The drain plug should be warm from the heated engine if you locate it under the car. Place a 3/8-inch (0.9 centimeters) socket in the socket wrench, fit it over the drain plug’s nut and turn it counterclockwise. The plug for the oil drain should open easily.
If it doesn’t, you may need to tighten the nut a bit more. If you have an aftermarket oil pan, remove the old pan and replace it with a new one. You may also want to check the oil level in your new pan to make sure it’s not too low.
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How do I know what size drain plug I have?
M12 refers to the diameter you measure from the widest part of the threads. For example, a plug with a diameter of 12.5mm has a thread length of 3.125″, so you would start by measuring 3″ from that point.
If you are unsure of how to measure, you can use a ruler or tape measure to make a rough estimate. You can also check the dimensions of your existing plugs to get an idea of what size you need.
What kind of wrench do I need to change oil?
To remove the oil drain plug, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan to catch the spent oil, and a sockets wrench are required. If you don’t have any of these items, you’ll have to do it yourself.
How do I unscrew my oil drain plug?
You’ll need to spray penetrating oil on the oil plug and leave it to sit for several hours. If you don’t have a hammer, you’ll have to use a screwdriver to pry it out.
Are all oil pan drain plugs the same?
The truth is that oil drain plugs are not universal. The thread pitch of the oil drain plug does not mean it will work with the oil drain pan. If you don’t know what oil drain plugs and gasket are, you won’t be able to choose the right one for your vehicle. A gasket is a seal between the inside and outside of the vehicle’s engine block.
It’s designed to keep oil from leaking into the engine’s combustion chamber, which is why it’s called a “gasket” and not “drain plug.” A grommet, on the other hand, is just a hole in the block that allows oil to drain out. The difference is that the seal is designed for oil, and the hole is for water.
If you’re not sure what type of oil you have in your engine, check your owner’s manual to see if it has a section on “Drain Plug” or “Gasket.” If it does, you’ll know that it needs to be replaced with one of these types of plugs.
