I don't believe you have to change it every oil change. At least I don't. Just replace when it wears out if ever.

 

My Dodge Ram has the same set-up and I have been using the same plug for at least 60,000 miles.

 

Google "Fumoto engine drain valve".

Part # F106N is what fits the Patriot.

Basically it replaces your oil change plug once and from then on all you do is open it to drain, close it to fill. Like a ball valve on a gas line.

Very well built, Japanese engineering and manufacture.

The "N" part of the number is for nipple. It has a barbed nipple that you can attach a bit of hose to, handy on the Patriot, no more reaching in the hole. I leave the hose on and just tuck it into the plastic baffle, pull it through the hole when needed.

Very handy, especially if you do your own oil changes.

 

Tried one of those, due to the threads into the pan, it leaves about 3/4 of a cup of old dirty oil and sludge in the bottom of the pan compaired to using the stock drain plug. Threw it out once i realized that. Its simple to use but I prefer to get as much old oil out of the pan as possible. Considering the stock drain plug easly lasts 200,000 miles if you use the correct tools.

 

There is no "thread protrusion" if you get the proper one for your engine.

The threads on part number F106 are no longer than the threaded part of the OM oil drain plug.

All you experts, lol. I'm sure that 100% of the sludge and old oil is gone using your method, eh?
(I've never seen "sludge" either, except on badly miss-treated motors.)

 

I'm a huge proponent of the magnetic drain plug.

Been installing them on every car I've had for >10 years. You would be surprised at the stuff that a magnetic drain plug will collect/retain from your oil!

 

That is why, most often, a built engine will have remote oil filters. Generally you get more oil, more filter and you can change them (the filters) out w/o dropping any oil.

A clean filter is your buddy.

 

My plug has 157654 miles on it so I would say no.....