What is the torque on the oil drain plug?

Torque on the oil drain plug varies by vehicle, engine type, and oil-pan design. There isn’t a single universal value that applies to every car. This article explains typical ranges, how to find your exact specification, and how to apply it correctly to prevent leaks or thread damage.

Most passenger cars tighten the oil drain plug to about 20–30 ft-lbs (27–40 Nm). The exact figure depends on materials (aluminum vs. steel pans), bolt size, and whether a crush washer is used. Always verify the specification for your specific vehicle.

To determine the precise torque for your engine, consult the owner’s manual, the service/repair manual for your model, or manufacturer tech resources. The guidelines below outline how to locate the spec and how to apply it correctly in practice.

Finding the exact torque specification for your vehicle

One reliable approach is to check the official sources and manuals that accompany your vehicle. If you don’t have the manual on hand, these options can help you locate the correct torque value.

• Owner’s manual or maintenance section for the recommended service specs.


• Repair/service manual for your exact model and engine code.


• Manufacturer online tech portals or dealership service databases.


• Qualified mechanic or local dealership if you’re unsure.

Having the exact torque value is essential for preventing oil leaks or stripping threads. When in doubt, always lean on the vehicle’s official specification rather than a generic guideline.

Typical torque ranges by category

Below are broad ranges that cover common scenarios. Use these as a starting point only, and confirm the precise figure for your vehicle.

• Passenger cars and light trucks (typical gasoline engines, aluminum or steel pans): about 20–30 ft-lbs (27–40 Nm).


• Motorcycles and small engines with compact drain plugs: roughly 12–20 ft-lbs (16–27 Nm).


• Diesel engines and some heavier-duty applications (larger plugs or reinforced pans): commonly 25–40 ft-lbs (34–54 Nm).

These ranges reflect common industry practice, but exact values vary by manufacturer. Always confirm with the official spec for your specific engine and oil-pan design.

How to apply the torque correctly

To tighten the oil drain plug safely and accurately, follow these steps. This list provides a practical workflow that complements the exact specification from your manual.

1. Drain the oil completely and clean the drain area. Ensure the threads are free of debris before reassembly.


2. Replace the crush washer or any reservoir seal if your design requires it; a damaged or reused washer can cause leaks.


3. Inspect the drain plug threads and the oil pan threads for damage. If any threads are damaged, repair or replace parts before continuing.


4. Install the drain plug by hand to ensure the threads engage properly, then snug it by finger-tightness to avoid cross-threading.


5. Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the drain plug to the vehicle-specific specification in a smooth, even motion. Do not rely on “feel” alone.


6. After reaching the specified torque, start the engine and run for a few minutes, then recheck for leaks once the oil has circulated and settled. If a leak is observed, re-tighten only to the specified value if needed.

Following these steps helps ensure a reliable seal without risking stripped threads or overtightening that could damage the oil pan or plug.

Notes and cautions

Important caveats to keep in mind when dealing with oil drain plugs:

• Always use a new crush washer or gasket if your design requires one; reusing a worn washer can lead to leaks.


• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s torque specification, even if the plug feels “tight enough.” Over-tightening can strip threads or crack the pan.


• Some vehicles with aluminum oil pans require lower torque to prevent galling or distortion; verify the exact spec for your model.


• If you cannot locate a specification, contact the dealership or consult a qualified technician rather than guessing.

In short, the correct torque is a function of your specific engine and pan design. The best practice is always to follow the official torque spec and verify after the first start-up.

Summary

The torque on an oil drain plug is not universal. For most passenger cars, a typical target is roughly 20–30 ft-lbs (27–40 Nm), but exact numbers vary by engine, pan material, plug size, and whether a crush washer is used. Always locate the precise specification from the vehicle’s manual or manufacturer resources, prepare the threads and gasket properly, torque to spec with a quality torque wrench, and recheck for leaks after starting the engine. Following these steps helps prevent leaks and protects engine hardware over the life of the vehicle.

How tight should I tighten my oil drain plug?

Always remember lefty loosey righty tighty.

How tight is 25nm?

25 Newton-meters (nm) is a relatively low torque setting, approximately equal to 18.4 foot-pounds. It's a snug, but not excessively tight, amount of force often used for components like oil drain plugs, oil filter caps, or certain bicycle parts to prevent over-tightening. 
How tight it feels

• "Hand tight" and a little more: It's a bit tighter than simply hand-tight, but you shouldn't have to put a lot of effort into it with a standard-length ratchet. 
• One-handed effort: For context, a mechanic might estimate this by using one hand on a ratchet and applying a firm pull, but you should not use full strength or a long-handled tool that could lead to over-tightening. 
• Preventing damage: This lower torque specification is intentionally used to prevent stripping threads, cracking oil pans, or damaging components with plastic threads, notes Stack Exchange. 

When to use a torque wrench

• Use a torque wrench: For any application with a specific torque value, it is always best to use a torque wrench to ensure you don't over- or under-tighten the fastener. 
• Accuracy: Torque wrenches are most accurate in the middle to upper third of their range. A wrench for 25 nm would be most accurate in that range. 

What it is NOT

• Not "very tight": It is not a high-torque application, such as tightening lug nuts on a truck, which requires significantly more force. 
• Not for high-stress components: It is not appropriate for parts like head bolts or flywheels, which have much higher torque requirements. 

What is the torque for an oil drain plug?

The torque for an oil drain plug varies significantly by vehicle, but is typically between 18 and 25 ft-lbs for most cars. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact specification, as it can also range from 10 to 62 ft-lbs or more depending on the oil pan and drain plug materials. Overtightening can damage the threads, while undertightening can cause leaks. 
Factors that influence torque

• Oil pan material: The material of the oil pan (e.g., plastic, aluminum, steel) determines the appropriate torque. 
• Drain plug design: The size and material of the plug itself are factors. 
• Gasket or washer: The gasket's material and condition will affect how tightly the plug needs to be sealed. 

Why the correct torque is important

• Proper sealing: Correct torque ensures the gasket creates a good seal to prevent oil leaks. 
• Preventing damage: Overtightening can strip the threads in the oil pan or damage the plug, which is expensive and difficult to fix. 
• Safety: A correctly tightened plug will not loosen and fall out, causing a major oil leak. 

How to find the right torque

• Consult your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle.
• Check online resources: Many online forums and repair sites provide torque specifications for specific makes and models. 
• Use a torque wrench: Using a torque wrench is the best way to ensure you apply the correct amount of force, especially since the "snug" feel can be deceiving. 

Do you need to torque your oil plug?

Drain plug
Just like the other points on this list, always use a torque wrench over an impact tool and make sure you're operating with the correct specs. Overtightening a drain plug can cause cracking or other damage to the oil pan as well as leaving it difficult to remove in the future.