Engine Oil Drain Plug Replacement Interval

[The Critic]

I've noticed that for some german cars, specifically the VW/Audi cars, some enthusiasts recommend replacing the drain plug at every oil change, or at least on somewhat of a regular basis. Not sure why, but that just seems to be what they recommend.

I decided to get a new drain plug for my Saturn after 150k, mainly because my friend needed another item for his order to go over a certain amount.

However, have any of you replaced your oil drain plug for normal maintenance?

 

[chubbs1]

Leave it up to manufacturers of cars for rich people, always trying to milk an extra buck. I see no reason whatsoever to change the plug at each OCI. Heck I have had the same plug on cars for 150K as you have. No problems.

 

[SubLGT]

OPCI = 10,000,000 miles, or 1,000,000 miles for severe duty.

 

[HTSS_TR]

The '94 LS400 with more than 250k miles still have the same old drain plug and the same old drain pan and gasket. I think the saying "if it didn't brake don't fix it" is applied in this case.

 

[beast3300]

I haven't replaced a drain plug unless bad in some way. This is a first I heard this.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: beast3300
I haven't replaced a drain plug unless bad in some way. This is a first I heard this.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1762437/
http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?p=78305
http://www.vweosclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2609
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2570457-DIY-2.5L-Oil-Change-with-Pictures

The washer is held captive to the drain plug so the entire assembly must be replaced periodically. Gotta love the Germans.

 

[SLCraig]

If it ever leaks, is when it should be replaced.
Why else?

I've never replaced one.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
If it ever leaks, is when it should be replaced.
Why else?

I've never replaced one.

The head of the bolt seemed a bit rounded off from wear.

Also, the threads were starting to get a bit sticky for some reason.

 

[FXjohn]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
If it ever leaks, is when it should be replaced.
Why else?

I've never replaced one.

The head of the bolt seemed a bit rounded off from wear.

Also, the threads were starting to get a bit sticky for some reason.


just use a 6 point socket then.

 

[expat]

Perhaps they replace the plug to stop the oil running back out?

I have never had to replace a worn drain plug.

 

[rcy]

I replace mine at every oil change so that the dirty oil left on the threads doesn't contaminate the shiny new oil I just put in..

 

[sunfire]

The crush washer and drain bolt is separate on my car. The washer is still factory but I have a replacement waiting should the black crush material is all gone.

Its was only $1 or maybe $2 from the sealership.

 

[PandaBear]

If it was round off, just replace it, but why is it round off to begin with? I though you have $1k worth of Snap On and that's not suppose to happen.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
I've noticed that for some german cars, specifically the VW/Audi cars, some enthusiasts recommend replacing the drain plug at every oil change, or at least on somewhat of a regular basis.
I've never been or ever will be that enthusiastic. Plug not rounded off, good to go. Interval being, if it's not broke, don't fix it.