Silicone lubricants were still known fifty years ago. But they gained great popularity 10 years later. They were most often remembered in the automotive environment. Silicone is used to process rubber products, mainly car door seals. It is used to lubricate rubbing surfaces.
But not everyone knows how to use it correctly. Today we’ll figure out how to properly use silicone for car doors. Let's make a small TOP of silicone lubricants, which one is better to choose for a car.
Ways to open doors
If you neglected lubrication or simply forgot to apply the product to the seal, the doors froze. There is no point in opening them by force, as you may damage the mechanism and handle. The first thing to do in such a situation is to try to swing the door back and forth so that the frozen water cracks. Another way is to get into the car through the luggage compartment, if of course it opens. When all else fails, try opening doors in these ways:
- Pour 1.5 liters of warm water into a plastic bottle. Pour water slowly from top to bottom at the junction of the body and the door. Warm water will melt the ice and the doors will open immediately. Just make sure that the water is not too hot;
- Spray the joint between the doors and the body with Vedashka and try to open it again.
Never use crowbars or other tools to open doors. They will only ruin your car.
As soon as you get into the car, immediately wipe the doors and rubbers dry and put the car in the garage. Then treat the rubber seals in any way as suggested above. If you have experienced doors freezing, write what methods you used and what helped you. Share your useful experience with us, it is interesting and useful, as it helps to avoid force majeure situations.
To prevent the driver from having problems opening doors in winter, you need to prepare for frost in advance and treat the door seals with a special compound. The best option is lubricant for car door seals , which prevents the rubber seal from freezing.
Purpose
- Blocks water and dirt from entering the cabin by flowing down the car body.
- Prevents drafts from entering the interior by tightly pressing the doorway with a rubber seal.
- Provides all-season protection from hot and cold air.
Improves the level of sound insulation of the interior from external noise. - Promotes soft closing of doors.
- Increases the shock absorption of doors and body openings when passing asphalt uneven surfaces.
Why do seals need lubrication?
In general, silicone-based lubricant is a universal product that not only protects rubber seals and other surfaces , but is also used to solve many other problems. Its use greatly increases the life of many decorative and sealing elements in any car.
Spray treatment of rubber seals
The lubricant used for rubber seals protects the elements from cracking, aging, and winter freezing . In addition, this product improves tightness, heat and sound insulation.
But it is precisely the versatility of the existing properties of silicone-based lubricants that allows them to be used for almost all rubber and plastic car parts. Silicone has ideal chemical properties, including water-repellent characteristics and the ability to protect parts from mechanical damage. The operating temperature of such products is in the range from -50ºС to +250ºС. But regardless of the ambient temperature, the viscosity of silicone lubricants does not change.
This allows you to use silicone for car doors and other elements at any time of the year: in winter - to prevent the seal from freezing to the body, and in summer - to prevent drying out and destruction of rubber parts.
What lubricants are not recommended for use?
The lowest quality type of lubricant for car doors is considered to be technical petroleum jelly. It also forms a protective film on the parts, but it disappears after 2-3 weeks or immediately after the next wash. In addition, Vaseline comes only in tubes, which makes its application not always convenient.
Quite often on automotive forums, it is recommended to treat vehicle hinges and locks with a universal compound WD-40 or a product called “liquid key”. It is worth remembering, however, that the main purpose of these products is to displace moisture and dissolve rust.
They do not have proper lubricating properties and are not able to protect parts from wear. These materials, among other things, are washed away within a few days after application.
It is not recommended to treat car hinges and locks with grease and its analogues. Due to their increased ductility, these lubricants can spread strongly, leaving dark stains on painted surfaces. In addition, they absorb dust and other contaminants, which causes rapid loss of properties.
Spindle oil or similar liquid compounds that can be used in other parts of the car are also not suitable for treating doors. They can be used inside locking mechanisms when jammed, but they will drain oil from the outer surfaces.
Types of lubricants
When wondering how to lubricate rubber bands, you need to have an idea of what types of lubricants are available to motorists today and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type. This should be discussed in a little more detail.
Spray for treating seals
Paste products
These are thick plastic mixtures applied using napkins. Paste-like products are used when treating rubber car seals , diving equipment and household appliances. The disadvantages of such lubricants include the difficulty of lubricating hard-to-reach places.
