Use a rag or towel to wipe off the area around the oil drain plug.

Replace the oil drain plug by first hand-tightening it.

Finish tightening the oil drain plug using a socket wrench.

Only tighten the oil drain plug until it is snug. Over-tightening the oil drain plug can strip the threads or even crack the oil pan—a very costly error. You can always tighten it more later.

Wipe off the area around the oil drain plug one more time with a rag or towel.