Why car manufacturers switches switches to a pre -tramp plugs for one -time use – Jalopnik

The oil slick plug is usually a reusable part in older cars with Old-school Metal or Aluminum oil pans. Because most only need a rubber O-ring or crush washing machine replacement when they are again established, those metal drain plugs can be of good service to many thousands of rhymes. However, the convenience is somewhat shattered by newer car models with plastic oil channels.

Of course, car manufacturers can boast the lower production costs, weight savings and lower emissions offered by plastic oil tiles, and that is why the motor district of cars from Europe, America and Japan has become an oasis of plastic parts. The debate about whether plastic is good or bad has led to division among car manufacturers, engineers and car owners, but it seems that plastic in cars is here to stay, such as it or not.

On the other hand, the switch to plastic oil tiles inevitably led from metal to metal to, you guessed it, a plastic drain plugs for one -time use. We can only consider material compatibility as the reasoning behind this, but it may also have to do with planting potential obligations on the part of the automaker. Vehicles with plastic oil tiles need new oil slics with every oil change, and it all has to do with avoiding potential leaks that can occur if the plastic drain plug is reused.

If you have made a modern car from the late 2000s, it will probably have a plastic oil pan. Whether you have an Audi, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, replacing the oil slick for one-time use with every oil change is needed. In the meantime, a similar rule applies to Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Nissan and Honda.

If you are not sure if you need a new drain plug or whether your vehicle has a plastic oil pan, consult the owner’s manual for guidance. Reusing the oil slick with one-off use of a single use increases the risk of annoying and expensive oil leaks as a result of silicone O-ringing failure, a somewhat innocent part susceptible to paving, cracking or breaking down when they are subject to extreme heat ecycli. That O-ring prevents the oil from leaking through the plastic drain plug, while some have associated gaskets or crush closing rings that are also parts for one-time use.

Another reason why you should look at the manual of your car is to determine how to release the old drain plug and install a new one. Some Ford trucks with plastic oil tiles, for example, only require the loosening and re -making of the plastic oil drain plug by hand, because the use of a tool can damage the tabs or damage it filling that safely lock the drain plug.

In the meantime, certain Volkswagens and Audis need a specialized tool to separate the single -use drain plug, but in some cases some owners have no problems using a flat screwdriver. Whatever happens, it is not worth reuse the drain plug of your car from your car. The extra $ 5 or so spend on a new plastic drain plug is worthwhile than wasting time and money that has to do with inevitable oil leaks.