Does the Drain Plug Need to Be Replaced?

[LucasMarie]

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.

[OKing]

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.

[ZoeFitz]

As a budget-conscious driver, I'd say bolt replacement is worth the investment. They only cost a few yuan each, but if left unchanged, old bolts may deteriorate and cause oil leaks, leading to engine repair costs starting from thousands. I've hesitated when on a tight budget, but doing the math, replacing them once equals preventing major breakdowns. Especially for older cars that have been driven for a long time, bolts are more prone to failure. I make it a habit to check the threads during oil changes—if they're worn out, I discard them and replace with new ones, which costs next to nothing. This way, the car runs smoothly without the constant worry of oil leaks or stalling.

[ODamian]

New driver's advice: Don't skimp on this small expense. The oil drain plug is metal and wears out with each tightening. Replacing it prevents oil leaks and protects your engine. If the plug fails on the road causing oil leakage, your car could break down dangerously. As a new driver myself, I replace it with every oil change - it only costs a few bucks. Simple prevention saves big trouble.