I do every time. I already paid for it, and there's no incremental cost to use it more, and I like knowing it's torqued properly. I was very surprised to learn in one of Project Farm's videos how small changes in torque make a massive difference in the clamp load. For example, going from 40 to 50 ft-lb, it increases the clamp load by 1500 lbs. Enough for me to care enough to take the torque wrench out and do it right each time. I don't torque the filter though like some do. I just do it by hand, and I can loosen it by hand when I drain it.
Post your latest oil change
- Thread starter Superbuick96
- Start date
I always torque drain plugs. Last thing I want is a drain plug to loosen or get stripped out.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2026
2017 Toyota Camry 119,422 miles. About 5,300 on oil.
Out: 5 quarts Quaker State High Mileage 0W-20
Off: Fram CH9972
In: 5 quarts Mobil 1 0W-20 High Mileage
On: Toyota YZZN1
No oil usage or leaks that I know of. Car is normally used by my mom for work and dad for DoorDash and Walmart Spark delivery.
Out: 5 quarts Quaker State High Mileage 0W-20
Off: Fram CH9972
In: 5 quarts Mobil 1 0W-20 High Mileage
On: Toyota YZZN1
No oil usage or leaks that I know of. Car is normally used by my mom for work and dad for DoorDash and Walmart Spark delivery.
No reason just grabbed it.
I always use a torque wrench, Snap On freshly calibrated its about 34 years old
I always use a torque wrench, Snap On freshly calibrated its about 34 years old
I'd bump it to Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30 but that's just me.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I know - I’m overseas and kept texting to get that box off the front porch - it’s liquid gold !!!
(Ain’t like the package flow doesn’t increase when I’m away)
I'm shocked that this behavior would take place in Texas of all places.
Ballsy...
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
It hasn’t happened to us yet - but things have changed for the worse in the last 5 years …
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Well - excellent in my squirt can - old n new technology
Always use a torque wrench for the reason @ZeeOSix mentions above.
New crush washer and drain plug torqued to the correct spec every time it's removed.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Never used a torque wrench on a drain bolt.
I keep long handle 6 points in my oil change spot …
One handed direct feel compared to ratchets …
(And only have to keep one arm calibrated)
I keep long handle 6 points in my oil change spot …
One handed direct feel compared to ratchets …
(And only have to keep one arm calibrated)
Patman
Staff member
In 40 years of changing oil I have never used a torque wrench on the drain plug and I’ve never had one loosen up (or leak) and I’ve never had one get stripped out
Correct torquing of an oil drain plug makes for a wonderful
2024 LR Defender
25,200 miles
Out: Motorcraft 0W-20 and Carquest filter
In: Castrol 5W-30 K and Hengst filter
25,200 miles
Out: Motorcraft 0W-20 and Carquest filter
In: Castrol 5W-30 K and Hengst filter
You're awesome!
2008 Trailblazer 4.2L 190k mi
OCI: ~3200mi and 8mo
Out: 5W40 Delo CK-4/SN
In: 5W40 Quaker State Euro
Off: Partsplus (Premium Guard) made in South Korea PH59EX
On:Same
Decided to change my oil because I was messing with the car anyways and I did a lot of idling and short trips during the winter months since I only drive about 5mi to and from work and get to work way too early and set there idling for quite a while.