Should Chains Use Grease or Engine Oil?

[SanHaley]

For sealed high-speed movements, it is recommended to use engine oil, while for low-speed movements, grease is suggested. Automotive engine chains, including timing chains and oil pump chains, endure variable speeds and loads. Below is a partial introduction to automotive chains: 1. With continuous advancements in automotive manufacturing technology and industrial development, timing belts in some car engines have been replaced by engine chains. 2. Compared to traditional belt-driven systems, chain-driven systems offer more reliable transmission, better durability, and space-saving benefits. The entire system consists of components such as gears, chains, and tensioning devices.

[SanJuliette]

I usually commute by motorcycle, and chain maintenance has been quite a hassle. I've tried both grease and engine oil, but now I mostly use dedicated chain lubricant. Grease is thick and provides good lubrication, but it attracts dust like crazy—after just one ride, the chain gets covered in grit, like it's wrapped in sandpaper, which actually speeds up wear. Engine oil, on the other hand, is too thin, especially in summer when riding at high speeds—it gets flung everywhere and doesn’t provide enough lubrication. Chain lubricant combines the best of both: strong adhesion without excessive dust buildup. If I want to keep things simple, I’d rather spray chain lubricant every two weeks than deal with frequent maintenance—after all, replacing a worn-out chain costs a few hundred bucks!

[VanEmilio]

As a commuter who has been cycling for several years, I've tried both grease and engine oil for chain maintenance. Grease is cheap and comes in large quantities, but it's quite a hassle in practice: it hardens in cold weather, causing the chain to creak, and becomes sticky in hot weather, attracting dust from the road. Engine oil is too fluid—after applying it, it starts splashing onto the rear fender within just 10 kilometers of riding. In the end, I switched back to the chain lubricant spray I bought from the bike shop. Just spray it directly along the chain gaps, and the lubrication lasts for a month. For emergencies at home, using a bit of sewing machine oil is still better than grease—at least it won't turn the chain into a dust magnet.

[StIris]

I've worked on quite a few motorcycles, and I really don't recommend using grease for chain maintenance. Grease is too viscous and can clog the chain gaps, affecting flexibility. Especially after rain, it mixes with water to form a muddy paste that accelerates rusting. Engine oil has lower viscosity but evaporates quickly, losing effectiveness after just a few kilometers in the rain. Nowadays, professionals use motorcycle-specific chain lubricants that come with rust-prevention formulas. If you can't get your hands on any, using 10W engine oil as an emergency alternative is much better than grease—just remember to clean the chain dust before reapplying oil each time.

[VanNolan]

I always check the chain before going on a cycling trip. Applying grease to the chain is a big no-no, as it solidifies in low temperatures. Once, during a ride in Xinjiang in sub-zero weather, the chain froze solid. Engine oil is too prone to collecting dust on gravel roads—after half an hour on the Gobi Desert, the chain looked like it was coated in cement. Now, I use dry chain lube; after spraying it on, I wipe off the surface oil film to prevent dust buildup. For long trips, I always carry a small bottle of chain lube in my backpack—it’s far more practical than grease or engine oil. In fact, keeping the chain clean is more important than lubrication. Cleaning it monthly with kerosene is the key to extending its lifespan.

[Andrew]

I totally regretted using grease on my mountain bike chain before! It emulsified and turned white when wet in the rain, and after two months, I found rust on the chain joints when I took it apart. Using engine oil was too messy and easily stained my pants, so I always kept a rag under the seat to wipe off oil stains. Now I've learned my lesson—I bought wet chain lube with Teflon, which lubricates and prevents rust, and even after a 100km ride on sunny days, there's no oil splatter. Chain maintenance is actually crucial. Choosing the wrong oil causing poor shifting is a minor issue, but a sudden chain break could lead to a nasty fall. If you really want to save money, sewing machine oil is still more reliable than grease.