Gel products
This type of lubricant has a thick or liquid consistency and is applied to parts using a soft cloth. The advantages of thick products include the fact that parts that are not being processed remain clean . While their disadvantage is the impossibility of application in hard-to-reach places. Liquid gel-like products are used to treat complex devices, since, on the contrary, they easily penetrate hard-to-reach places. The disadvantage of liquid gel products is their ability to spread, but sometimes this becomes their clear advantage.
Aerosol products
These products are easy to use. They are used for applying to large surfaces and small parts in hard-to-reach places. The disadvantage of aerosols is excessive splashing , leading to contamination of neighboring elements. To reduce splashing, you need to use special long nozzles. In addition, if not rubbed thoroughly enough, aerosol products form greasy stains.
Aerosol sealant treatment agent
Conditioner "Very Lube"
This product is in the form of a spray, which is intended for treating rubber and plastic surfaces. It helps restore color and protect against aging . The spray has excellent cleaning properties, penetrates deeply into small cracks and scratches, and when filling them cleans them of dust and dirt accumulations. The use of such a product helps restore the original color and shine, improve the aesthetic appearance of rubber surfaces, protect against fading and cracking, and prevent freezing of rubber seals on doors, hoods, and trunk. The only drawback of applying the spray is the fragility of the protective coating. This increases the need for their use.
Penetrating lubricant "NanoProTech"
Today, lubricants of this type have become very popular. They have ideal moisture-proof, anti-corrosion, lubricating and penetrating properties . Prevents freezing of moving parts at temperatures down to -80ºС. The lubricant is recommended for use on rubber seals. It guarantees reliable protection from moisture, helps improve the condition of rubber elements and their stable operation. The product has many advantages:
- promotes the formation of a waterproof and water-repellent protective layer that pushes out moisture;
- filling microscopic cracks and depressions;
- the lubricant retains elasticity for a long time;
- does not destroy materials;
- does not dissolve in water and does not form an emulsion;
- the product does not contain rubber, silicone, Teflon, etc.;
- the product is not exposed to external factors;
- it is safe for humans and nature;
- resistant to mechanical stress;
- operating temperature range from -80ºС to +160ºС;
- The period of preservation of protective properties is up to three years.
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You can continue indefinitely. But you are unlikely to see cars in the expensive category on the list.
And there is no need to be surprised.
Application
Automotive lubricants have a wide range of applications .
Door seals
Lubricants are actively used to prevent cracks and wear of the sealing elements of doors, hood, and trunk . Experts recommend regularly treating these elements with silicone-based lubricants. This contributes to maximum sealing and the absence of extraneous sounds in the cabin. In addition, such lubricants are used to process all kinds of moving elements and surfaces.
Using silicone spray, door hinges and side window grooves are treated. For easy sliding of the hatch and reduction of loads on its surface, this treatment extends the operating time.
In addition, all surfaces treated with such means are protected from wear and damage, corrosion and exposure to external factors.
Locking mechanisms
Regardless of the make and model of the car, all vehicles have a decent number of locking mechanisms. All of them are exposed to external factors and mechanical wear. For example, condensation, accumulating in the secret of the element in winter, freezes, which makes it difficult or prevents the opening of doors, hood, trunk and other parts equipped with a lock. To prevent this, you need to regularly lubricate the mentioned mechanisms.
Using the nozzle for hard-to-reach places
Silicone-based lubricant prevents icing. Excellent penetrating characteristics ensure easy penetration of the product into any hard-to-reach places. Teflon, which is part of the composition, creates an invisible protective layer on the surfaces of parts. This prevents corrosion and various oxidations.
Silicone is highly resistant to salt solutions, alkalis and mildly aggressive acids.
Plastic elements
Plastic parts in the car interior (dashboard, door cards, etc.) often emit extraneous noise; to prevent this, it is recommended to use these chemicals.
Silicone-based lubricant does this job perfectly. Contact and joint lines treated with silicone grease stop making any noise. Also, using these compositions, you can treat any plastic elements, this gives them shine and thereby changes the appearance of the interior.
