What grease should I use?

Grease is a complex mix of base oil, chemical additives and thickeners. Therefore, one type of grease is not suitable for every application. The question 'What grease is suitable for my car' is, therefore, not an easy question to answer.

Mythbusting: what is multipurpose grease?

Perhaps the most common misconception is that multipurpose grease is suitable for every application.

The problem is that many multipurpose greases tend to have scant information on the tub. Therefore, multipurpose greases can vary considerably, from containing inexpensive soap-based thickeners with few additives and low-grade oils, to more complicated types.

Unless the tub says otherwise, presume that the multipurpose grease is suitable only for basic lubrication of low-temperature, low-stress items. These include latches, locks and tow balls.

Multipurpose greases, promoted as 'complex' types, mean that the thickener is more heavy-duty, which tends to give superior high-temperature qualities, especially if lithium is added. Therefore, you might wish to consider a complex grease for wheel bearings. The addition of calcium enhances water resistance, making it a superior choice for taper boat trailer wheel bearings, for instance, compared with 'standard' multipurpose grease.

What is copper grease?

Copper grease is an anti-seize product. While its clay-based thickener bestows it with very high-temperature resistance, it is a poor lubricant. Misinformed DIYers and even professional mechanics still slather copper grease over brake friction components to aid lubrication but are unaware that copper grease damages rubber

and its metal content can interfere with electronic signals from the speed sensors that influence the anti-lock braking and anti-skid safety systems. Yet, using copper grease on exhaust bolts is not a bad idea, meaning the product still has a purpose.

What is ceramic grease?

Ceramic grease also has high-temperature resistance but its main advantage over copper grease is that its non-metal content will not interfere with sensitive electronics. Therefore, it should be used to copper grease on braking systems.

What is silicone grease?

Produced, by combining silicone oil with a soap thickener, silicone grease tends to be supplied by braking system component companies. It is ideal to lubricate rubber-to-metal components that are neither subject to very high temperatures, nor in contact with brake fluid. It is ideal to lubricate sliding calliper pins/seals, for instance.

What is dielectric grease?

Dielectric grease is a different type of silicone grease, used for electrical connections. It protects metal contacts from corrosion, caused by moisture and acids. Dielectric greases do not attack plastics either, so they can be applied to delicate electrical plug connectors without damaging them.

What are extreme pressure greases?

The addition of molybdenum disulphide bestows this grease with a dark grey hue. It offers optimum anti-friction and high shock load protection. Yet, does not perform well in high temperature, or high moisture, environments. In cars, it is used most commonly for driveshaft CV joints. Yet, you can use it to protect low-speed, low-temperature moving parts that are under extreme pressure. Threads on puller tools benefit greatly from a smear of EP grease, for instance.

What is rubber grease?

Rubber greases are vegetable-based. They neither attack rubber, nor dissolve in brake fluid. It also provides temporary corrosion resistance and lubrication, when fitting rubber replacement suspension parts to steel mountings, for instance. This makes it ideal as an assembly grease.

What are PTFE/'white' greases?

White grease tends to be based on calcium soaps, with other additives. This allows it to resist moisture, whilst being thick enough so it does not drip away. The addition of PTFE ensures that the grease continues to lubricate and protect the component, after the grease has dried. This makes it ideal for lubricating door locks and check-straps.

How do I know which grease is right for my car?

While we hope that this blog increases your understanding of the different greases available, you should still consult your car's handbook, or maintenance schedule, should you be unsure. Should this information be unavailable, your local car accessory shop should be able to help. Failing that, GEM members can make use of our one-to-one technical advice service, by filling in your details here: https://www.motoringassist.com/technical-queries.

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