Oil Drain Plug

The oil drain plug is a small but critical piece of your car’s engine maintenance routine. It’s located at the lowest point of the oil pan and acts as a seal to keep engine oil from leaking out. When it’s time for an oil change, the oil drain plug is unscrewed to let old, dirty oil flow out of the engine.

While it's a simple part, it plays a key role in keeping the engine properly lubricated. If the plug is damaged or improperly tightened, it can lead to oil leaks, which may cause low oil pressure and engine damage over time. Some drain plugs come with a built-in magnet to catch metal shavings, which helps spot wear before it becomes a bigger issue. Fun fact: some newer vehicles use tool-free or quick-drain systems instead of traditional oil drain plugs for faster, cleaner oil changes.