The Ultimate Guide to Oil Drain Plug Washers: Sizes, Brands, and Where to Buy

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, few parts are as small yet essential as the washer for oil plug. These simple components—often overlooked—play a critical role in ensuring leak-free oil changes. If you’ve ever experienced oil stains under your car after an oil change, chances are your washer for drain plug needs replacing. Whether you're shopping for sump plug washers Euro Car Parts, using a Tridon oil drain plug, or simply trying to find the right washer drain plug 14mm, this article covers everything you need to know.

Why the Oil Plug Washer Matters More Than You Think

At the heart of every oil change is the washer plug drain—a small gasket that sits between the oil drain plug and the oil pan. While many people focus on the oil filter or the plug itself, the washer for drain plug is responsible for creating a tight seal and preventing oil leaks.

Key functions of a washer for oil plug:

Sealing: Prevents oil seepage from the drain hole

Protection: Avoids direct metal-to-metal contact between the plug and oil pan

Consistency: Maintains oil pressure and prevents slow leaks over time

Durability: Absorbs torque during plug installation, protecting threads

Failing to replace the washer during an oil change can result in oil leaks, low oil levels, and even long-term engine wear. Fortunately, replacement washers are inexpensive and easy to find—especially if you know what type you need.

Popular Washer Brands and Sizing: Tridon and 14mm Options

There are many brands that manufacture drain plug washers, but Tridon sump plug washers are widely known for their reliability and compatibility with a variety of vehicles. Tridon, an Australian brand, produces both oil drain plugs and matching washers to ensure a perfect seal every time.

Tridon Oil Drain Plug and Washers

Tridon oil drain plugs are designed to OEM standards and often include a washer.

Tridon sump plug washer options come in copper, aluminum, or nylon depending on the vehicle.

These washers are crushable, forming a tight, single-use seal that’s best replaced at every oil change.

If you’re using a Tridon drain plug, it’s smart to pair it with a Tridon washer for optimal fit and performance.

Washer Drain Plug 14mm

One of the most common sizes used in vehicles across Europe and Japan is the washer drain plug 14mm. This indicates the inner diameter of the washer, which should match the drain plug's thread diameter.

Common uses for 14mm drain plug washers:

Found in brands like Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Mazda

Available in materials like copper, aluminum, or fiber

Used in both manual and automatic transmission vehicles

Make sure to also match the outer diameter and thickness of the washer to ensure compatibility. A poorly sized washer can result in leaks or failure to seal properly.

Where to Buy: Euro Car Parts and Other Reliable Sources

When it comes to buying a washer for drain plug, convenience and compatibility are key. One of the best sources for European vehicles is Euro Car Parts—a major UK retailer that offers OEM and aftermarket components for nearly all makes and models.

Sump Plug Washers Euro Car Parts

Offers a wide selection of sump plug washers for most European and Japanese vehicles.

Provides product filters by car make, model, and engine for accurate matching.

Carries both individual washers and value multi-packs.

Whether you need a 14mm copper washer or a specific Tridon sump plug washer, Euro Car Parts makes it easy to find the exact item you need. Their website also features installation tips and compatibility guides, making it a go-to resource for DIY car maintenance.

Other great places to buy include:

AutoZone (for U.S. customers)

Halfords (UK-based)

Amazon and eBay (for a wide selection of brands and sizes)

Final Tips: Choosing and Replacing the Right Washer

When selecting a washer plug drain, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

Size matters: Always match the inner diameter (ID) to your drain plug’s thread size—common sizes include 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm.

Material options:

Copper – Durable and crushable; commonly used in OEM applications.

Aluminum – Lightweight and seals well under pressure.

Nylon/Fiber – Ideal for single-use; provides excellent leak resistance.

Replace every oil change: Don’t reuse old washers, as they may not seal properly a second time.

Use torque specs: Overtightening the drain plug can damage both the washer and the oil pan.

Final Thoughts

From Tridon oil drain plug systems to sourcing sump plug washers Euro Car Parts, knowing how to properly choose and replace your washer for oil plug ensures long-lasting engine protection and hassle-free oil changes. Whether you're using a washer drain plug 14mm or any other standard size, the washer is more than just a gasket—it's a critical seal between your engine and potential oil leaks.

This small investment in quality washer plug drain replacements will pay off in the long term by keeping your engine clean, efficient, and protected. Next time you do an oil change, don’t overlook this simple part—it’s the unsung hero of engine maintenance.