I'm a new Taco owner. Changed the oil & filter twice. Both times, I've had a hard time removing the filter without dumping oil on my driveway. Any tips for avoiding this in the future would be appreciated. Is the answer, "take it to the dealer?"

Yeah, I went out and bought a big doormat. One that has a rubber bottom and I use that as a concrete protector. I also took a home depot 5 gal. bucket and cut it down to about half the normal height. I place this directly beneath the filter, but on top of the door mat. I never get my garage floor oily anymore. Good luck!!

Also, one other note. If you have the time, I usually will pull the plug on the oil and let it drain overnight. And I have found that if I wait to pull off the filter the next morning the filter is mostly empty of all the oil. Just a thought.

I have also changed my filter two times and I'm surprised at how much oil runs out. I thought when I saw the hang down filter it wouldn't be a problem, but oil runs out of the engine. You can buy big drip pans at stores like WalMart, Autozone or Advance.
They sell for around $7 or $8. You should be able to catch the spilled oil in the drip pan so all you have to do is clean the pan. Of course going to the dealer will also solve the problem, but I like to change my own filters brcause I always precharge my filters with oil prior to installing them, I'm not sure the oil change guy at the dealer garage would do that and I'm sure all dealers would use a genuine Toyota filter. I saw a shelf full of Valvoline filters at a Nissan dealer a few years ago. FWIW, Clifton

I place a one gallon freezer bag around the filter after I have loosened it and then take the filter off with the bag around it. The rest of the oil in the filter than falls into the bag. NO MESS!

Mike

I place a one gallon freezer bag around the filter after I have loosened it and then take the filter off with the bag around it. The rest of the oil in the filter than falls into the bag. NO MESS!

Mike
I like this one, now I know how:). and about precharging the filter you guys think it really matters? im just curious because now I want to do it but I dont want to chance making a mess if my butter hands tip it to much or drop it. but it sounds better instead of a dry spot at start up where its supposed to be full of oil:). Im making a big deal about it cause i need to change it (for my 1st time). off topic i guess im going with mobil1 ss (i dont have patience for Amsoil's shipping, im VERY impatient)long story short (too late:)) does anyone know the oversized filter # mobil 1? i think its M-2?? thanks.

You can remove the oil filter easier if you go to one of the auto parts stores and purchase an oil filter wrench that will actually get tighter as you attempt to turn the filter. It will literally squeeze the filter tighter and tighter--it works. Don't remember the brand, but you'll spot it on the rack. I had to purchase this type, as the first time I had to change my oil filter the factory really put it on tight. It is easier removing the filter now! The plastic bag and waiting overnight works, also.

Just be prepared for the mess everytime with a doormat or old carpet or tarp or cardboard or something!! If you're prepared for the mess, you won't be disappointed!