Five DIY Oil Change Tips: Free Long Funnels, Anti-Splash Pan & Filter Wrench

Changing your own engine oil saves money, but buying all the accessories (funnels, drain pans, filter wrenches) can add up. In this video, Dr. David Zhang presents five tips that save money and time, with DIY versions of essential oil change tools that cost nothing.

The Five Tips

Tip 1: DIY Long Oil Funnel. Some cars have oil filler ports that are recessed or angled, making standard short funnels impractical, especially with 5-quart jugs. Dr. Zhang shows how to make a longer funnel from repurposed materials.

Tip 2: Anti-Splash Oil Drain Pan. Customized to your specific car for zero-splash oil changes, as detailed in the companion Shorts video.

Tip 3: DIY Oil Filter Wrench. When your existing filter wrench does not fit your new car’s filter, Dr. Zhang demonstrates how to make one that fits filters of any size from common household items.

Tip 4: Time-Saving Workflow. Organizing the oil change process to minimize total time, including oil drain time and cleanup.

Tip 5: Cleanup Optimization. Using the anti-splash pan and proper positioning to eliminate post-change cleanup entirely.

For more car maintenance, see changing transmission fluid and windshield crack repair.

These five tips transform a messy, tool-intensive job into a clean, efficient process using items you already have.

Tips for Best Results

For optimal results, take your time during the initial setup and measurement phase. A few extra minutes of careful preparation prevents mistakes that would require starting over. Keep your materials organized and work in a clean, well-lit area.

If your first attempt does not produce perfect results, do not be discouraged. Like any skill, proficiency comes with practice. The beauty of using free materials is that you can experiment without any financial risk.

For more innovative DIY solutions, check out our guides on how to peel garlic easily without special tools and rearview mirror repair. Each project demonstrates the same philosophy of achieving superior results through creativity and resourcefulness rather than expensive purchases.