Sep . 16, 2025 09:42 Atpakaļ uz sarakstu

Everything You Need to Know About Crush Washers for Car Drain Plugs

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s engine, an often-overlooked yet critical component is the crush washer on the drain plug. This small part plays a big role in ensuring your oil change is clean, efficient, and leak-free. Whether you're using an aluminum drain plug washer, replacing a worn car drain plug washer, or looking for a specific size like crush washer M12 or crush washer M14, understanding the options and their importance can save you from future headaches.

The Purpose of a Crush Washer in Vehicle Maintenance

A crush washer, also referred to as a drain bolt crush washer, is a soft metal or composite ring that sits between the drain plug and the oil pan. Its primary function is to create a tight seal when the drain plug is tightened, preventing oil from leaking.

Aluminum drain plug washers are commonly used because aluminum is soft enough to deform and seal properly when tightened, but strong enough to maintain its shape under high pressure. Crush washers are designed to be used once. When compressed, they deform to fill microscopic gaps between surfaces. Reusing an old one can result in leaks or a poorly sealed car drain plug washer, compromising engine oil integrity.

Choosing the Right Crush Washer: M12 vs. M14

One of the most important aspects of selecting a drain bolt crush washer is ensuring the correct size. Two of the most common sizes are the crush washer M12 and crush washer M14. These numbers refer to the inner diameter of the washer in millimeters.

Crush Washer M12: Commonly used in smaller engines or import vehicles. It fits drain plugs that are 12mm in diameter. It's essential to ensure this washer matches the specifications of your vehicle manufacturer.

Crush Washer M14: Slightly larger, and often found in larger engines or certain domestic vehicles. This washer accommodates a 14mm drain plug, offering a snug fit for oil pans with larger openings.

Choosing the wrong size can lead to either an improper seal or difficulty during installation. If you're unsure about the correct size, consult your vehicle's service manual or ask for help at your local auto parts store.

Where to Buy: Options at Advance Auto Parts

If you're searching for reliable, quality crush washers, Advance Auto Parts is a convenient and trusted destination. Whether you're purchasing an aluminum drain plug washer or a specific crush washer M12 or M14, Advance Auto offers a range of products that meet OEM standards.

Some benefits of buying your car drain plug washer at Advance Auto Parts include:

Variety: They carry multiple sizes and materials including copper, aluminum, and even composite washers.

Compatibility Tools: Their website often includes a vehicle fitment guide to ensure you're buying the right size.

In-Store Support: If you're unsure about the size or type you need, staff can assist with selecting the right drain bolt crush washer for your car.

It’s a small investment that pays off by ensuring your oil change is done right the first time.

The next time you're preparing for an oil change, don’t forget to replace the crush washer. Whether you're using an aluminum drain plug washer, a crush washer M12, or a crush washer M14, installing a new car drain plug washer ensures a proper seal and prevents future leaks.

You can find a variety of options at Advance Auto Parts, making it easy to pick up everything you need in one stop. And remember—while the drain bolt crush washer may be small, it plays a big role in keeping your engine healthy and your driveway clean.

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