Does the Drain Plug Need to Be Replaced?
2 Answers
The drain plug needs to be replaced. Below is an introduction to the relevant content: 1. Drain Plug: The drain plug on the oil pan of a motor vehicle is directly removed during an oil change. After removal, it cannot be reused and must be replaced with a new drain plug to prevent oil leakage issues. If the original drain plug is reused, leaks may occur during use. 2. Replacement Interval: The oil change interval for an engine depends on the type of oil used. Conventional mineral oil should be changed every 5,000 km, synthetic oil every 7,500 km, and full synthetic oil every 10,000 km. During an oil change, the oil filter should also be replaced simultaneously to complete a minor maintenance service for the vehicle.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I always replace the drain plug with a new one during every oil change. Over time, the threads can wear out and deform, and if it starts leaking, the engine could run low on oil and get damaged, which would cost a fortune. I remember one time I got lazy and didn’t replace it, and after driving just a few dozen kilometers, all the oil leaked out, costing me over a thousand bucks in repairs. Now, I make it a habit to replace the drain plug with every oil change—it’s just a few dollars, like buying insurance. Temperature also affects it; cold weather makes the bolt more prone to cracking. In short, making this a habit is both worry-free and safe—don’t cut corners over a few bucks.
