Need to change oil but don’t know what size your oil drain plug is? You’re not alone. This guide walks you through the oil drain plug size chart by brand and how to measure the size yourself.
What Is An Oil Drain Plug?
An oil drain plug is a threaded fitting situated at the base of the oil pan. Its main job is to seal the oil pan and provide access for used oil drainage during the oil change. This high-temperature- and pressure-resistant unit is usually tightened with a wrench for leak prevention. If you’ve already got an oil pan gasket leak, see the complete guide How to Fix the Oil Pan Gasket Leak here.
Signs of A Bad Oil Drain Plug
Even the best oil drain plug can fail over time. Once you notice the following symptoms of a bad oil drain plug, it’s time for a new replacement.
- Leaking oil after tightening
- Rounded or stripped bolt heads
- Magnetic tip full of metal shavings
The oil drain plug is a rather small component that can cause big problems when it fails. Always replace the oil drain plug of the correct size if you can’t screw it all the way out with your fingers after loosening it with the wrench. Overtightening the oil drain plug can cause its threads to strip so that it turns around and around, making it extremely difficult to remove. Sometimes the oil pan will need to be replaced if you can’t get a thread-stripped oil drain plug out.
Why Does An Oil Drain Plug Size Matter?
Oil drain plugs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Using the wrong socket size can lead to rounded or stripped plugs, oil leaks due to improper torque and extra repair costs from damaged oil pans. Each manufacturer uses different thread sizes, head types, and materials. Some use metric sizes, others SAE (imperial). So, it’s important to have a socket for every situation. No matter whether you’re working on a Ford F-150 or a Toyota Camry, the socket set includes the most widely used metric and SAE sizes to cover your needs.
Common Oil Drain Plug Sizes by Brand
Here’s a quick reference list to save you time during your next oil change.
| Vehicle Brand | Common Sizes | Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | 13mm, 15mm, 19mm | Some trucks use 5/8” SAE plugs |
| Toyota | 14mm, 17mm | Models like Corolla and Camry typically use 14mm;
Tacoma or Highlander use 17mm; Hybrids may feature smaller 12mm bolts |
| Honda | 17mm (nearly universal) | Used across Civic, Accord, and CR-V models |
| Nissan | 14mm, 12mm | Some SUVs and trucks may use hex or Torx plugs |
| Chevrolet / GMC | 15mm or 5/8” | Silverado, Malibu, and Tahoe models frequently vary by engine type |
| BMW & VW/Audi | 17mm (hex) or 8mm/10mm (Allen/Hex head) | European vehicles often use internal hex-style plugs for tighter sealing |
How to Measure the Oil Drain Plug?
If you need a new replacement oil drain plug but have no idea of the size, you can measure it yourself. You’ll need to take out your original OEM oil sump plug to figure out which type of oil drain plug you will need for your vehicle. Once you have the OEM plug out, here are general guidelines for your reference.
Measure the Diameter
In order to measure the diameterm, you should use a digital caliper or a ruler (not recommended). Measure the width of the plug at the widest part of the threads as indicated in the picture. If your oil drain plug measures 12mm, then you need to look at plugs in the size range of M12* 1.25 to M12*1.75’’. The “M12” refers to the diameter you measure from the widest part of the threads on your OEM sump plug.
Measure the Thread Pitch
Thread pitch can be measured in threads per inch or the millimeters between each thread. To measure the pitch accurately, you’ll need a thread pitch gauge. If you’re measuring with the metric system, this will determine the second part of your drain plug size. For example, the M12*1.25 will have a pitch of 1.25 based on the gauge measurement.
Key Considerations When Selecting Your Oil Drain Plug
Here is a buying checklist for you when it comes to an oil drain plug replacement.
- Your vehicle’s make, model, engine and year of manufacture
- Oil drain plug thread diameter and pitch
- Threaded length
- Head or drive type and size
- Seat shape and washer type
- Oil pan material
- Manufacturer torque specification
Wrapping up
Oil drain plugs are not universal. When selecting oil drain plug for your vehicle, you should match four details, including thread diameter, thread pitch, threaded length and sealing method. The wrench or socket size describes the head, not the thread. Confirm the vehicle specification or measure a known correct plug before ordering. At FridayParts, you can explore a vast selection of oil drain plugs for your vehicles.
FAQs
Are oil drain plugs universal?
No. The thread diameter, pitch, length, head and sealing design vary by vehicle and engine. You should always consult your owner’s manual and provide this information to your suppliers before ordering a part.
Is the socket size the same as the thread size?
No. Socket size describes the head. Thread size describes the shank that fits the oil pan.
What happens if the oil drain plug is too long?
Using an oil drain plug that is too long can bottom out, fail to seal or interfere internally. You should match the specified threaded length before purchasing.
