What Socket Size Do You Need for an Oil Change?

There isn’t one universal socket size for oil changes. Most passenger vehicles use a 13–17 mm socket for the oil drain plug (14 mm is very common on Asian makes; 13 or 15 mm on many U.S. models; 17 mm on many European and some Japanese cars), while larger trucks and SUVs may use 18–19 mm. If your engine has a cartridge-style oil filter, you’ll often also need a larger socket (commonly 24, 27, or 32 mm) or a cup wrench such as 64 mm 14‑flute for Toyota/Lexus. Always verify your specific vehicle’s requirement in the owner’s manual or a service guide before you start.

How to Quickly Identify Your Drain Plug Socket Size

The fastest way to ensure you have the right socket is to confirm the spec for your exact year, make, model, and engine. If that’s not immediately available, use the steps below to work it out confidently and avoid rounding off the plug.

1. Check the owner’s manual or service information for the drain plug head size and torque spec.
2. Look up the drain plug part number (OEM) for your VIN; parts listings often note head size and thread (e.g., M14 x 1.5, 17 mm head).
3. Test-fit a 6-point socket, starting with 14 mm, 15 mm, and 17 mm; ensure it’s snug with no play before applying force.
4. If the plug is internal hex (Allen) or Torx, identify the bit size (commonly 6–8 mm Allen or T45/T50 Torx on some European makes).
5. If you have a cartridge-style oil filter housing, confirm the cap size (e.g., 24, 27, 32 mm) or the cup-wrench size/flute count stamped on the tool.

Taking a minute to verify the exact size helps prevent stripped heads and ensures you can torque the plug correctly when reinstalling.

Common Drain Plug Sizes by Make/Region (Typical, Not Universal)

While sizes vary by engine and model year, the following patterns are common across the market. Treat these as starting points and verify for your specific vehicle.

• Toyota/Lexus: 14 mm hex drain plug on many models; cartridge filter cap often uses a 64 mm 14‑flute cup.
• Honda/Acura: 17 mm hex drain plug on many models; spin-on filters typically fit a 65 mm 14‑flute cup.
• Nissan/Infiniti: Frequently 14 mm hex drain plug; verify by model/engine.
• Subaru: Commonly 17 mm hex drain plug on many Boxer engines.
• Mazda: Often 14 mm hex drain plug; check by engine.
• Hyundai/Kia: Often 17 mm (some 14 mm) drain plug heads depending on engine family.
• Volkswagen/Audi: Metal pans often use 19 mm hex drain plugs; many late models with plastic oil pans use a one-time-use plastic drain plug that may require a Torx or internal hex bit; cartridge filter caps commonly 32 mm.
• BMW/MINI: Older models typically 17 mm hex; many newer BMW engines use a single-use plastic drain plug with an 8 mm internal hex; cartridge filter caps widely 86 mm 16‑flute.
• Mercedes‑Benz: Drain plugs commonly 13 or 17 mm hex (varies by engine); cartridge filter caps often 74 mm 14‑flute; some models are serviced via top-side oil extraction.
• Ford (USA): Many engines use 13 or 15 mm hex drain plugs; cartridge filter caps commonly 27 mm on several EcoBoost/Duratec applications (varies by engine).
• GM/Chevrolet/GMC/Buick: Frequently 13 or 15 mm hex drain plugs; Ecotec-style cartridge filter caps commonly 24 mm.
• Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram: Often 13 or 15 mm hex drain plugs; Pentastar V6 cartridge filter caps commonly 24 mm.
• Trucks/SUVs (various makes): Often 15, 18, or 19 mm drain plug heads; confirm by engine option.

Even within a brand, engines differ. Always cross-check with the owner’s manual or a trusted service database for your exact powertrain and model year.

Oil Filter Tool Sizes You Might Need

Many vehicles use either a spin-on oil filter (removed with a strap/band/cup wrench) or a cartridge filter in a reusable housing (removed with a large socket or cup). Below are common sizes for popular systems.

• Toyota/Lexus cartridge cap: 64 mm, 14‑flute cup wrench.
• Honda/Acura spin-on: commonly 65 mm, 14‑flute cup (verify by filter brand).
• BMW/MINI cartridge cap: 86 mm, 16‑flute cup.
• Mercedes‑Benz cartridge cap: 74 mm, 14‑flute cup.
• Volkswagen/Audi cartridge cap: typically a 32 mm socket on many 1.8/2.0 TSI/TFSI engines.
• GM Ecotec cartridge cap: commonly 24 mm socket.
• Ford various cartridge caps: often 27 mm socket (engine-dependent).

Confirm the exact cap size and flute count for your filter housing or the specific filter brand you’re installing, as aftermarket filters can vary slightly in cup fit.

Torx, Allen, and One‑Time‑Use Drain Plugs

Not every drain plug uses a standard hex head. Some modern pans, especially plastic or composite ones, use internal bits or disposable plugs that must be replaced at each service.

• BMW (many B‑series engines): single‑use plastic drain plug, commonly removed with an 8 mm internal hex; always replace the plug.
• Volkswagen/Audi (late‑model with plastic pans): one‑time‑use plugs often removed with Torx (e.g., T45/T50) or an internal hex; replace after each oil change.
• Various makes: even with reusable plugs, the crush washer (aluminum/copper) is single‑use and should be replaced to prevent leaks.

