I change mine every time. They are cheap, sometimes my dealer just gives them to me if I ask for them. Last time I got a pack pretty cheap on Amazon. In all honesty though, years ago I rarely changed them and I never had a problem with them leaking or not sealing. I change them now because it is cheap and easy and a lot of people say I should.

 

This is going to open a can of worms. Some are going to say they never change it and they've never had a leak. Others change it because it's cheap insurance. You do you.

 

If you don't want to mess with going and getting new ones, reuse the old one and see if it weeped any at the next oil change.

It's not like it's going to cause all the oil to drain out overnight.

 

I use a regular flat copper washer and change it about 4-5 oil changes

 

I add a crush washer every time I change oil. When the plug only has three threads left I get a new plug and start the process over.

 

: - )

 

I've actually had undue hardship in finding replacement washers, the last 2 attempts at getting bulk amounts (like 20 ish, both times) gave me washers that were probably for the 4 banger. Different brands, different sellers, just bad luck on amazon..., as both bags ended up having washers way too large (different sizes though?). My guess is I can use them for differentials or something.

I have not yet changed it out due to this. That being said the original is still going strong "without leaks/seepage" Knock on wood, or steel, plastic.... whatever. I've only ever used a simple 3/8 ratchet to tighten it.

 

My dealer has given me bags of them, I have never changed one and never had as much as a damp spot. I have 6 cars that I maintain and three motorcycles, none get them changed. Honestly I don’t know why I don’t do it as I already have them here in bulk and give it an occasional thought. I buy 12 Nissan filters at a time so that’s why they toss a bag in.
Do what makes you comfortable.

Clint

 

Change every time. Cheap insurance.

 

Do you need them on the diffs and transfer case?

 

No

Clint

 

Historically I have never replaced them. Got a Hyundai Santa fe a couple years ago and if I don't replace it, it weeps every time. I have a no spill systems valve on my other 2 vehicles now so I don't have to worry about it. Highly recommend them.

 

Amazon.com: Dorman 097-134 Copper Oil Drain Plug Gasket - Fits M12, Pack of 10 : Automotive

I've switched to a Fumoto drain valve, but, this was always nice to have. I'd swap a new washer on every couple of oil changes.

 

They never ever leak until they do, then it's drip spots everyday until next oil change.

 

I absolutely support those who do change it, I’m just stating on my 2010 Frontier with 128,000 at trade in it had 43 oil changes since I bought it new and it was the same washer for 7 years and never a speck of oil got past it. My next oil change is due in 1300 miles and I just might use one of the dozens I have in the garage. The current truck has used the original for 2-1/2 years already.
Im sure not tightening it until you destroy the threads matters too.

Clint

 

I change mine every time. When I got my 2nd gen Xterra in 2016 I re-used the washer the first time I changed the oil in it, and the drain plug leaked. Ever since then, I have changed the washer at every oil change. They're cheap.

I usually order my Nissan filters on Amazon in bulk, and several times I've gotten them they have included the washers with them, otherwise I just get a bulk pack of the Dorman washers.

 

I rarely ever change one out. I'm a renegade. 🤠🏴‍☠️

 

Over 12 years, 170Kish miles and doing every oil change myself (4-5K miles OCI), I only changed the crush washer one time. That was at 90K miles, and only because I was taking care of a lot of other regular maintenance items and figured I would replace the oil plug too. Never had any leaks or even a seep, always dry as a bone.

There is nothing wrong with changing it every time, but it is not necessary if you ask me!

 

Never did anything along these lines in the few times I've don it myself. Probably just as well because I have the habit of using the old part as a comparison when buying the new one. Usually this means having it in my hand at the parts store. Thus leaving a puddle of oil in the AutoZone parking lot.

 

MY truck has 120K on it and I change the oil and filter every 5K. I have maybe replaced the drain gasket/crush washer 2 or 3 times. No issues with leaking.

 

I buy them buy the dozen from Amazon. Copper crushable. Good investment. Cheap insurance. I did catch a nylon one leaking and an aluminum on re-use, so I change em every time.

 

Don't over-torque the drain plug, and you won't need new washers or plugs.

 

I've reused the same drain plug washer for 15 years on many different vehicles and never had a problem. Don't over tighten it and you'll be good.

 

I always buy the OEM filter from my local Nissan dealer and they throw in a crush washer. I use it because I know I'm not over tightening the drain plug. Just snug it up until you feel the washer "crush" down.