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Car Maintenance Tips with WD40

Sep 19, 2025

Overview

The transcript provides 15 car maintenance and repair tricks using WD40, highlighting professional tips, essential warnings, and cost-saving applications, along with critical mistakes to avoid.

Rust Prevention and Repair

  • Regularly spray WD40 on exposed car metals to create a moisture barrier and prevent rust and corrosion.
  • Clean and coat chrome, hinges, latches, and wheel wells for easier future cleaning and long-term protection.

Diagnostic and Maintenance Tricks

  • Spray WD40 near vacuum hoses while engine runs; a change in idle identifies vacuum leaks for quick diagnostics.
  • Use WD40 on license plates after cleaning to restore clarity and avoid fines for unreadable plates.

Tire and Rubber Care

  • Apply WD40 to clean, dry tire sidewalls (never treads) to restore shine and protect against UV damage.
  • Use WD40 Specialist Silicone Spray on weather stripping to maintain flexibility and prevent water leaks.

Electrical and Engine Applications

  • Spray WD40 on electrical connectors (with power off) to repel moisture and prevent corrosion.
  • WD40 Specialist Contact Cleaner is preferred for delicate electronic components.
  • Use WD40 to displace moisture from ignition components after exposure to water to restore engine function.

Paint and Surface Protection

  • Remove tree sap from paint by spraying WD40, letting it sit, and wiping gently, then wash and wax.
  • Avoid using WD40 as a scratch remover; it only masks scratches and attracts damaging dirt.

Lubrication and Stuck Components

  • Apply WD40 Specialist Penetrant to free rusted bolts and nuts, working quickly for best results.
  • Restore chrome surfaces by cleaning with WD40 to achieve shine and add a protective layer.

Battery and Electrical System Protection

  • Clean battery terminals and coat them with WD40 to prevent corrosion and extend battery life.

Critical Safety Warnings

  • Never use WD40 on brake components; it reduces friction and can cause brake failure—use proper brake cleaner instead.
  • Do not add WD40 into engine oil or fuel; it is not a lubricant and can cause severe engine damage.

Wiper and Door Maintenance

  • Clean and lightly treat wiper blades with WD40 Specialist Silicone Spray to prevent squeaking and extend blade/windshield life.
  • Lubricate door hinges with WD40, then wipe excess to prevent sagging and sticking doors.

Decisions

  • Do not use WD40 as a scratch remover or as an engine additive.
  • Always use silicone-based WD40 for rubber and weather stripping.
  • Never spray WD40 on brakes; use designated brake cleaner.

Action Items

  • TBD – Car Owners: Periodically treat metal, chrome, and rubber parts with WD40 as described above.
  • TBD – Car Owners: Inspect and maintain battery terminals and electrical connectors with WD40.
  • TBD – Car Owners: Follow safety tips and avoid misuse, especially on brakes and inside the engine.