If you encounter a Torx/Allen head or plastic drain plug, consult the service procedure for the correct tool and replacement policy before proceeding.

Torque Specs and Best Practices

Correct torque and technique reduce the risk of stripped pans, leaks, or cracked filter housings. Use a torque wrench when possible and follow the vehicle’s specification.

• Typical drain plug torque: M12 plugs about 20–25 ft‑lb (27–34 Nm); M14 plugs about 25–30 ft‑lb (34–40 Nm). Always verify your spec.
• Cartridge filter housing: commonly 18–25 ft‑lb (25–34 Nm), depending on make; lubricate the new O‑ring and seat it in the correct groove.
• Use a 6‑point socket on stubborn or shallow‑head plugs to reduce rounding risk.
• Replace the crush washer (or single‑use plug) every service; clean the sealing surfaces.
• Warm the engine briefly to thin the oil, but avoid working on a hot exhaust or scalding oil.

Following torque specs and replacing single‑use components are the simplest ways to avoid leaks and future headaches.

Quick Tool Checklist

Having a small range of sockets and the right filter tool on hand covers most oil changes without a mid‑job parts run.

• Drain plug sockets likely to fit: 13, 14, 15, 17, and 19 mm (plus SAE 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 3/4″ if needed).
• Cartridge/filter tools: 24, 27, 32 mm sockets; common cup wrenches like 64 mm 14‑flute, 65 mm 14‑flute, 74 mm 14‑flute, 86 mm 16‑flute.
• Bits as required: 6–8 mm Allen, T45/T50 Torx for certain European drain plugs.
• 3/8″ or 1/2″ drive ratchet, extensions, and a torque wrench.
• New crush washer or replacement drain plug (if single‑use), new filter and O‑rings.
• Oil drain pan, funnel, gloves, rags, and safety glasses.

Keeping these tools nearby ensures you can adapt to model differences and complete the job cleanly and safely.

Summary

For most cars, expect a 13–17 mm socket for the drain plug—14 mm is common on many Asian makes, 13 or 15 mm on many U.S. models, and 17 mm on several European and Japanese vehicles—with larger trucks often at 18–19 mm. Cartridge-style filters may require larger sockets (24, 27, 32 mm) or specific cup wrenches (e.g., 64 mm 14‑flute for Toyota/Lexus, 86 mm 16‑flute for BMW). Because sizes vary by engine and year, verify your exact requirement in the owner’s manual or a trusted service database, replace crush washers or single‑use plugs, and torque to spec to avoid leaks or damage.

What size tool do I need to change oil?

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.

What size socket is needed for an oil change?

There isn’t a single socket size for all oil plugs; the correct size depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Common sizes include 17mm and 14mm for many Japanese and European cars, but you might need to check your vehicle’s specifications or visit an auto parts store for help. A 6-point socket is recommended for better grip to avoid stripping the bolt head. 
How to find the right socket size

1. Check your vehicle’s manual: The most reliable way is to consult your car’s owner’s manual to find the specific drain plug size. 
2. Identify the head type: Most drain plugs have a hex-shaped bolt head. 
3. Measure the bolt head: If you have a socket set, try a few sizes to see which one fits snugly. 
4. Consult an auto parts store: Bring the vehicle information to an auto parts store, and they can look up the specific size for you. 
5. Consider common sizes: While not universal, many Japanese and European cars use metric sizes, with 17mm and 14mm being common. 

Tips for changing the oil plug

• Use a 6-point socket: This type of socket is more effective at gripping the bolt and prevents the head from getting rounded off. 
• Use a 3/8-inch drive socket and ratchet: This is a common size for most DIY oil changes. 
• Have a replacement plug ready: If the old drain plug is worn or stripped, you’ll need a new one to replace it. 

What kind of jack do I need to change my oil?

hydraulic floor jack
Picking the right jack depends on your needs. A hydraulic floor jack is ideal for those who change their oil often. It provides better stability and lifts the car with less effort. A scissor jack is useful for quick jobs but takes more time to raise a vehicle.

What size bolt is needed to change oil?

There isn’t a single “oil change bolt size” because sizes vary by vehicle. To find the correct size for your car, you must identify the specific drain plug bolt head size for your vehicle’s make and model. You can typically use a socket wrench set with common metric sizes like 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, or 19mm. If you don’t know the size, you can buy a vehicle-specific part or use a tool to measure the bolt, such as digital calipers, but a wrench that is too small can strip the head. 
How to Find the Right Size

1. Check Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabYour manual will often have the specific size of the drain plug. 
2. Consult an Auto Parts Store: Opens in new tabTell the store your vehicle’s year, make, and model, and they can look up the correct size. 
3. Measure the Bolt: Opens in new tabIf you have calipers or a ruler, you can measure the width of the bolt head to determine its diameter. 
4. Test Common Socket Sizes: Opens in new tabIf you don’t know the size, you may have to try the common metric socket sizes in the 14mm to 19mm range. 

Important Tips

• Use the Correct Tool: Use a socket or wrench that fits the bolt head snugly to avoid stripping it. 
• Replace the Washer: Always use a new crush washer when reinstalling the drain plug to prevent leaks. 
• Use a Proper Socket: For best results, use a 6-point socket, as these provide a more secure grip than 12-point sockets and reduce the risk of stripping.