I change my own oil all the time and I also do it for my mom and sister when I am home. My question is how do oil shops change the filter without getting burned by the pan or block or other hot components? I mean I know they use lifts or pits, but still it would be pretty hard to reach in there without getting burned. I ask this cause I don't like having to wait hours for the engine to cool every time I change oil.

 

On my Civic, I unscrew the filter from the top, drop it into the drain pan below, and install the new one the same way. It's actually easiest to reach from the right side of the car and reach all the way across.

Most of the parts are cool enough to touch after half an hour or so.

 

I get both from the bottom but am very careful to use the proper hand (i.e. if I am coming from the left side, I use my right hand which then makes it easy to lift up the bolt w/o getting burned. Then I switch to the right side of the car and then use my left hand with the oil filter etc. I also agree that it only takes about 30 mins for the car to cool down unless you are in 100 degree heat. then it takes a bit longer.

 

i just do it reallllllllllly fast
ninja style

jk, i have a K&N oil filter, which has a nut welded on the end for unscrewing the filter. I just use a ratchet and socket and then get a yard glove on and reach up in there if it's hot... or just get it quickly

 

or you can get burn sleeves

 

You just knock two holes in the Filter with an Ice Pick. One High, ... One at the Bottom.
All the Oil runs out of the Filter into the the collection basin. No mess. Then, you just remove the empty Oil Filter and toss it. No muss. No fuss. No scalding from hot Oil.
No wasting time waiting for the Engine to cool-off before taking the Filter off. Keep a SHARP point on the Ice Pick. Pierce the Filter. Don't dent it!