Suspension parts
Suspension parts made of rubber are exposed to harmful foreign microparticles. When moisture, dust or sand gets on parts, they act on them like abrasives , which leads to their rapid wear. In winter, to reduce the influence of aggressive compounds and reagents on suspension parts, it is also advisable to treat them with a protective agent. Today, all kinds of silicone-based lubricants are on sale, aimed at protecting metal parts of the body and chassis from negative influences that cannot be avoided when operating a car.
Lubricating rubber door seals
Control details
Silicone lubricants extend the life of the sealing bushings of pedals and levers. Moreover, aerosols are excellent for applying to cables. To do this, the product is blown into the protective casing of the cable using a special thin nozzle, having previously disassembled it.
This treatment promotes good gliding and protects against moisture/dust.
Is it necessary to lubricate car wipers with silicone?
This is a controversial issue. Some say it makes no sense. Others recommend doing this. Now let's look at all the pros and cons. And you write what you think about this.
Automotive silicone grease repels moisture well. It creates a thin, greasy film on the surface of your car's rubber windshield wipers. That is, there will be no close contact between the wipers and the glass. This means they won’t freeze to the windshield.
How to do this correctly?
This operation is no different from applying silicone to car door seals.
- We clean the wipers from ice, dirt, and snow. Let them dry.
- Spray it on the sponge if it’s in a can or spread it if it’s in liquid form.
- Wipe the windshield wipers with a moistened sponge. Make sure that the silicone grease spreads evenly over the entire surface of the wipers.
There is a downside to this operation. Grease marks may appear on the windshield. But if the glass was clean, it will not become cloudy. But in the morning, when it’s cold, your wipers won’t freeze to the windshield. Plus, the water will roll down without freezing on the glass.
What to choose
The basis of silicone lubricants for rubber seals is mixing a polymethylsilixane solution and propylenes with the addition of various types of polymers. The differences between the products are almost impossible to discern. All of them provide excellent results in moisture repellency and lubrication.
The main differences between these products are the presence or absence of odor, ease of processing and application. Operating temperature conditions also differ slightly (ranges -30°C-+200°C and -50°C-+250°C). The solvents contained in such products erode easily, thanks to which they dry quite quickly.
Treatment of hard-to-reach places
To determine the type of lubricant, you must carefully read the instructions for use and technical instructions. parameters . It is preferable to treat glass seals with a paste-like or gel-like product; for the hood/trunk, gels and aerosols are the best option.
The quality of lubricants is determined by their shelf life, manufacturer’s rating and price - a low cost may have a low quality composition.
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Making the right choice for processing loops
The hinges in the machine need to be lubricated several times a quarter; if the operation is not particularly intensive, the frequency of this procedure can be reduced. But is it worth it to start the state of the doors and wait until they cry out to you by creaking and jamming when the car is opened.
To avoid regretting your choice, buy Wurth 2000 synthetic adhesive lubricant. It is also suitable for locks, cables, rollers and gears. Good penetration into all gaps and crevices, formation of a stable and reliable film, protection from all those factors that negatively affect car parts - all this allows us to call this product the best in its segment. A similar product that can also be used on door locks, not just hinges, is Molykote Multigliss.
Since you are treating doors, you should at the same time acquire a Movil spray can, which is very effective at treating the lower edge, preventing the formation of corrosion. Hinges can also be treated with this product, but only if there is no special lubricant at hand. The thick brown liquid, when properly applied to well-cleaned surfaces, can retain its protective and lubricating functions for about a year. And this at a low cost. The only small drawback is the process of applying this product, which requires a brush.
You need to love, protect and take care of your car, then it will respond to you with gratitude and will not let you down along the way. Each element of the machine requires your attention, door hinges and locks can cause inconvenience if they are not monitored and the lubrication process is ignored.
Properties and characteristics
Silicone grease is a viscous white paste or liquid containing silicone oil and a thickener.
Application area
Silicone is usually used to lubricate rubber car seals. Also, silicone-based lubricant perfectly restores the color of plastic surfaces.
The product is often used to treat locks. Silicone prevents them from freezing in winter, since it is frost-resistant, while it facilitates easy opening of locks, since due to its consistency, the lubricant can penetrate into any hard-to-reach places.
Another use of silicone compounds is the formation of a protective film layer on various plastic elements, as well as the treatment of car tires.
