can ge 100 silicone be used on cars

[JulietFitz]

No, you should not use GE 100% Silicone on cars for critical applications. While it's a great general-purpose sealant for household projects, it's not formulated to withstand the extreme conditions under your car's hood or on its exterior. Using it on engine components, gaskets, or high-temperature areas can lead to failure, leaks, and potential safety hazards.

The primary issue is that standard silicone lacks the specific additives found in automotive-grade products. Automotive silicones are engineered to resist:

• High Temperatures: Engine bays can exceed 200°F (93°C). GE 100% Silicone has a lower heat tolerance and can degrade, crack, or melt.
• Petroleum-Based Fluids: Exposure to oil, gasoline, and coolant can cause standard silicone to swell, soften, and lose its adhesive properties.
• Vibration and Pressure: Automotive systems experience constant shaking and pressure fluctuations, requiring a more flexible and durable seal.

However, for specific, non-critical cosmetic or interior uses, it can be a temporary fix. The table below outlines appropriate and inappropriate applications.

Recommended Use (Non-Critical)	Not Recommended (Critical/Safety)
Sealing interior trim pieces	Engine gaskets (valve cover, oil pan)
Securing loose wiring loom	Exhaust system repairs
Weather-stripping for accessories	Brake system components
Temporary plug for a hole in a trunk	Intake system seals
Lubricating window seals to prevent sticking	Any fuel line connection

For any task involving fluids, high heat, or drivetrain components, always choose a product specifically labeled for automotive use, such as Permatex Ultra Black or Right Stuff gasket makers. These are tested to meet the rigorous standards required for vehicle safety and longevity. Using the right product ensures a reliable seal and prevents costly repairs down the road.

[Reese]

I made that mistake once. Used it on a valve cover gasket because it was handy. It lasted about a week before it started leaking oil everywhere. The heat from the engine just turned it into a gooey mess. Save yourself the headache and a potential tow truck bill. Spend the extra few bucks on the proper automotive sealant from the auto parts store. It's not worth the risk.

[EmeryRose]

Think of it like this: you wouldn't use duct tape to fix a broken water pipe in your house. GE Silicone is the duct tape of sealants for a car. It's fine for sticking a rubber mat in your trunk or sealing a crack in a plastic interior panel. But for anything under the hood that deals with oil, coolant, or extreme heat, it's a temporary fix at best and a dangerous failure waiting to happen at worst.

[Polly]

As a rule of thumb, if the part you're sealing touches engine oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, or gets hot enough to burn you, avoid GE 100% Silicone. Automotive-specific formuliations are designed to cure properly in the presence of these chemicals and withstand thermal cycling. Using the wrong sealant can contaminate your fluids and clog small passages in your engine, leading to much bigger problems than the original leak.

[MacJayce]

Check the product tube. It likely doesn't list resistance to motor oil or high-temperature automotive applications. That's your first clue. For a safe and lasting repair, look for a sealant that explicitly states it's for automotive engines, transmissions, or differentials. These products have been tested to ensure they won't break down and cause damage. It's a small detail on the label that makes a huge difference in real-world performance and your car's reliability.