Hi Scotty. I enjoy your shows. Is it really necessary to change the drain plug and washer on the oil plan for every oil change? I rarely do it and haven't had any issues.
Thanks!
It’s good practice to also change the drain plug washer at every oil change. Is it 100% necessary each time? No, but it will have to be replaced eventually, so why not replace it while you are in there (for peace of mind)? They are cheap to order and easy to replace so you might as well do it.
It is a good habit to change it but as long as it does not leak, you are fine.
I would say, it’s more of a good “practice” to do that. It just is preventive maintenance. It may not “need” replaced. Especially if you do early oil changes (3-5K miles) which I suggest if you want your vehicle to last a good amount of time. Change your oil between 3-5K miles, don’t listen to the “oh you can wait 10K mikes after every oil change with synthetic”. No I’ve seen many newer cars turn into oil burners because of that poor decision, that they we’re tricked into. It’s made that way, so oil companies make more money (there is a reason why they sponsor dealerships) see if your vehicle turns into an oil burner, you have to purchase more oil between oil changes, therefore more money for oil companies. Though I would suggest changing the drain plus, and the washer just for good practice. It surely will remove the leaking oil issue possibility for you later on! Good luck!
The washer is designed to crush between the plug and oil pan in order to make a leak proof seal. It might crush a little more for another time or 2, but eventually it won’t do its job.
Just order a bunch of them off Amazon or something. Doesn’t really add much to the overall cost of oil changes.
You didn't say what car in question. But drain plug, no. drain plug washer, yes depending on the vehicle
I do the same thing, I change out the washers every few years.
I've never had a leak, so unless a vehicle is prone to requiring a fresh washer every oil change to avoid leaking, I don't think it's required.
Replace the washer if it leaks.
You should never need to replace the plug unless someone screws it up.
Washers are cheap. It is good practice to change it every time.
