Can oil drain plug go bad?

Over time, the oil drain plug will become damaged and may begin to leak. The drain plug also contains a crush type gasket which can fail over time or if it isn’t replaced. If the plug is stripped out during an oil change, it may take some time to notice the leak.

How much does it cost to replace oil drain plug?

The general range is between $100 and $350, but there are some vehicles that cost more. You can get an oil pan gasket replacement for between $40 and $150. The part is not the most expensive part of the repair, but the labor can be very intensive.

What should always be replaced when carrying out an oil change?

You should replace your oil filter every time you carry out an oil change. Typically, that means every 10,000km for a petrol car, or every 15,000km for a diesel.

Why can’t I get my oil plug off?

The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures.

Do I need an oil change every 6 months?

The answer to the question of “how often should you change your oil?” used to be pretty simple. It was usually about every 3,000 miles, or every 3 months—whichever one came first. But times have changed, and so have the oil change standards. Now the general recommendation is about every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Do I need to replace the drain plug with every oil change?

If the drain plug and washer (if equipped) is properly re-installed after an oil change, they do not need to be replaced with a new one with every oil change. You don’t need to replace the drain plug but it’s smart to replace the drain plug gasket with each oil change.

How long should a drain plug last in a car?

The drain plug is usually made of a high strength steel that should last you the lifetime of the vehicle, unless you lose it, strip it, crossthread it, or otherwise. Just buy a small box of 3–5 aluminum gaskets as a local parts store, or buy them online through places like eBay.

Is it necessary to replace the drain plug on the gasket?

You can also order a new drain plug if you want to have one handy, just in case. No, a new drain plug each time is unnecessary and overkill, but not a bad idea to have one new one in the glove box. Replacing the gasket each time is not overkill and is great insurance.

What happens if you tighten a drain plug too much?

So you clean it well, and then reuse it without tightening it too much. Tighten it too much and it will tear or break, and again you have a leak while driving. The drain plug is usually made of a high strength steel that should last you the lifetime of the vehicle, unless you lose it, strip it, crossthread it, or otherwise.