What size bolts do I need to change my oil?
To change your oil, you'll typically need to remove the oil drain plug, which is secured by a bolt. The size of the bolt you need will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. In most cases, the oil drain plug bolt is either a 14mm or 17mm size.
Determining the Correct Bolt Size
The size of the oil drain plug bolt can vary depending on the vehicle, so it's important to check your owner's manual or consult a repair guide for your specific make and model. Some common bolt sizes used for oil drain plugs include:
- 14mm: This is one of the most common oil drain plug bolt sizes, found on many smaller and mid-sized vehicles.
- 17mm: Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, often use 17mm oil drain plug bolts.
- 12mm: Some compact and subcompact cars may have 12mm oil drain plug bolts.
- 19mm: Heavy-duty trucks and some high-performance vehicles may use 19mm oil drain plug bolts.
If you don't have access to your owner's manual or a repair guide, you can also try to measure the existing bolt on your vehicle. Use a wrench or socket to determine the bolt size before purchasing a replacement.
Changing the Oil Drain Plug Bolt
Once you've identified the correct bolt size, you can proceed with changing the oil. Here are the basic steps:
- Locate the oil drain plug, usually located at the bottom of the oil pan.
- Use the appropriate size wrench or socket to loosen and remove the bolt.
- Allow the oil to fully drain from the oil pan.
- Clean the threads on the oil pan and the bolt to remove any debris or old sealant.
- Apply a small amount of thread sealant or thread locker to the bolt threads.
- Reinstall the bolt and tighten it to the recommended torque specification, usually between 15-25 ft-lbs.
- Refill the oil to the proper level, as specified in your owner's manual.
By following these steps and using the correct size bolt, you can safely and effectively change the oil in your vehicle.
How tight should an oil drain bolt be?
Okay let's talk about drain plugs. The sign of a hack technician. Well it's going to be an overly tightened drain plug on the oil pan.
Are oil drain plugs universal size?
Let's get one thing straight: oil drain plugs are not universal. Just because an oil drain plug has the thread pitch you need for a vehicle, that doesn't mean it will work with the oil drain pan. Here's what you need to know about oil drain plugs and gaskets so you can select the right replacements.
Why is my oil drain bolt leaking?
When this happens, the drain plug will no longer have a tight seal on the oil pan. You'll either have to clean the part or replace it to stop the leak. Another cause may be from the drain plug simply not being tightened all the way. Again, it won't have a tight seal on the oil pan and will result in oil leaking out.
What tool do you need to do an oil change?
First you'll need a ratchet and socket set to remove the oil drain plug, then an oil filter wrench to remove the filter. When choosing an oil filter wrench, try to find one that will match the specific filter and engages the serrations on the end of the oil filter to make the task easier.
Do I need to replace oil drain plug?
He also recommends you replace the drain plug itself after every oil change. If it's continually reused, it could eventually round out, leaving you with a larger issue. “Any time you take something off the car, you're going to inspect it and look for any questionable situations,” Hines says.
How do I know what size drain plug I have?
Measure the width of the plug at the widest part of the threads. If your plug measures 12mm you will need to start looking at plugs in the size range of “M12 x 1.25 to M12 x 1.75″. The “M12” refers to the diameter you measure from the widest part of the threads on your OEM sump plug.
Are all oil drain bolts the same?
Different oil drain plugs and Gaskets are required for different vehicles. Drain plugs & gaskets vary from make, model, and even year. We recommend always checking your owners manual or any parts lookup like our Application Search to find the right drain plug.
What size socket for oil filter?
Therefore, first, you need to count how many flutes your current oil filter has. Second, measure the oil filter from edge to edge. Then find a proper oil filter cap wrench from KiWAV Motors. This oil filter is 64.94mm with 14 flutes, so 65x14 flutes oil filter cap wrench will fit.
What size bolt is the oil drain plug?
Next, locate the drain plug under the car; it should still be warm from the heated engine. Place a 3/8-inch (0.9 centimeters) socket in the socket wrench, fit it over the drain plug's nut and turn it counterclockwise. The oil drain plug should open easily, draining the used oil from the engine.
What size socket do I need to change my oil?
What size wrench to use for an oil drain plug depends on the size of the oil drain plug itself, which is a long bolt head. There is no universal oil plug size, but they do come in just a few several standard sizes, such as ¼ inch (. 6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (. 9 centimeters), ½ inch (1.3 centimeters), etc.
