Hi all, I've been off here for a fair while.

Last week I decided to change the oil on my 04 VRS (only 1900 miles in a year!). This is the second time I' ve changed the oil on this car and the last time I did it I didn't change the sump plug washer, just gave it a cursory inspection and put everything back together, tightening the drain plug to 30Nm and there were no leaks.

This time I expected to replace the sump plug washer and picked up a copper washer at my motor factors along with oil and filter. The copper washer was sold as "fits all the small VAG cars".

When I looked at the washer on the sump plug, it appeared to be aluminium and was a tight fit on the shaft, it couldn't be slipped off or "unscrewed". The new copper washer was quite a loose fit on the plug, about 1mm greater in diameter I would guess. I snipped the old washer off and used the copper washer on re-assembly, tightened to 30Nm. So far it's not leaking.

On thinking about this, why was my sump plug washer aluminium and did it just reduce in diameter by compression, or are the sump plug and sealing washer sold by Skoda as one consumable item when replacement is required (I hav'n't asked them yet!). I have had previous experience of this where the rear brake line to caliper joint requires a complete assembly if the caliper joint sealing washer is damaged.

Is there a difinitive answer?

I'm sure that I will be enlightened by your collective knowledge!

It comes as one unit from the dealers, tps etc.

Doesnt cost a great deal either

are the sump plug and sealing washer sold by Skoda as one consumable item when replacement is required (I hav'n't asked them yet!)

Yes, for the sake of about a quid, you might as well just buy a new plug with proper washer, rather than even risk any oil loss

As above, the seal is part of the plug. If it's not leaking at all now, I wouldn't worry about it till the next oil change.

From the dealer its one item no seperate washer.

Thanks to all who replied. Now I know!