What size socket is an oil drain plug?
As a car owner, understanding the tools and sizes needed for basic maintenance can save you time and money. One of the most common tasks in vehicle maintenance is changing the oil, which requires removing the oil drain plug. In this article, we will explore the typical socket sizes used for oil drain plugs and provide some tips for a successful oil change.
Common Socket Sizes for Oil Drain Plugs
The size of the socket needed for an oil drain plug can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, there are some standard sizes that are commonly used:
- 13mm: This size is frequently found in many Asian and some European vehicles.
- 15mm: Often used in various domestic vehicles.
- 16mm: Commonly seen in certain models of Honda and Toyota.
- 1/2 inch: This size is also prevalent in many American cars.
Factors Influencing Socket Size
Several factors can influence the size of the socket required for your oil drain plug:
- Vehicle Make and Model: Different manufacturers have different specifications.
- Year of Manufacture: Older models may have different sizes compared to newer ones.
- Aftermarket Modifications: If your vehicle has been modified, the drain plug size may have changed.
Tips for Changing Your Oil
Changing your oil can be a straightforward process if you follow these tips:
- Gather the Right Tools: Ensure you have the correct socket size, a wrench, an oil filter wrench, and a drain pan.
- Warm Up the Engine: Running the engine for a few minutes can help the oil drain out more easily.
- Use a Funnel: When adding new oil, a funnel can help prevent spills.
- Check for Leaks: After replacing the drain plug and adding new oil, check for any leaks before starting the engine.
By knowing the correct socket size for your oil drain plug and following these tips, you can ensure a smooth oil change process. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sockets do I need for oil change?
Ratchet and Socket Set
Get a set that includes some metric and SAE sizes, and if you're starting out, a 3/8” drive should do just fine. Ratchets and sockets also come in 1/4, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1” drives. Many medium sized kits will include ratchets and sockets in 3/8” and 1/2″ drive.
How big is a standard plug?
The hot and neutral prongs are 1.5 mm thick, 15.9-18.3 mm long, and 6.3 mm wide, while the ground pin has a diameter of 4.8 mm and extends 3.22 mm longer than the flat prongs. Type B plugs are rated for 15A and 125V and are commonly used in North America, Mexico, China, Japan, and other countries that use Type A plugs.
How do I find my oil drain plug?
6 Tips on Finding Your Vehicles Oil Drain Plug
- Locate the Transmission. The oil drain plug is right before the transmission on the driver's side of the car.
- Find the Oil Pan. Locate the oil pan.
- Check the Manufacturer's Directions.
- Take a Trip to an Auto Parts Store.
- Ask a Mechanic.
- Get on a Creepy Crawler.
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.
How to measure a plug size?
If you have the old plug it should have the size embosssed on the top surface. This is usually imperial, so 1 1/2 inch or 1 3/4 inch, but it is sometimes missing. You can measure the old plug across its top diameter (in imperial).
How to find out oil drain plug size?
Measure Diameter
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.
What size is a standard oil plug?
Oil Drain Plug Standard M12-1.5, Head Size 17Mm.
What size socket do I need to remove an oil plug?
3/8-inch
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. Make sure to place a bucket and some newspaper under the car's engine to catch all the draining oil.
What size socket do I need to remove the oil filter cap?
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 tool is used to loosen an oil filter?
Then you can use a ratchet wrench or breaker bar to turn the filter/cover loose. Chain wrenches: These come with or without a handle. These are a cousin of the strap wrench but for that hard to remove filter.