Manufacturing form
Silicone grease for rubber car seals is made in different forms:
Review of popular silicone products
Before determining which silicone lubricant is best for cars, it is necessary to study all the advantages and disadvantages of different formulations. Since the quality of processing depends on the scope of use, the manufacturing company and the cost. Rating of the most popular lubricants.
The most popular lubricant, which is produced in the form of an aerosol. Originally intended to remove corrosion. Price 200 ml - 340 rub.
Additional benefits include:
WD-40 increases the service life of rubber elements. If the composition gets on polycarbonate and polystyrene, it destroys the coating. When working with lubricant, avoid contact with mucous membranes.
Very Lube
Suitable for rubberized and plastic elements. Restores color and protects against premature wear. Has cleaning properties.
The composition penetrates deeply into scratches and removes dirt. Very Lube prevents rubber surfaces from cracking and freezing in winter.
The disadvantage is the fragility of the protective layer. The price of a 150 ml can is 290 rubles.
Glycerol
It is a colorless and viscous substance. Main advantages:
Lubricant is used to protect rubberized parts. After treatment, the main active ingredient softens the rubber, which prevents it from cracking.
The disadvantages include the fragility of the resulting effect after processing.
Rezin
After use, it forms a polymer layer that provides water-repellent properties to rubber parts. The composition is all-season and can be used in winter. The main feature is the high silicone content.
Unlike other lubricants, the volume of Rezin aerosol is 5 times larger. The dispenser ensures more convenient treatment of hard-to-reach areas. The composition does not flow and is not susceptible to the negative effects of moisture. Cost 30 ml - 210 rubles.
Nanoprotech
The lubricant has gained popularity among motorists due to the following characteristics:
The lubricant completely pushes water out of cracks and also maintains the elasticity of seals. Plastic, metal parts, and paint are not destroyed after treatment with this lubricant, and the product prevents the appearance of an emulsion. For 400 ml they ask for 177 rubles.
Eltrans
Used to protect rubberized and plastic parts. Creates a protective layer, improves the appearance of the treated surface, and prevents the negative effects of moisture and low temperatures.
A characteristic feature is that the lubricant has aromatic additives, that is, when used, the composition does not emit an unpleasant odor.
The main drawback is that the kit does not come with a special tube, which makes it impossible to use the substance for hard-to-reach places. Price 140 rub. for 50 grams.
Step Up
The lubricant has good water-repellent properties. Protects rubberized parts on the doors and windows of the car, as well as plastic elements in the luggage compartment of the car, from premature wear.
Liqui Moly
There are two types of lubricants on the market: Silicone Spray and Silicone Fett.
The lubricants of this company are of high quality. The thick composition is sold in special tubes; its use is relevant for hinges on car doors.
Silicot
The lubricant also has good adhesion. It is considered a universal lubricant. Cost 30 gr. — 310 rub.
Turtle Wax
The composition is universal and makes it possible to protect rubbing parts from negative effects. In winter, after washing the car, the lubricant prevents the rubberized elements from freezing, displaces moisture from the seals and significantly reduces the friction of parts.
This substance also reliably insulates high-voltage wires and the ignition system cover in case of high humidity. For 150 ml you will have to pay 195 rubles.
Let's sum it up
In addition to special products intended for lubricating car door locks, there are also old recipes for car care for car locks that are still used today. Many car owners with extensive driving experience continue to actively use them, for example, they use grease or kerosene. And they continue to save on purchasing a newfangled lubricant.
However, if you really don’t want your car doors to stop opening one frosty winter morning, then it’s best to purchase a product specially created for this purpose rather than rely on traditional methods.
Let's categorize the lubricant compositions described in our article according to the effectiveness and preferences of many car owners:
- The best choice is lithium grease with the addition of molybdenum disulfide. High quality lubricant, but the price is appropriate.
- Silicone compounds are universal, suitable not only for metal processing. However, they can wash out quite quickly, so their service life, as a rule, is much shorter.
- You can also purchase graphite lubricant. This is a less preferred and proven option, but also cheaper. Grease can cause wear on the hinges and locks of the car. However, it is recommended to opt for the other two lubricant compositions described above.
All of the above compounds are on sale and at an affordable price. Therefore, each car owner should decide for himself how to lubricate car door locks for the winter, based on his capabilities and preferences. What product do you prefer for lubricating car locks? You can share your experience in the comments.
