Drain plug: role, service and cost
Content
The drain plug allows, as the name suggests, to drain the engine oil. Maintenance is essential to maintain a good level of engine oil in the vehicle and to preserve the engine by ensuring good lubrication. A little-known car part, we will share with you the role of the drain plug, where it is located, what are the symptoms of its wear and how much it costs to replace it!
💡 What is the role of the drain plug?
The drain plug is shaped like small cylindrical part with a rectangular vertical part. This device is located at the end of a plug to allow a motorist or mechanic to pick it up during emptying machine oil... What's more, the other side is bolted to the car to holdmachine oil в oil collection.
His role is mainly devoted to engine oil change, this is done during your annual report and is often accompanied by a change oil filter.
Depending on the make and model of the car, we can find several models of drain plugs, such as:
- Drain plug, threaded type with gasket. : As the name suggests, it has a seal that can be made of aluminum, copper, plastic, or an alloy combining plastic and metal. Moreover, its threads are usually 10 to 30 millimeters;
- Drain plug without gasket : This type of plug is especially used for suction drainage rather than gravity drainage. Has a tapered thread;
- Magnetic drain plug : With a magnet at the end, prevents metal particles and sawdust from entering the car engine.
🔎 Where is the drain plug?
The location of the drain plug rarely changes from vehicle to vehicle. So you will find it under your car level oil collection... Usually screwed on either at the bottom engine either bridge or bridge Transmission (for both automatic and manual transmissions).
When handling your vehicle's drain plug, you need to always observe the tightening torque of the drain plug when you put it back in place. This value can be found in the vehicle maintenance booklet, which contains all the manufacturer's recommendations.
⚠️ What are the symptoms of a worn drain plug?
The drain plug can wear out over time, this is especially true for models with a gasket. When the cap is worn out, the following symptoms may occur:
- Drain plug blocked : In some cases, the drain plug can become jammed due to the formation of residues of dirt and sawdust. Therefore, it is necessary to empty it as soon as possible, drain the engine oil and replace the plug;
- Drain plug leaking : Leakage may occur due to wear of the drain plug or its seal, if available. Thus, you will be in the presence of engine oil on the drain plug and, if the leak is significant, puddles of engine oil under the car;
- Le engine oil sight glass to light up : Indicates a problem with the engine oil, it may contain impurities and requires an oil change. Another possibility is insufficient engine oil;
- Drain plug seal badly damaged : when you dry the vehicle, you notice that the seal is completely deformed. It must be replaced with a new gasket.
When one of these manifestations occurs on your vehicle, you need to intervene immediately. Indeed, if you continue to drive with the HS drain plug, you risk damaging your engine because it doesn't have enough engine oil to work properly. In some cases, this situation could even cause complete engine failure.
💸 How much does it cost to replace the drain plug?
The cost of replacing a drain plug is not very expensive. In some cases, the mechanic will simply go to replacing the gasket or thread of the drain plug.
On average, the drain plug and its seal are sold between 4 € and 10 €... Then add the labor cost between 25 € and 100 € in garages.
When replacing the drain plug, the engine oil will also be changed so that the equipment works flawlessly and does not quickly become clogged with old engine oil.
The drain plug is a part of the car that is not so easy for motorists to notice, but it plays a key role in maintaining the car's engine. If it starts to leak, quickly contact a professional workshop to replace it and change the engine oil!
