When changing the oil, is it reasonable when removing the old filter that a few ounces of oil spills out and perhaps covers a bit of that ledge that sits just below the filter. Said differently, is it peculiar that a freshly changed filter shows no signs of that few ounces of oil spilling out onto the ledge below it when the old filter was removed? Do most dealers put a few rags on that ledge to keep things clean because I would think they don't, just wipe up any excess after the new filter is installed. Asking for a friend...

 

Don’t overthink it.. its an oil change not brain surgery. Wipe off any excess oil if it splatters

 

Just wipe up the excess. Next time let the oil drain completely, replace the drain plug, then remove the oil filter slowly and carefully. The oil is hot and you want to get the used oil filter to your bucket in one motion. Put on the new filter. Wipe up any spillage and fill the car up with oil.

The oil will not damage the "ledge".

 

Thanks guys. Let me rephrase, was trying to be diplomatic. Took it to dealer for oil change, looked everything over, no sign of fresh oil wiped from the ledge. Very difficult to remove old filter with a bit of old oil spilling. No sign of oil being wiped up. Did dealer really change filter and maybe they did but put towels beneath old filter before removing so any drips absorbed by towels.

 

Gotcha! They should wipe the excess off. But I'm sure some technicians forget. Also they are using a lift which makes changing the oil easier. About the only way you can tell is the new filter should look like it came right out of the box. Maybe some greasy prints on it. Or if you somehow "mark" the old filter.

Honestly, whether they changed the filter or not is the last thing I worry about at a dealership......

 

If you're so concerned next time put a mark with a sharpie on the current filter to confirm they replaced it.