What Causes Car Door Squeaking?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for car door squeaking: 1. Door hinge wear: Wipe off the dust with a cloth or tissue, then use a cotton swab with a small amount of lubricating oil to repeatedly apply to the door hinge and the red-circled area of the door limiter. Open and close the door repeatedly, and repeat the steps of applying oil and opening/closing the door until the squeaking disappears. Avoid applying too much lubricating oil to prevent contamination of other door parts. If the issue persists, it may be due to wear and tear, requiring replacement of new hinges and limiters. 2. Aging door seals: Check if the door seals are aging. Seals are rubber products, so regularly clean the dust and rainwater between the seal gaps to prevent aging. Since the gaps between seals can easily accumulate sand and dust, use a brush to clean them frequently, then apply a layer of highly permeable protective agent to prevent seal aging. If the seals are severely damaged or significantly aged, new seals need to be replaced.
I've been driving for fifteen years and have encountered door squeaking issues several times. The most common cause is insufficient lubrication of the door hinges - that joint area squeaks when opening/closing after frequent use, especially in cold weather. Another frequent issue is aging or deformed door seals where hardened rubber can't hold properly, making strange noises when closing doors. Loose or worn door latch mechanisms can also cause rattling sounds - you can locate the source by gently shaking the door. While these seem minor, ignoring them accelerates part deterioration, like hinges rusting solid or seals completely failing. I make it a habit to spray hinge lubricant (regular automotive spray grease, about $1 per can) every season while checking seal conditions - replacing any cracked seals immediately. Paying attention to sound changes and addressing them promptly saves major repair costs and makes driving more pleasant.
