The dealer did the oil change the first time I had it in for service. Recently, the Oil Life indicator said I had 3% life remaining, so I decided I would change it myself this time, since I've always done my own oil changes.

The former owner (a friend) had used Synthetic, and I am pretty sure the dealer did not. I bought 6 quarts of Mobil 1 full synthetic, and found a nice fall day - perfect for doing the maintenance.

I opened the hood, and realized I had never seen the oil filter; wow, where'd they hide it??? I crawled underneath, and finally found it way down by the oil drain plug. Nice design, I thought - right next to the drain plug, so the catch pan will get it all without it moving around. I noted the filter sits vertically, so I assumed no oil will leak out when it is loosened. OMG was I wrong!!! When the oil was drained, I unscrewed the filter, and oil cascaded down the outside of the filter -- what a MESS -- oil leaking out all over and covered my hands... Sure glad I didn't do that with a hot engine!

Is there something I should do different next time, or do they "all do that"??

Anyone got any tricks to removing the filter without making a mess? How do the mechanics do it on a hot engine without burning their hand?