2002 Buick Rendezvous - Engine Oil Drain Plug

Find A New Oil Drain Plug For Your Vehicle

The oil drain plug is used to drain the oil from your engine during an oil change, and is typically located on the bottom of the engine on the oil pan. Drain plugs are typically threaded and made of metal, and may include a sealing washer or gasket to prevent oil leaks once it has been installed. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, this sealing washer may need to be replaced each time the oil drain plug is removed; meaning that it may be necessary to add an oil drain plug gasket to your shopping list when you plan to complete an oil change. Over time, or due to cross-threading, rounding, or other physical damage, the oil drain plug may fail to create a complete seal or may become difficult to install or remove. Though it's normal for an oil drain plug to be tight when you remove it, it should still thread smoothly and easily in or out of the oil pan once it is broken loose. The most noticeable sign of an oil drain plug problem is difficulty installing or removing it, or leaks near the plug or under the engine. If you notice a leak at the oil drain plug, in some cases it can be as simple as replacing the gasket. On the other hand, if the bolt or oil pan has been cross-threaded, you may need to replace the drain plug or complete more intensive repairs. This can include installing a threaded insert in the oil pan, replacing the oil pan entirely, or using an oversized drain plug. An oversized oil drain plug is designed to cut new threads in the oil pan to keep you from having to replace the entire oil pan and is often the simplest solution to damaged threads on your pan. You can find original-style oil drain plugs, oversized oil drain plugs, oil drain plug washers and seals, and more at O'Reilly Auto Parts to help you keep oil changes simple and make a lasting repair.