When it comes to vehicle maintenance there’s one small part that plays a crucial role in keeping your engine healthy that is the sump plug washer. Often overlooked, this tiny piece of metal or rubber is key to ensuring a leak-free oil change and a properly sealed engine with your sump plug.
For most automotives, aluminum & copper are the best material of choice. At Champion we provide additional materials for sump plugs such as rubber, fibre and polypropylene.
What Is a Sump Plug Washer?
A sump plug washer, also called an oil drain plug washer or gasket is a seal that sits between the oil drain plug and the oil pan (or sump) of your engine. But do make sure to check on your plug’s stripped or damaged threads as it can prevent the washer from securing correctly together, increasing the risk of leaks. Hence regular replacement helps to maintain the integrity of these threads, ensuring a secure fit every time.
Understanding Sump Plug Washers:
Oil is the lifeblood of your entire engine or machinery, even a small amount leaks out through the oil drain plug, it can lead to inconveniences such as low oil levels increasing engine wear, oil stains on your garage or potential damage to your engine parts from lack of lubrication.
The sump plug washers compresses slightly when tightened, creating a leak-proof seal. Without it, or if it’s reused too many times, oil can slowly leak out around the drain plug threads causing oily garages which may be a sign for a replacement.
Types of Sump Plug Washers:
Different vehicles use different types of washers, the most common include:
- Copper Washers – Durable, heat-resistant and commonly used in many vehicles. They can sometimes be reused if annealed (heat-treated), but it’s generally better to replace them.
- Rubber-Bonded Sealing Washers – These are metal washers with a rubber insert. They offer excellent sealing, especially if the mating surface is uneven.
- Nylon/Plastic Washers – Often found on newer or economy vehicles. Cheap and effective, but not suitable for high-heat applications.
- Aluminum Washers – Popular but softer than copper. Provides a good seal but should usually be replaced after each oil change.
Or it is sometimes best to consider an Assortment kit that contains washers of various materials & sizes to suit your needs, if more is required consider a Master kit available on our website.
