One of the standard bits of engine maintenance is changing the oil. Each engine has its own recommended interval, and each engine has its quirks. Still, there are a couple of pieces of equipment that can make this process a bit easier and less messy!

Have on hand the new oil, a new oil filter, and a container into which you can decant the used oil. Our preference is to keep the empty container after we’ve dumped the new oil into the engine, so it’s ready for the next time. We store this with a few containers of new oil and the filters. Everything in one spot!

Have gloves handy. We’ve got a box of medical gloves, just for this purpose.

Have an oil diaper (an absorbent pad) handy. These do a better job than just plain paper towels with any spills; we set it under the engine strategically poised. Better to be safe than sorry!

Our favorite tool is a self-contained oil changer. You hook up the hose, start pumping, and the oil goes straight into the attached cylinder which you can then either empty into your ready container or take to the recycle center to pour into their receptacle. (And yes, even in the Caribbean we’ve found places to take used oil, though we do need to decant it into a sealed container to drop off.)

It helps the oil to flow more smoothly if you let the engine run for a few minutes first.