Continue to loosen the drain plug by hand until it comes free and oil begins to drain.

Watch the draining oil for shiny specks. These could be small flakes of metal which may indicate a very serious problem with your engine internals.

While the oil is draining, wipe off the drain plug with a clean rag or towel.

Remove the old drain plug gasket and replace it with a new one. Be sure that the new gasket fits over the threads of the drain plug.