Do we need new oil drain plugs every time?

For the 70,000mi I’ve had my truck I’ve never changed the oil drain plug. I don’t recall there being a crush washer either. Noob question but what does the typical schedule look like

 

I never ever had to replace a drain plug except to install a magnetic one. I'm surprised you don't have leaks without a crush washer though.

 

Same with above.
Same plug for 20 years/185k.

 

No need to replace drain plug. Crush washer should be changed every oil change. Get the washer from any auto parts place for about $1 each.

I do know VW dealerships don't sell the crush washer but will sell a washer and plug together.

 

What’s the torque spec for the drain plug?

 

~ 30 ft lbs iirc

 

i just crank that bitch down with my socket and call it good every time

 

My '96 has 415,000 miles on the original drain plug, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Perhaps you are putting way too much thought in your oil change. I've probably performed over a 100 oil changes on my vehicles over the years and have NEVER changed a drain plug or torque one and I have NEVER
had a leaker.

 

I've replaced one in over 40 years of driving. The plug on a used truck that I bought had been rounded off during a previous oil change by someone using the wrong tool. Probably an adjustable wrench. I managed to get it off with vise grips the 1st time I changed oil. Didn't realize it was bad until I got under the truck. Bought a new one before the next oil change.

 

Only drain plug replacement for me was after Jiffy Lube cross threaded one.

I've put new crush washers on used purchases @ first change during baselining.

Never had a replacement need after that.

Then again I've not kept anything past 200k.

 

I wonder OP is your crush washer stuck on the bolt or oil pan?

The only drain plugs I replaced were rounded off. Then I am good for things like this just vanishing never to be seen again like 10 mm sockets

I will admit I am to lazy to replace the crush washer every time.

 

I only replace the crush washer if it starts to leak.

 

I’ve been using copper washers for long time on all my cars, no leaks

 

never changed a plug or washer on anything. ever. never had a leak.

 

Please do not torque to 30 ft-lbs.

Suggest to tighten to "wrist tight". Hand on the ratchet head, use one wrist to make the plug firm. The pan is not under pressure. A gorilla torque is not needed.

 

Why don't y'all get one of these and never screw with them again?

https://www.fumotousa.com/cars-pickups-toyota-2000-tacoma-3-4l-v6

 

Everywhere says the torque spec is 27-30 ft lbs for the plug. The oil filter, yes, u hand tighten

 

168,000 miles / 5000 = 34 oil changes. Same plug. 34 crush washers. Crush washer is 10 cents. Torqued to 25lbs. Never leaked.

 

Yes, I understand your point and I understand the torque spec.

Here is a question to think about......

If the plug is tight enough to not leak, then why does it need to be tighter???

 

bc it may back out with use of the vehicle among other variables and start leaking? Why not use the factory recommended specs instead of making your own rules and risk failure down the line?