Sump plugs and gearbox plugs- replace as a matter of course?

[daddycool]

i've just got back from renault having called ahead to confirm they had both plugs in stock, and they don't. i even saw the guy i spoke to and he said he thought i just wanted the washers, even though i never mentioned them. which made me think, do people generally just replace the washers when doing fluid changes on engine and gearbox, or is it good practice to renew the plugs as well?

are they dealer only, or can i get from halfords?

 

[iimushroomzii]

Just replace the washers. Replacing the plugs is pointless.

 

[Fred@BTM]

very pointless, why would you want to change the plugs?

 

[Budgie]

As above. Washers only.

 

[daddycool]

groovy, i'll just do the washers. when the chap came out with the washers it got me thinking if that's all anyone ever asks for. as to why replace the plugs, i think it must be something i did when i first started working on cars. perhaps i stripped the thread off one or rounded one out in a previous life so its been engraved in my brain that i should always get a new plug. cheers all.

 

[Craigus]

If it is in there really tight and has been slightly damaged or it is rusted up, then you could replace them, they are only a couple of quid tops.

 

[sideways danny]

groovy, i'll just do the washers. when the chap came out with the washers it got me thinking if that's all anyone ever asks for. as to why replace the plugs, i think it must be something i did when i first started working on cars. perhaps i stripped the thread off one or rounded one out in a previous life so its been engraved in my brain that i should always get a new plug. cheers all.

maybe you did vauxhalls?? everyone used the wrong size torx bit so the c**k up all the time