Honda filters - what is the little washer for?

[Jonny Z]

I think this is the drain plug crush washer. They recommend you change the drain plug washer every time you change your oil. I know Nissan Dealers hand out these w/ their OEM filters.

 

[martyi]

Oh, the drain plug washer - silly me. Now I get it. Thanks a lot fellow Texan!

 

[OCB]

yup.... thats it.

 

[martyi]

I searched under "Honda oil filters" but could not find an answer to this. I bought some Honda (Filtech) filters over the internet for my new Ridgeline truck. Attached to them with scotch tape was a little washer. I've never had a Honda before and never had a car that used a washer for the oil filter.

I assume the washer is mandatory as each filter comes with one. However, I was thinking maybe it is only an extra safety device to prevent leaking and not really needed. I'll install the washer with the filter anyway of course but I was just wondering why Honda uses this. Thanks in advance.