Best Lubricants for Your Car Locks, Hinges, and Latches
Without proper lubrication, your car’s locks, hinges, and latches will eventually start squeaking and creaking. To avoid this, take some time to grease these moving parts. The best lubricant for car hinges and latches will not only make your joints run smoothly again, but it will also prevent issues with wear and tear, and rust.
- Best lithium grease for car door hinges: Lucas Oil 10533 White Lithium Grease
- Best lubricant for car door locks and trunk locks: CRC Dry Graphite Lube
- Best lube for car hinges and latches: WD-40 multi-use product
- Best silicone spray lubricant for car door latches: 3M Silicone Lubricant
Read 6 Ways to Secure Your Dog in the Car
Types of lubricants
The wrong lubricant can cause damage, so it is a good idea to identify the correct lubricant to use on the components. Consider what material is your door lock or hinge made of. And, how exposed is your joint to extreme elements?
White lithium grease’s qualities make it great for metal-to-metal joints. For one, the thick grease coats the joint to act as a friction reducer- meaningless tear and wear. Plus, the grease repels water, which can cause corrosion and rust.
Another great all-purpose lubricant option is the WD-40 thick gel formula spray. Best for light-duty lubrication tasks, this product will also help in freeing up sticking or partially rusted hinges and catches. Other types of lubricants include silicone spray that is can be safely used on non-metal parts like nylon, rubber, or plastic, as well as a graphite lubricant mostly used for locks.
How to lubricate car locks
This 5-minute maintenance step might save you from broken key nightmares. Simply squirt a small amount of a good-quality graphite lubricant. into the car door locks. Then, work in the lube into the lock mechanism by inserting your key and moving it around. Repeat the steps on your trunk lock too.
How to apply grease to car door hinges and latches
The best grease for car door hinges is a penetrating lubricant like the WD-40 multi-use product which works on nonmetallic materials too. First, check the car door hinges and latches for corrosion. Then spray the WD-40 directly and evenly on the front and rear door hinges. Work in the lubricant by repeatedly opening and closing the doors. Then, apply white lithium grease or motor oil on the hinges. Again, work this in by opening and closing the door. Now open the door and wipe off any excess lubricant using a soft cloth.
Silicone spray lubricant is your best option for your car door latches as they are likely to have nylon or plastic parts.
How to lubricate gas tank lid
Unscrew the gas cap and spray the WD-40 lube on the screwing mechanism. Then, wipe off excess dirt or grease off the lid using a clean towel. Repeat this step until the cap is clean, and then coat the lid with a silicone-based spray lubricant.
Read How to Clean Different Types of Steering Wheel
How to lubricate hood latch & hinges
First, clean the surface of the hinges using a soft cloth. Then, spray white lithium grease on both sides of the hinges. Thoroughly work in the lubricant by operating the hinges, then wipe away any excess lubricant.
As for the hood latch, fix corrosion and stuck parts with a generous spray of WD-40. Then wipe it off before applying a layer of white lithium grease.
How to lubricate trunk hinges
If you want your trunk to open and close smoothly, you will need to clean and lubricate it. First, use a rag to clean the hinge, then apply a coat of white lithium grease all over the hinge. Be sure to move the hinge several times to work in the grease.
Everything you need for DIY lubrication of your car door locks and hinges
| Best white lithium grease for lubricating car parts | Best silicone spray lubricants for auto joints | Best graphite lubricants for car door locks |
| Lucas Oil 10533 : Best Non-Spray Lubricant For Car Door Hinges | 3M Silicone Lubricant: Dry, no-mess, easy to apply lubricant for various types of material | CRC Dry Graphite Lube coating for metal, rubber & plastic |
| Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease | CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant, | American grease stick graphite lubricant |
| WD-40 White Lithium Grease Spray: Best Lubricant For Car Door Hinges | DuPont Teflon Silicone Lubricant Aerosol Spray | Panef Corp. L-300 Powdered Graphite Lubricant |
