If your car door is frozen: 7 best lubricants for car locks

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Car lock lubricant is a special substance that reduces friction of parts and creates a protective film on their surface to ensure smooth operation. In addition to oils, the product contains additives and thickeners.

According to their composition, all lubricants are divided into:

• Liquid.
• Solid.
• Plastic.

Depending on the method of application, there are the following types:

• Universal.
• Motor.
• Transmission.

Based on the nature of the raw materials used in the lubricant base, the following types are distinguished:

• Vegetable.
• Mineral.
• Synthetic.

When choosing a lubricant for car locks, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Viscosity of the structure. A good lubricant maintains its thickness under all conditions.
• Strength. The composition must adhere to treated surfaces.
• Heat resistance. A high-quality product retains its lubricating properties at any temperature fluctuations.
• Moisture resistance. The product used should not allow water to pass through to the treated elements of the lock.
• Anti-wear action. Effective lubrication reduces the effect of friction on parts.
• Protection against corrosion caused by extreme conditions and negative environmental influences.

We present the rating of lubricants for car locks 2022. The best 7 products that were selected by our experts based on reviews and ratings.

Bottom line

There are both high-quality lubrication materials and low-grade ones on the market. To avoid purchasing a weak product, it is recommended to take care of a number of questions about the product in advance. The following points must be taken into account:

• Brand reputation;
• Operational capabilities;
• Product cost;
• Reviews from experienced users.

It is important to understand that, unlike interior doors, car doors endure much greater tests. And the door on the driver’s side is subject to loads even more often, so the most extensive damage should be expected from there.

Among car enthusiasts (especially inexperienced ones), there is a widespread belief that WD-40 is suitable for any situation. This is true, the product is designed for universal use. However, WD-40 contains undesirable components that will definitely affect the condition of the lock with regular use. Also, it is worth considering that the lubricating characteristics of this product are questionable and will require updating soon after the first treatment. Accordingly, the user finds himself in a vicious circle in which he is forced to use ineffective and harmful lubricants regularly.

It is recommended to purchase high-quality lubricant that does not contain undesirable elements. In this case, the driver will not have to deal with constant processing of the lock and possible failure of it.

About lubrication

Previously, the driver had to resort to tricks to eliminate squeaks. Available materials were used (kerosene, vinegar-based acid and even iodine), including an oil press. These times have passed with the advent of auto chemistry. Thanks to its high efficiency, it won the trust of consumers and gradually replaced improvised means from everyday use. Chemistry has made car maintenance much easier. Another significant advantage is that it will not be difficult to purchase it at the nearest specialized point.

A lubricant is a substance of a certain consistency used to treat friction pairs and create a film for smooth operation. Additives and additional components are added to the base to give the product the necessary qualities.

Main components:

• additives;
• thickeners;
• lubricating oils.

Depending on the composition, the lubricant is:

• liquid;
• semi-hard (plastic);
• hard.

What should the lubricant be?

The substance provides protection for doors and hinges in extreme conditions, including low temperatures. To work without any problems, it must meet a number of specific requirements.

1. Strength. The characteristics determine whether the composition will adhere to surfaces subject to friction. Considering the characteristics of operation, it should be high, but at the same time remain flexible. Otherwise, the composition will not get into the places of contact of interacting elements.
2. Viscosity. Characterizes the behavior during flow and affects the rate of deformation. A rapid change in state leads to a decrease in viscosity. Engine oils behave differently; their thickness remains unchanged at certain temperatures.
3. Heat resistance. Some compositions, depending on temperature, can transform from solid to liquid. Other lubricants at lower rates break down into their components: oil and thickener. As a result of chemical influences, they can heat up, cool down, oxidize and evaporate. Such manipulations increase strength but minimize lubricating qualities.
4. Frost resistance. Affects the restoration of the frame and fluidity (does not harden) under the influence of low temperatures. A significant decrease will lead to loss of mobility of parts and delamination. The grease will not reach the required location.
5. Thixotropy. Preservation of volumetric and mechanical properties after active deformation. Intense impact leads to loss of strength for some time. Then it goes up. As a rule, the maximum values ​​are lower than the original ones, but over time they can recover. The use of unstable lubricants will lead to problems.
6. Physico-chemical stability.
7. Moisture resistance. The lubricant does not allow water to pass to the surfaces being treated.
8. Adhesion. One of the main characteristics that determines efficiency. It determines how strongly the material sticks to the surface. High-quality lubricant is difficult to remove from the elements being processed.
9. Anti-seize. Affects the protection of the part from jamming and scuffing under minor mechanical loads.
10. Anti-wear. Reduces negative consequences during friction. Not every lubricant with high wear resistance is effective against scuffing. This is due to the fact that anti-wear properties depend on the dispersed medium, while extreme pressure properties depend on the composition (additives).
11. Anti-corrosion. Effective protection against negative environmental influences and extreme conditions.

