To simplify and speed up a lube, oil and filter PM, try these easy steps. • Prior to removing the oil filter, puncture a hole in the bottom of it to allow the oil to drain into a drain pan. To do so, take an old screwdriver and sharpen it to a point. Tap on it with a small hammer so that it punctures the filter. • While the oil is draining, use that time to make other visual inspections. • After the visual inspections are completed, remove and replace the oil filter. • Make sure all filters are drained for 24 hours before disposal or crushing. Not only is this method quick, but it also eliminates the problem of having oil run down the side of the oil filter when it is unscrewed. Brad Barker, head mechanic Park City (Utah) School District bbarker@parkcity.k12.ut.us