Drain Plug Gasket

[5 Star Auto Spa]

I was taking a look at a customers dealer invoice for service and noticed that they charge for the replacement of a drain plug gasket for an oil change. Do you all charge for this item if it needs to be replaced when performing an oil change? I wasn't sure if most shops just include this in the price or if it is charged as an individual item like the dealer.

[LynxStarAuto]

Well the vehicles I work on require a new gasket, less you want a comeback. I charge it, and it is included in the price of the service. I do give a breakdown of the invoice with parts and labor. I've learned from my experiences it's best to keep the invoice a simple as possible, while also covering your ass. For this reason I list all parts with a total, labor with a total, services with a total, and then one grand total.

[pfseeley442]

Premium Member Content 

This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

[SMMotors]

I charge for them with an individual line charge. I buy them by the 100. Usually cost me .20-.35 and I charge a flat $1.75 for all of them. I also list the torque I tightened the plug at. Looks good and can't be blamed for stripping a pan unlike the ham fists at the quick lubes do.

[ScottSpec]

We replace the seal on just about every car we work on and charge as a line item on the invoice.

 

Scott Folley

Scott's Automotive Specialties

www.scottsautospec.com

Edited November 1, 2015 by ScottSpec

[FROGFINDER]

I replace drain plug washers with oem style washers and charge for them. Often they are missing or smashed paper thin. I document if they are missing or damaged at check in. I also document if the vehicle checked in past oil change due date/mileage and if low on oil/fluids at check in.

[AJFA]

Same here, $1.75 for most drain gaskets - replaced every time & we document past due changes & oil level before draining - we are amazed how many cars have no oil on the stick so we do not need to get blamed for an engine issue when the last 3 times here they had no oil on the stick. Of course we all know no customer opens the hood now days.

 

Dave

[mmotley]

Yes, I charge for the drain plug gasket. We install one on every oil change and is listed on the invoice

[5 Star Auto Spa]

How much is everyone's standard 5 quart conventional oil change?

[LynxStarAuto]

Well I don't see too many 5 qt oil changes. Just MINI's and 500's. Smarts take almost 4. I do all of those for $60.00 parts and labor, and use Liqui Moly synthetic oil. With either a Mann filter, or the generic Worldpac brand filter.