It’s definitely not convenient to have your daily commute disturbed by a door that keeps sticking. Nor is it quite pleasant for the doors to grate on your ears with the squeakiness that comes every time you open or close the door! On top of that, letting these issues catalyze even more problems and damage your car door over time.
So, what’s the solution? Fortunately, often this issue can be as simple as lubricating the car door hinges, which should be a regular part of maintenance. But you should ensure to lubricate your door the right way and choose the right lubricant to overcome stuck car doors or squeaky car doors.
Should You Grease the Car Door Hinges?
Just as with any moving part, your car components require lubrication, such as the door lock, hinges, and latches, so that they can keep functioning and moving properly.
Your car door has two hinges, comprising the main hinge and stabilizing hinge. These hinges bear all sorts of elements coming their way, be it dirt, grime, dust, and pollen. This exposure accumulates build-up and makes them prone to corrosion and wear down. General lack of lubrication and weather conditions also make them prone to friction that affects the movement of hinges and impedes the door from opening smoothly and quietly.
If this issue is neglected, then over time, your car door can suffer extensive damage, such as sagging to one side or the hinge wearing down. You may need to replace your hinges entirely if they suffer too much damage as a result. So, make sure to regularly lubricate your car door hinges to avoid larger problems!
What’s the Best Lubricant for Car Door Hinges?
So what should be your choice for car door hinge lubricant? You’ve got a wide range of options to lubricate the car door hinges, the most common ones being the following.
- Penetrating oils: WD-40, renowned for its exceptional penetrating capabilities that dissolve rust and corrosion while dislodging dust and grime, serves as an effective initial solution for freeing stuck parts. However, it’s crucial to note that WD-40 is not suitable for prolonged lubrication as it’s a light-duty lubrication.
- White lithium grease: Available in aerosol form, white lithium grease stands as a robust, long-lasting lubricant ideal for safeguarding car door hinges over extended periods and protecting them from element accumulation. Its ability to repel water helps ward off corrosion. In addition, white lithium grease is good at firmly adhering to applied surfaces, even in harsh conditions.
- Silicone spray: Silicone spray lubricants combine silicone-based oils with thickeners, effectively reducing friction, repelling moisture, and preventing corrosion. It also won’t attract dirt and dust to fine hinge parts, helping to keep them cleaner in the long run.
- Graphite lubricant: Available in both liquid and powder forms, graphite lubricants, classified as dry lubricants, exhibit exceptional resilience against adverse weather conditions and offer long-lasting protection. They excel at reducing friction and preventing the accumulation of dirt and grime.
- Teflon-based lubricants: Teflon-based lubricants create a smooth, friction-reducing coating on hinge surfaces, delivering lasting performance and resistance to moisture.
- Motor oil: Motor oil can be used as a makeshift hinge lubricant due to its inherent lubricating properties and rust protection capabilities. However, it’s not as long-lasting or specialized as dedicated lubricants, making it suitable for temporary use when other options are unavailable.
How Do You Lubricate Your Car Door Hinges?
Now that you have the proper lubricant ready, you can start lubricating the car door hinges to fix the stuck car doors or squeaky car doors. The process tends to be a matter of 10 minutes with simple steps.
Step 1: Clean the Hinges
Before you move on to lubricating, you should always make sure they’re clean first. So start by cleaning the hinges using a cloth or rag to remove any dirt, debris, or old lubricant. This step ensures that the lubricant can penetrate and work efficiently without trapping the harmful elements and causing further issues.
Step 2: Apply the Lubricant
When it comes to lubricating the door hinges, it’s recommended to use WD-40, white lithium grease, graphite lubricant, or silicone spray. You may even consider using a combination of WD-40 and white lithium grease for thorough lubrication.
Start by applying a small amount of WD-40 on your door hinges. Move the door around to distribute it. This will loosen up the parts and penetrate through any build-up of dust and grime.
Then use white lithium grease on both sides to provide long-term lubrication and protection to the door hinges. This will help ensure smooth and quiet door operation over an extended period. Again, operate the door various times to work the grease thoroughly.
Don’t lubricate too much though, or it can end up gumming and damaging the hinges.
Step 3: Operate the Door
After applying the lubricant, you should open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant evenly. Test if it’s moving about smoothly and quietly now. If not, it might need more lubrication.
Make sure to repeat all the steps for other doors too, even if they don’t creak or stiffen. It’s always best to stay ahead of maintaining your vehicle!
Step 4: Clean Any Residue
Once you’re done lubricating, make sure to wipe away any excess lubricants and grease. Otherwise, the residue can attract dirt, dust, and debris over time and cause issues.
What to Do If the Door Is Still Stiff and Creaky?
If your door squeaks or gets stuck even after lubrication, then the problem may require more thorough solutions from a professional car repair. For example, the hinges may have worn down beyond repair and require replacement.
There may also be door alignment issues, such as the door being out of alignment with the frame and hinges, which also require corrective professional services. Overall, your best call is to call a pro who can inspect your door and figure out the best solution!
Need a Solution for Your Stiff Hinges? Contact Us Today for Our Auto Repair Services
Maintaining your car door hinges is a simple and crucial part of ensuring a smooth and hassle-free driving experience. Regular lubrication can prevent more significant issues down the road, saving you time and money. So lubricate your car door hinges regularly, and enjoy the quiet and smooth operation of your car doors!
However, if the problems persist, then it’s time to seek professional help. Our experts have extensive experience in providing exceptional auto repair services, including repairing stuck car doors or squeaky car doors. We can also assist with replacing car door components.
Contact us today to get your car door back to working as smoothly as new!