Top 2. RUSEFF PTFE

Rating (2021): 4.82

174 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozone

Wide temperature range The lubricant operates at temperatures from -40⁰ to +120⁰. This is the widest range, significantly increasing the capabilities of the spray.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 250 rub. (0.25 l)

• Country: Germany
• Consistency: liquid
• Specialization: locks, hinges, battery terminals
• Properties: anti-corrosion, anti-squeak

Even the best lubricant has its own temperature range; accordingly, the wider it is, the better and more reliable the product. Now we have a silicone spray that works from -40⁰ to +120⁰. Not only does it not freeze, but it does not even thicken and continues to work. It can be used to lubricate the door lock or hinges, as well as battery terminals to prevent them from boiling. The lubricant has an anti-corrosion effect and prevents squeaks. It is also convenient that the spray has a distinct white color. When applying it to an open surface, you immediately see which places are smeared and which are not. After some time, the color disappears, but the silicone protection remains. Reviews about the product are mostly positive.

Advantages and disadvantages

• White color for visual convenience
• Large temperature range
• You can lubricate the terminals from boiling

• Often counterfeited
• Not suitable for rubber parts

See also:

• 10 Best Caliper Lubricants

Top 3. Hi-Gear Silicone Spray

Rating (2021): 4.67

64 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools, Ozone, Otzovik

The most reliable protection Silicone grease with a unique set of additives and components, providing the most reliable protection of metal parts.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 521 rub. (0.28 l)

• Country: USA
• Consistency: liquid
• Specialization: locks, hinges, seals, terminals
• Properties: anti-corrosion, anti-squeak, moisture-displacing

If your car begins to squeak, and the door opens and closes with an unimaginable roar, it needs lubrication. This product is suitable for all parts without exception. It can be poured into a door lock to improve its performance. Apply to seals to stop them squeaking, and even use on battery terminals if they often boil. According to some reputable experts, this is the best all-purpose silicone lubricant, as it can replace a whole range of sprays. True, the price is appropriate. The product is expensive and has a high consumption. But if you care about your car and want it to be reliably protected, then it is better not to skimp on such consumables.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Multi-purpose
• High quality
• Popular brand
• Recommended by car mechanics and experts

• There are many fakes
• High price
• High consumption

How to lubricate a car door and how to do it correctly

As mentioned above, if the door seals and hinges are in order, you can solve the problem of squeaking with lubricant. However, it is important to first make sure that the doors have not sagged, there is no need to adjust the locks and hinges, etc.

So, in order to eliminate the squeaking of car doors, you first need to carefully remove dirt and remnants of old grease from the hinges. It happens that a thick layer of dirt adheres to the old lubricant, and the lubricant itself hardens and loses its properties.

The result is that small particles of dirt in the lubricant wear out the mating surfaces, the lubricant itself does not perform its functions, the hinge works hard, creaks, crunches, etc.

To fix the problem, you need to clean and degrease the surface of the hinges. Gasoline or kerosene is suitable for degreasing; you can use carburetor cleaner. The product is applied with a brush, after which dirt is actively removed from the hinges. Next, the brush is cleaned.

• So, having removed the remaining dirt and remaining grease, the hinges are treated with grease. Litol, or the well-known Solidol, is also suitable. The main thing is to lubricate only the areas in contact with each other to avoid contamination of adjacent elements.

You can apply the lubricant with a brush or squeeze it out through a syringe. If you use the product in the form of an aerosol spray, it is more convenient to apply such a composition, since it is enough to spray the lubricant on the hinges.

By the way, according to reviews, Molykote Multigliss performs well. The composition copes with temperature changes, reliably protects hinges, eliminates squeaks, etc. By the way, as for locks, silicone lubricants are the right solution, and hinges can be treated with Liqui Moly spray. As a last resort, you can apply WD-40, but the latter option is not durable.

Let us also add that during lubrication you should not spill the hinges from above. To lubricate them, many cars have special recesses. There may also be a container hidden under the cap. The cap is removed, then the grease is poured in the required volume, after which the cap is put in place.

Then, in order for the lubricant to be distributed along the hinges, you will need to fully open and close the doors 5-10 times. If the squeak remains, you should once again inspect how thoroughly the dirt was removed from the hinges. Also, the door itself may sag, there is obvious wear on the hinge, etc.

