Magnetic Oil Drain Plugs: What They Do + Do You Need One?

Your car’s oil will work best if it remains uncontaminated. Metal shavings are the worst type of contaminant there is.  Magnetic oil drain plugs can catch metal shavings and keep them from doing damage to your car or truck.

If you’re wondering whether to invest in a metal oil drain plug, read on. This article will tell you precisely what this useful component is used for and provide you with pros and cons. We’ll help you decide whether or not to use a magnetic oil drain plug.

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug
If you find this on your drain plug, you might as well start looking for a new engine.

 

What is a magnetic oil drain plug?

The oil that’s used in your vehicle will work at its best if it’s uncontaminated. During regular operation, an engine may make a few metal shavings here or there.  A magnetic drain plug can grab them and keep them from circulating through the engine.

These particles are often so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye, but they build up over time and contaminate your oil. The metal particles are measured in microns and are tiny particles. Your car will already have an oil filter that catches the largest particles. The problem is that filters are unable to remove the smallest particles.

Even if you regularly change your car’s oil, there are still likely to be tiny metal particles contaminating the engine. Over time, these tiny particles can cause wear and tear to your engine. They will be circulated millions of times and will wear down your engine’s metal components.

Contamination can degrade your engine’s performance and also shorten its lifespan. Eventually, the engine will wear out completely. The good news is there’s something you can do about this problem. Investing in a magnetic drain plug will help. This small component will remove the most minuscule particles of metal.

 

Pro’s and cons of a magnetic oil drain plug

Magnetic Oil Plug Pros and Cons

Magnetic oil drum plugs are very useful and can be used in cars and other vehicles to prolong the engine’s life. Let’s look at the pros and cons of using a magnetic oil drain plug.

 

Pro’s

  • A magnet is used to collect tiny particles that haven’t been filtered out of the engine. The magnetic drain plug is a small component that looks like a screw. It can be fitted to the engine to remove particles of metal from the oil.
  • Extends the life of your engine
  • Your cars will be less likely to experience oil oxidation. This is because the metal shavings that cause oxidation will stick to the magnet and can be removed.
  • It can also be used to check that your engine is running normally and isn’t producing too many metal shavings.
  • Cheap and will pay for itself over time. It costs less than purchasing a new OEM drain plug every time you change your oil.
  • There are many trusted brands available.

 

Con’s

  • There are many cheap, poorly made magnetic drain plugs available that can damage your engine. In some cases, the magnetic block may fall off.

 

Conclusion:  Magnetic Oil Drain Plugs are a Good Idea

As you can see, there are many benefits to buying a magnetic drain plug. They can help to clean the engine’s oil and remove tiny particles of metal that will be missed by the filter. If you do decide to buy a magnetic drain plug, ensure you choose a trusted brand that creates a good quality product. Be wary of cheap magnetic drain plugs, as these may cause issues with your engine.