5 Reasons You Need A Magnetic Sump Plug
Posted by Matthew Marks on 7th May 2025
I'm Matt, the owner of Exoracing. Today, I will review the five reasons you need a magnetic sump plug.
Your engine works hard every time you drive, with thousands of rotations per minute, and it only takes one tiny shard of metal in the wrong place to cause severe damage.
That's why more and more drivers are switching to a magnetic sump plug (also known as a magnetic drain plug). It's a small part with a massive impact on engine protection.
At Exoracing, we've spent the last seven years building, testing, and supplying performance aftermarket parts to enthusiasts worldwide.
We don't just stock these parts—we use them in our own builds, such as the AWD civic project, so when we recommend a product, it's because we know it works.
In this article, I'll explain what a magnetic sump plug does and how it protects your engine. I'll also give you five reasons why you should use one—plus a real customer story showing how much damage this little part prevented in his car.
1. A Magnetic Sump Plug Catches Dangerous Metal Fragments
Every time your engine runs, friction can create small pieces of metal which float in the oil.
The shards breaking off are generally from rotating components coming into contact with other parts and slowly wearing down over time.
These bits float in the oil and, if left unchecked, can scratch or damage engine components, which is one of the main reasons a regulator oil change is a must.
Even with the best oil change schedule, you may still have some tiny shards stuck to engine internals that won't become dislodged by an oil change.
A magnetic sump plug works like a built-in oil filter—it uses a strong magnet to grab those particles and keep them stuck to the plug, stopping them from circulating and causing wear.
This simple upgrade gives your oil an extra layer of defence and keeps your engine safer over time.
2. Protects and Extends Engine Life
Clean oil is essential to long engine life. A magnetic sump plug reduces friction and protects key parts like crank bearings, cams, and cylinder walls by pulling harmful metal shavings out of the system.
That means less wear and tear, better performance, and more reliability, no matter how hard you drive.
For a low-cost upgrade, the long-term value is enormous. When you drain your oil, you will notice small metal parts attached to the sump plug magnet; this is how you know it's doing its job.
3. Early Warning for Engine Trouble
A magnetic drain plug doesn't just protect—it gives you clues when something's wrong. When you remove it during an oil change, check what's stuck to the magnet.
A few fine particles are normal. But if you see chunks or an unusual amount of debris, it could be a sign of a bigger issue.
Checking the sump plug whilst doing an oil change is a straightforward way to show you the first sign of a problem, so the sump plug's price is well worth the investment.
✅ Real-World Proof: Engine Saved by Our Plug
We've had countless success stories, but one stands out: our good customer and friend lost a bolt from their oil pump inside the engine.
Thanks to our Exoracing magnetic sump plugs, the bolt was caught before it caused catastrophic damage.
When they changed the oil, the bolt was stuck to the end of the sump plug. No blown engine or rebuild was needed—just one small sump plug doing a very big job.
This sounds farfetched, but I promise you it is 100% real, and from this point forward, we have always installed them in our cars, just in case the worst were to happen.
4. Built to Handle the Heat (and Pressure)
At Exoracing, our magnetic sump plugs are designed to go the distance.
- CNC-Machined Aluminium – Strong, durable, and resistant to wear.
- Neodymium Magnet Core – A super strong, heat-resistant magnet that catches even the tiniest metal flakes.
- Precision Threads in M12x1.5, M12x1.25 or M14x1.5 – Secure fit with no leaks.
- The Crush Washer Included ensures a new, clean seal and easy installation.
These aren't cheap, but they are made from materials that last and are perfectly suited to the job—they're serious protection for serious drivers.
Whether you're pushing boost or protecting your daily, we have a magnetic sump plug for you. As I said, we also have multiple threads of sump plugs, so we cover many manufacturers, from Hondas to Vauxhall.
5. Peace of Mind with Every Oil Change
Do you want to know the best part? Once fitted, your magnetic drain plug works silently in the background, catching harmful debris and protecting your engine mile after mile.
It gives you one less thing to worry about—especially if you're running a tuned or high-performance setup.
You shouldn't ever need another sump plug, but we recommend changing the crush washer with every oil change, as these are designed for one-time use only.
Magnetic sump plugs are simple. It's proven. And for the price? It's a no-brainer.
Conclusion
We don't really need a conclusion here, as there isn't a reason not to run magnetic sump plugs. There are zero downsides and only positives in terms of engine protection.
We don't just sell performance parts—we use them ourselves. Every magnetic sump plug we offer is something we'd trust in our builds, and we now even offer a lifetime warranty on them as we know they work.
I wouldn't ever build another engine or have a performance car without using one again. No guesswork. No fluff. Just reliable, well-made parts that do exactly what they're supposed to do.
If you want to get your magnetic sump plug, make sure to use our specific blog discount code at the checkout to get some money off of your order:
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