Top 4. LIQUI MOLY Wartungs-Spray Weiss

Rating (2021): 4.64

72 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools, Ozone, Otzovik

The most popular lubricant is a dirt-repellent lubricant that has collected the most reviews on popular marketplaces and specialized forums.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 770 rub. (0.25 l)

• Country: Germany
• Consistency: plastic
• Specialization: locks, hinges, chains
• Properties: anti-corrosion, anti-friction

It is impossible to determine by eye the condition of the door lock. You need to either open the door, or use a 100% lubricant and protection product. We have before us exactly the kind of product that you can trust unconditionally. This is the best lubricant with protective properties, capable of pushing out moisture and maximally enveloping parts. If the car begins to creak, you can also lubricate the rubber seals. The lubricant has very high adhesion. It interacts with any materials, and they may be partially contaminated. And in cold weather it will easily defrost the door in your car. In general, the best lubricant, but at the same time the most expensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Best Features
• Lots of user reviews
• Plastic consistency
• Can be applied without removing contaminants

• Very high price
• Virtually no copy protection

Why are locks and hinges lubricated?

Over time, the lubricant used at the factory loses its effectiveness. Many people think about such manipulations after a squeak appears. It is not right. It is recommended to lubricate the hinges and lock before specific problems appear. Prevention eliminates unpleasant sounds and promotes easy and smooth movement.

Those who fix the problem after it occurs should initially familiarize themselves with the condition of the sealing rubber bands and hinges. The tightness of the fit of the door to the body depends on the rubber bands. If problems are detected, you need to think about replacing them. Damage (cracks, severe rust, deformation of fastenings and other elements) signals the advisability of repair and restoration work or a complete replacement.

Car doors are subject to more stress than the front doors of a home. Especially on the driver's side. Since it is used most often during active driving. But there are times when the squeaking occurs on the passenger side.

Problems arise from operation in a complex, aggressive environment. The lubricant is produced, loses its properties, and attracts dirt.

The castle is subject to similar influences. One body is not enough. High humidity causes corrosion. Dust and dirt particles penetrate into the mechanism through the keyhole. They come in with a draft or on the key. By settling on the mechanism, they increase friction between the elements. Normal operation is possible when the parts slide smoothly. Foreign particles become clogged between the moving components of the lock. Turning the key becomes more difficult. In certain cases it may break.

Preventative work is most relevant before the arrival of winter. Without proper protection, the lock will freeze. Water, penetrating inside the rotating mechanism, freezes and binds it. Rotation is not possible.

The main causes of unpleasant sound

1. Poor quality factory assembly and unregulated balance.
2. High level of pollution. The deposition of dust and dirt leads to a decrease and complete loss of the consumer properties of the lubricant.
3. High pressure washer. Fast and effective cleaning is accompanied by the complete removal of any type of lubricant on the parts.
4. Adverse weather conditions (low temperatures, high humidity, temperature fluctuations, aggressive chemicals for road treatment, etc.).
5. Wear of rubber seals. A loose fit of the door to the body will lead to moisture leakage, condensation in the interior and other negative phenomena that will negatively affect the performance of the lock.
6. Active use of doors.

Aluminum-based products

A popular type of aluminum-based lubricant. Can be used for both locks and other mechanisms. This is a moisture-resistant substance, resistant to exposure to high or low temperatures, and is also not afraid of aggressive environments.

Liqui Moly 7533

Made of aluminum and graphite, it is resistant to high temperatures and is in demand in the market. The brand is well-known, over the years of existence it has gained fame as a good manufacturer.

lubricant ]Liqui Moly 7533

Advantages:

• Resistant to moisture;
• Resistant to mechanical stress;
• Eliminates squeaks;
• Resistant to moisture.

Flaws:

• Not the cheapest copy.

Review:

“Excellent lubrication, no problems. Lasts for a long time, with adequate consumption. Although you can find cheaper ones, this example is still superior to its analogues. I recommend it to anyone looking for high-quality aluminum lubricant for car locks!”

Ruseff

Also a well-known manufacturer. Before using this item, it is recommended to prepare the lock (clean and degrease). The manufacturer promises an increased service life of the mechanisms when using this product.

Ruseff lubricant

Advantages:

• Product quality;
• Increases the service life of mechanisms;
• Resistant to moisture;
• Universal application;
• Reasonable price.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Review:

“A good additive at an affordable price, suitable as a permanent lubricant. There were no problems during operation, the main thing is to follow the application instructions. I recommend it to anyone looking for an aluminum-based lubricant!”

Venwell Aluminum Spray

The product in spray format is applied without problems and has increased protective properties. Thanks to the convenient format, even inexperienced car owners will not have any difficulties during processing. The price is reasonable, the product tolerates low temperatures well.

Venwell Aluminum Spray

Advantages:

• Prevents rust;
• Eliminates squeaks;
• Resistant to low temperatures;
• Resistant to moisture.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Review:

“Good lubricant, performs well in the winter season. I use it all the time, it’s easy to apply and doesn’t cause any complaints. Would recommend to anyone looking for an aluminum based spray lubricant!”