Are magnetic oil plugs worth it, if so what's recommended

Hello everybody,

I've got a 2018 Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed TRD-Off Road A/T and recently made the decision to start doing my own tire rotations and oil changes. I've already ordered oil, oil filter, MotivXTools oil filter wrench, drain tool and funnel, since then I've read that it's recommended to replace the oil plug crush washer when ever you change the oil, is that true and if so do I have to use OEM or can can I use another brand that available sooner, also is it worth just replacing the plug with a magnetic one and what brand is recommended?


Thank,
Dan

 

Opinions on oil / oil changes / oil filters are a dime a dozen.. But heres my $0.02. No, a magnetic drain plug not really needed on a system that has a filter

As for crush washers, they are cheap enough to replace every time. But the world isnt going to end if you reuse them

 

I order them in bulk from Amazon, I also use GoldPlug replacements because they are machined and use a strong neodymium magnet. Do whatever suits you, as you’re the one under there. I’m already saving money doing it right myself… I prefer to spend the money on things that make my life easier and worry free.

 

As long as you have a steel pan, placing a strong [I have some stupidly strong magnets lying around] magnet right by the drain plug works pretty well. I would say that putting a little grease between the magnet and the pan is a good thing to make sure, if in a rust prone area, no water gets under the magnet and causes localized rusting.

 

When I buy my oil filter from the dealer they usually put the washer in the filter box no charge. However, I did buy some replacements just to have on hand. Here is a link

$12 Genuine Toyota - Oil Drain Plug Gaskets (QTY10)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OW6MD6

 

Agree. No magnetic drain plug, but I do cut open my oil filters and inspect for any debris.

 

I bought some of the Amazon special OEM washer clones and the adhesive under the felt melted/seeped out and my drain bolt loosened. Never again. Was just checking reviews after I already changed the oil and someone mentioned it happened to them and sure enough, first highway drive it happened to me.

YMMV.

 

does your oil drain-plug GASKET come off with the plug or stick to the pan? | Tacoma World

 

I just changed my oil and noticed the washer stuck to the pan. I believe it came off every other time. Since it didn't fall off, I just reused it and left it there. No issues yet