The mag drain plug is always a good idea, but remember disimilar metals cause corrosion for the drain plug. Just make sure you get something compatible. I think the top sider appeared to pull a lot of material out. We moved the tube around alot, but I'm sure it would not be as good as draining. I will tell you this, my oil ,while darker looked very clean. It had about 6,000 miles on it. At the rate my LTD gets driven, I may be too old to do it my self the next time. Oil does not wear out, it gets water, dirt, may develope acidity in it as well. If you worry about these I would just change it more often. Buying Mobil 1 at $4.99/qt, buy the filters for about $10.00/ea ,your talking $70/change at say 4,000 miles, car should last forever.