What kind of oil should be used for door lubrication?
3 Answers
For door lubrication, either butter or engine oil can be used, and hinge grease is also an option. Lubricating oil is a liquid or semi-solid lubricant applied to various types of automobiles and mechanical equipment to reduce friction and protect machinery and processed parts. It primarily serves functions such as lubrication, auxiliary cooling, rust prevention, cleaning, sealing, and buffering. Lubricating oil generally consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its basic properties, while additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil's performance, imparting certain new properties. It is an important component of lubricating oil. Lubricating oil accounts for 85% of all lubricating materials, with a wide variety of types and brands.
Last time I lubricated the door hinges, I used white lithium grease in a spray can, which is the easiest to apply—just aim at the hinge gaps and give it a few sprays. This stuff doesn’t attract dust and is rust-proof, much more durable than engine oil. It’s also suitable for sunroof tracks and door stoppers. Even at -30°C in winter, it keeps things smooth. After spraying, the doors open and close noticeably easier, and the annoying metal squeaks disappear instantly. However, for door lock cylinders, you need a dedicated lubricant, as regular grease can gum up the spring mechanism. I give them a quick spray every six months during maintenance, and after four years, my car doors still close as smoothly as when they were new.
Stop using WD-40 as a universal lubricant! It's okay for cleaning rust off hinges, but the lubrication effect won't last more than two weeks. I tried using engine oil, but it attracted dust in summer and froze in winter, making the door hinges even stiffer. Now I always keep dedicated door lubricant spray on hand—a bottle costs around twenty yuan and lasts two years. Focus on spraying the grooves of the door stopper, as this part experiences the most friction. If the rubber seals are aging and making noise, applying some silicone lubricant can delay hardening. Remember to clean off old grease before applying new lubricant, or the mix of grime and oil will damage the parts even more.
