What size socket do I need for an oil plug?

Most passenger cars use a 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, or 19 mm socket for the oil drain plug; some domestic vehicles use 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch, and larger trucks can run 21–24 mm. A few models use an internal hex (Allen, typically 6 or 8 mm) or Torx instead of a standard hex head. Check your owner’s manual or measure the plug, and use a 6-point socket for the best fit.

What’s typical across vehicles

While the exact size depends on your make, model, and engine, there are clear patterns. The list below outlines common ranges by category so you can quickly narrow down what to try first if you don’t have the spec at hand.

• Compact/midsize cars: usually 13–17 mm external hex; examples include Toyota (often 14 mm head, M12 plug) and Honda (often 17 mm head, M14 plug).
• European brands: frequently 17–19 mm external hex, or internal hex (6–8 mm) on some BMW/VW/Audi applications.
• Domestic (US) brands: often 13 mm or 15 mm; some older/large engines use 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch SAE sockets.
• Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs: commonly 19–24 mm; heavy-duty diesels may reach 24 mm.
• Motorcycles and small engines: typically 12–17 mm, with some using a 6 mm internal hex.

Use these ranges as a starting point, but always verify your exact vehicle’s requirement before applying torque.

How to find the exact size for your vehicle

If you want certainty (and to avoid rounding off a plug), follow these quick checks in order of convenience and reliability.

1. Consult the owner’s manual or service manual: many list the drain plug type, size, and torque.
2. Inspect the plug head: some aftermarket plugs are stamped with the size; if it’s an internal drive, note whether it’s hex (Allen) or Torx.
3. Measure across the flats: use a caliper to measure the bolt head (external hex) or the internal width (Allen), then match to a socket/bit.
4. Test-fit a 6-point socket: start with the most likely size and ensure a snug, wobble-free fit before applying force.
5. If it’s an internal hex/Torx: insert a correctly sized bit that seats fully with zero play; don’t force a near-fit.
6. Verify torque spec: once the size is known, confirm the manufacturer’s torque to avoid stripping aluminum pans or crushing washers too far.

These steps minimize the risk of rounding the plug or damaging threads, especially on aluminum oil pans and plastic composite drain designs.

Related tool types and when they apply

Not every drain plug uses a standard external hex. The following common head styles help you match the correct tool before you climb under the vehicle.

• External hex (most common): use a 6-point metric or SAE socket; avoid 12-point if the fit is not perfect.
• Internal hex/Allen: often 6 mm or 8 mm on European models; use quality hex bits that fully seat.
• Torx/star: occasionally T45–T50 on plastic/composite pans; these may be single-use service plugs.
• Special or replacement valves: aftermarket quick-drain valves may require a different size or a simple lever, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Confirm the head style before starting—forcing the wrong tool can lead to expensive pan or plug replacement.

Torque specs and best practices

Drain plug torque varies by thread size, washer type, and pan material. Use the vehicle’s specification when available. The ranges below are reference values commonly seen in service literature.

Typical torque ranges (for reference—always verify)

The following ranges reflect common factory specs for typical drain plug/thread sizes. They are not a substitute for your vehicle’s specific torque value.

• M12 x 1.25/1.5 plug: about 25–30 ft-lb (34–40 N·m).
• M14 x 1.5 plug: about 30–33 ft-lb (40–45 N·m).
• M16 x 1.5 plug: about 33–37 ft-lb (45–50 N·m).
• Plastic/composite pans with service plugs: often lower, around 18–22 ft-lb (25–30 N·m) and sometimes single-use plugs.

If you can’t find the exact spec, aim for the low end of the likely range, verify for leaks, and obtain the proper torque value as soon as possible.

Best-practice tips to avoid leaks and damage

These quick practices help prevent stripped threads, seepage, and messy do-overs.

• Use a 6-point socket and the correct drive size (3/8-inch drive for most cars; 1/2-inch for larger plugs).
• Replace the crush washer or sealing washer each change if your vehicle uses one.
• Clean the plug and pan sealing surface; remove grit from the magnet if equipped.
• Hand-thread the plug fully before using a wrench to avoid cross-threading.
• Torque to spec with a torque wrench; avoid impact tools on drain plugs.
• After refilling oil, run the engine briefly and check for seepage at the plug.

Following these steps helps ensure a clean, leak-free service and preserves the life of the oil pan threads.

Quick reference: popular makes and typical socket sizes

The entries below reflect commonly encountered sizes for many models, but variations exist by engine, year, and pan design. Confirm for your specific vehicle.

• Toyota/Lexus: often 14 mm external hex (M12 plug); many models use a crush washer.
• Honda/Acura: often 17 mm external hex (M14 plug), crush washer required.
• Nissan/Infiniti: frequently 14–17 mm external hex depending on engine family.
• Hyundai/Kia: often 17 mm external hex on recent models.
• Subaru: often 17 mm external hex; crush washer typically used.
• Ford: commonly 13 mm or 15 mm; some newer pans use plastic, single-use service plugs—follow the model-specific procedure.
• Chevrolet/GMC: many gas engines use 13–15 mm; heavy-duty trucks can be larger—verify on Duramax and HD models.
• Ram: many gas engines use 13 mm; Cummins diesel applications often use larger plugs around 24 mm.
• BMW/MINI: often 17 mm external hex or 8 mm internal hex; many plastic pans specify a single-use drain plug and lower torque.
• VW/Audi: commonly 19 mm external hex or 6–8 mm internal hex; some plastic pans use Torx service plugs.
• Mercedes-Benz: often 8 mm internal hex or a small external hex; many models are designed for top-side extraction—confirm before removing a plug.

If your vehicle isn’t listed, the earlier size ranges and identification steps will get you to the right tool quickly and safely.

Summary

In most cases, you’ll need a 13–19 mm 6-point socket for a passenger-car oil drain plug, with trucks running larger (up to 24 mm) and some European models using internal hex (6–8 mm) or Torx. Verify by checking your manual, measuring the plug, or carefully test-fitting the correct tool, then tighten to the specified torque with a fresh sealing washer where required.

What size socket is a oil plug?

The most common socket size for an oil drain plug is 17mm, but it can vary significantly by vehicle make and model, so you should check your car’s manual or try common sizes like 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, or 19mm. Always use a six-point socket to prevent stripping the plug, especially if it’s overtightened.
 
How to Determine the Correct Socket Size

1. Check your car’s manual: This is the most reliable method to find the exact size for your vehicle. 
2. Look up online: Search for “oil drain plug size for [Your Vehicle Year, Make, and Model]” to find the correct size. 
3. Try common sizes: If you don’t have a manual or online information, try these common metric sizes, starting with 17mm: 
   • 13mm
   • 14mm
   • 15mm
   • 17mm
   • 19mm

Tips for Removing an Oil Drain Plug

• Use a 6-point socket: This provides more surface area to grip the plug and reduces the risk of stripping, especially on tight bolts. 
• Use the right tools: A 3/8-inch drive socket and a ratchet are standard for this job. 
• Be careful not to overtighten: Overtightening can damage the threads on the oil pan. 
• Consider an oil drain plug socket set: These sets come with various sizes, making them a good investment for doing multiple oil changes. 

What tool should you use to loosen the oil pan drain plug?

Play. So let’s go ahead open it up really quick. Yeah we’re going to use some tin snips why. Not cuts right through. There. And there we go just a little flexible dongle deal thingy.

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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.

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