorexpy]

Originally Posted By: y_p_w
I thought of maybe getting some to help with oil changes. The ones I've seen appear to be mostly for hazardous waste spills, but they're cheap enough for oil changes.

My main issue isn't with draining the oil, but with the filter locations in some of the cars that I change oil. Once the filter is removed it just drips all over. On a Camry that I've changed oil, the oil goes down a hole and down an exhaust pipe. It's impossible to clean, so the alternative is to just drive it until it drips completely away and/or burns off from the heat. I tried paper towels and shop rags on that car, but they're not absorbent enough.


I've used plastic grocery bags to divert oil. Put them upside down so the oil doesn't flow into the bag. Not the best solution but it works.

 

[SatinSilver]

Cardboard box, you can buy a large moving box at HD for $2 and cut it into a few sections.

 

[Danh]

Or, lossen the filter enough to make sure it will come off, puncture the filter with a drill or similar and collect the draining oil in a small container. Should eliminate most of the mess.

 

[Sayjac]

My mat(s)of choice, corrugated cardboard from packaging boxes. That combined with placing drain pan under the filter while removing seems to get the job done.

 

[BigCahuna]

I use a combonation of cardboard cut to direct oil, or a plastic soda bottle cut to fit. I also put my drain pan in an old pizza box to catch the odd drips or spills that miss the pan.,,

 

[airbatica]

Walmart has rolls of the absorbent drop cloths (Pig mats as we call them at work) in the automotive section.

 

[nitehawk55]

Old undies work good

 

[SatinSilver]

Old white undershirts that have yellow staining in the armpit area.

 

[volk06]

I get my pig mats from work. Just google oil pig mats. They are not cheap so floor dry ground into the concrete works just as good but cheaper than pig mats.

Also look into wypalls X80 or X90 "clothes". We started using these and they go a long ways and are cheaper than pig mats.

 

[cancov]

Underpads for incontinent people. We sell them for ~$3.00 for (15) 23"x36" pads. Similar to the "Pet Pads" I see at WalMart as well.

 

[GreeCguy]

Ditto on the cardboard boxes. You can usually get them for free from any local liquor store or if you're really luck, try to get the ones from the local grocery that hold pumpkins and watermelons - they're huge and the cardboard is thick so it's like lying on a little cardboard mattress when you change your oil. (When you get old, you appreciate these things).

 

[Rand]

depending on the location a cut up 2liter bottle may work.

On my 2002 ranger it would drip down all over the suspension.

Cut 2 liter in half and after loosening filter slip it over.. continue removing with bottle over the filter.

hold bottle in place 30s or so after filter is off.. and boom only a couple drips.

 

[Michael_P]

You wouldn't happen to know anyone who works at a hospital do you? Those blue mats (sometimes called chux) make great oil absorbers.

 

[DodgeRamz2007]

My sons 1995 Dodge Dakota's oil filter is in a horrible location. A Form-A-Funnel works great at rerouting the mess to the catch can. Clean up is easy and quick.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I use cut up cardboard boxes, but I've seen disposable oil absorbent sheets/pads for sale at Walmart before. They were in one of the automotive aisles. Then again, this was probably 6 or 7 years ago now. I still have an unopened pack somewhere in the garage. If I find 'em, I can ship them to you if you want to pay the cost of shipping (the pads will be on me).

 

[wsar10]

The [censored] people waste money on........

 

[KB2008X]

Years ago I bought a galvanized, oil-drip tray that is 36 in by 25 in with a 1/2 inch high, reinforced, raised lip all the way around and I always set my drain pan on it. I use it every time I'm draining any fluids, and also for pouring fluid from the drain pan into a jug for disposal. It would be nice if it was bigger, but if I position it properly for each vehicle it works extremely well at catching drips and spills. If you have a leaker it will keep the floor spot-free, too.

Even though I hate spending cash for something when free stuff will suffice, it was the best money I've spent for oil changes for the home garage. Cardboard does OK for small drips, but bigger drips and spills will run off onto the floor before the cardboard can absorb them, as you've probably found out.

Cardboard is still essential for fluid changes. It's great to lay on and can be used to block the wind when needed.

If you go to Amazon and search for "oil drain pans" on the Automotive Tools & Equipment page you'll find an identical product for $9.99. I still see them at Auto Zone, which is probably where I got mine, for about the same price.

As for the Toyota, and other cars like it where the oil filter creates drips, I used to make dedicated troughs from sheet metal to route the oil to the drain pan. Works like a charm.

 

[KB2008X]

Originally Posted By: GreeCguy
Ditto on the cardboard boxes. You can usually get them for free from any local liquor store or if you're really luck, try to get the ones from the local grocery that hold pumpkins and watermelons - they're huge and the cardboard is thick so it's like lying on a little cardboard mattress when you change your oil. (When you get old, you appreciate these things).


Stores that sell and deliver big appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers and such, will gladly give away those boxes. You might have to try a few to find one that will cooperate or ask them in advance and come back. Those are the cushiest boxes, and big.