Most oil drain plugs use a 14 mm or 17 mm hex head; start with those two sizes and verify fit.
The exact size depends on your vehicle's make, model, and year. While 14 mm and 17 mm cover the majority of passenger cars, some cars use smaller or larger heads, and a few may use nonstandard fasteners such as Torx or square patterns. Confirming the correct size before attempting a drain helps prevent stripping the plug or damaging the oil pan.
How sizes vary by vehicle
Oil drain plug heads are designed to the manufacturer’s specifications, which can change across model years and brands. The most common sizes remain 14 mm and 17 mm, but exceptions exist. Always verify for your specific vehicle to ensure a proper, leak-free seal.
Common sizes you might encounter
Below are the sizes you’re most likely to see on typical passenger cars and light trucks. Use this as a starting point, then confirm for your model.
- 14 mm: the most common size for many Asian makes (Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda in some models) and several European models.
- 17 mm: another very common size across a wide range of makes and models.
- 12 mm, 13 mm, or 15 mm: less common, but some vehicles use these smaller sizes.
- 19 mm: uncommon for standard passenger cars but may appear on certain trucks or heavy-duty applications.
If the plug head doesn’t match these sizes, consult your vehicle’s manual or a parts professional to confirm the exact socket size for your model.
How to determine the exact size for your car
Follow a careful approach to identify the correct socket size without damaging the plug or pan.
- Check the owner's manual or service manual for the recommended drain plug size specific to your model-year.
- Observe the plug head and try sockets starting with 14 mm and 17 mm to see which one seats snugly without wobble or rounding.
- Avoid forcing a socket onto a plug; a poor fit can strip the head or cause leaks.
- If you’re unsure, visit an auto parts store or mechanic with your vehicle details; they can look up the exact size for you.
Having the correct size makes oil changes smoother, safer, and helps ensure a proper seal when you reinstall the plug and any gasket or washer.
Summary
In most cars, you’ll encounter a 14 mm or 17 mm oil drain plug. Sizes outside this range exist, so verify with your manual or by testing the snug fit of common sizes, and seek expert help if in doubt. A correct fit reduces the risk of stripping and leaks and makes the oil-change process faster.
What size socket to remove oil drain plug?
What size wrench do I need for my oil drain plug? The most common sizes are 14 mm, 15 mm, and 17 mm hex. Some vehicles use a 3/8-inch square drive or an internal Allen key (8 mm or larger). Check your owner's manual or measure the plug directly.
What car cost $25,000 for an oil change?
But it doesn't come cheap, with an oil change on a Bugatti Veyron costing $25,000. Yes, you did read that correctly – $25,000. In a video a couple of years back, DRIVETRIBE explained why the oil change costs so much, and it's mostly due to the cost of new filters.
What is bigger, 1/4 or 3/8 socket?
The 1/4-inch drive socket is ideal for low-torque applications such as electrical work or in close-quarter automotive dashboards. A 3/8-in. drive socket is 25 percent stronger, but also . 022 inches larger in diameter than the 1/4-inch drive socket.
Are all oil drain plugs 14mm?
Most cars use oil drain plugs between 13mm and 17mm, depending on the brand. For example, Toyota and Honda typically use 14mm or 17mm, while Ford often uses 13mm or 15mm. Using a universal drain plug socket set like the BILITOOLS 23-Piece Kit ensures you always have the right size on hand.