Clean Screen for Fluid Changing

Without a doubt, one of the challenges of changing your engine oil or other vehicle fluids is avoiding the matter of splatter. It's really difficult to stay spic-and-span when removing radiator hoses or servicing your automatic transmission. And the last thing you want to do is turn your part-time workstation into your own personal haz-mat site. Here are few tips for how to handle vehicle fluids with a minimum of mess.


It helps to start out correctly, with your vehicle properly raised and supported on jack stands. Maybe you have a wide drain pan under the pre-diluvial section you're about to work on, or you're using a more conventional pan or bucket with one of those wide drain funnels atop. Bucket and mop might be standing by, but they're not really in the plans (at least Plan A, anyway!).

Reality Drains
Then, the moment of truth: You pull the lower radiator hose free from the radiator fitting, or you break the seal on the trans pan, unleashing a flood of vital fluid right on target. You're about to gloat over this accomplishment when you notice that, your aim notwithstanding, said fluid is bouncing off the collector's surface, and right onto that freshly scrubbed floor you're so proud of. Some of the fluid is even getting on the underside of the vehicle. With a groan, you realize you have a "no hitter!" Or, to use another baseball metaphor—you've committed an error, and with lots of runs, too.

Screen Test
There is a really simple and inexpensive way to eliminate this problem: enter Operation Clean Screen. It consists of one ordinary drain pan, one appropriately sized collector funnel, and one custom-made framed screen of a size to match the collector.


The word "custom" sometimes instills fear in the hearts of most consumers, often followed by an involuntary clutching of wallet or purse to protect its contents. Not to worry. All you need to do to acquire one of these screens, such as the one pictured (courtesy of A&E Glass of Lomita, CA) is to go to a glass or similar shop that does screen framing, and have one made to order. If you're handy with this kind of stuff, you can make one yourself.