What Can WD-40 Be Used For? Practical Applications of Every Mechanic’s Secret Sauce

Reviewed by

Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on November 6th, 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • WD-40 can prevent or delay wear, protect surfaces, lubricate stuck parts, and clean other components.
  • Do not use WD-40 on polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. WD-40 can also damage electronic wiring and weaken wax coatings.
  • WD-40 contains ingredients like mineral oil, decane, nonane, and cyclohexane.

WD-40 is a can of tricks, especially in the world of auto repair. Whether you’re looking to protect surfaces or lubricate stubborn nuts and bolts, you can rest assured that it can get the job done.

So if you have a can of this super lube lying around, don’t throw it away because you can do dozens of things with a few sprays.

What Is WD-40 Used For?

WD-40 is every mechanic’s secret sauce for a reason. A can of this lubricant can go a long way when it comes to preventing or delaying wear, protecting surfaces, lubricating stuck parts, and cleaning other components.

WD-40 is a can of tricks, especially in the world of auto repair. Whether you’re looking to protect surfaces or lubricate stubborn nuts and bolts, you can rest assured that it can get the job done.

Car Protection

You can extend the lifespan of the following components with a generous amount of WD-40.

Chrome

A layer of chrome can help various parts resist normal wear and tear caused by the elements. It helps mitigate rust formation and strengthens base materials.

But as durable as it is, chrome is still susceptible to corrosion. You might notice spots of rust forming on your daily driver’s hood or panels even when they’re covered in chrome.

Luckily, you can get rid of these blemishes with a generous amount of WD-40. Simply let the formula soak on the affected area for about 10 minutes before gently scrubbing the spots.

Weatherstrip Seals

Weatherstrip seals are protective barriers that prevent debris, rain, snow, and the elements from entering your cabin. They also prevent wind noise and the upholstery from wearing out faster than normal.

These seals can get brittle as your vehicle racks up mileage, which is totally normal. But if you want to extend their lifespan, spraying some WD-40 on these seals can help them last longer, especially during cold weather.

Lubrication

WD-40 does a good job of lubricating stubborn parts.

Hinge Pins and Points

Stuck hinge pins and points due to rust buildup can make it difficult to open doors, trunks, and other compartments. Regularly spraying WD-40 on these parts can keep them functioning without any issues.

Dirt and Grease

WD-40 is safe to use on car paint and acts as an effective cleaning solution for dirt and grease.

Hood Latches

No driver wants to hear groaning and creaking noises every time they pop the hood open. Fortunately, WD-40 is a quick yet effective solution for this kind of problem.

Nuts and Bolts

Soaking nuts and bolts in WD-40 solution makes them easier to remove. But in cases where there’s too much rust, you can use some PB blast, which is a product that’s designed for such conditions.

Strut Mounts

Squeaky struts don’t always mean they’re damaged. Sometimes, all it takes is some WD-40 to get them back to normal.

Cleaning

WD-40 is more than a super lube. It also has cleaning properties that can make any old component look brand new.

Flooded Engines

The “WD” in WD-40 stands for “water displacement,” making it the perfect product for displacing excess moisture in flooded engines.

If you’re planning to use this solution, make sure the engine is turned off before spraying the carburetor with WD-40. This should help you start your car without any issues.

License Plate

The license plate might be the last thing on your mind when it comes to cleaning your car, but it wouldn’t hurt to spray some WD-40 on it to make it look brand new.

Simply leave the solution for 30 seconds before wiping it off with a rag. Then, proceed with rinsing the plate with soap and water.

Paint Rub

WD-40 can help you remove scuffs of paint on your vehicle. However, it might not work on large areas.

Oil

Tinkering with your engine is a messy task, and one of the most time-consuming chores after you’re done is washing your hands to remove the grease.

Regular soap isn’t the best option for the job, but spraying your hands with WD-40 might do the trick. WD-40 is also great at removing oil stains on your driveway.

What Should You Not Use WD-40 On?

It’s no secret that WD-40 has several uses that go beyond fixing automotive-related issues.

While this might be the case, DIYers should be careful when using this multi-purpose product because there are some instances where WD-40 might do more harm than good.

Here are a few things that WD-40 could damage or erode.

Polycarbonate and Clear Polystyrene Plastic

Polycarbonate and polystyrene plastic are often found in eyeglasses and clear packaging, so be careful when using WD-40 on certain plastic products.

Electronics

Using WD-40 on some electronics can damage the wiring and might even void their warranty.

Wax Coating

WD-40 can soften the wax coating on some pieces of furniture, which might require you to refinish them.

What’s WD-40 Made Of?

Here’s a list of WD-40’s ingredients:

  • Mineral oil
  • Decane
  • Nonane
  • Tetradecane
  • Dimethyl Naphthalene
  • Cyclohexane
  • Carbon dioxide

What Else Can WD-40 Be Used For?

Aside from your garage, the cabinet under the kitchen sink also makes a great space for storing cans of WD-40 because you can use it on several things around the house.

Plastic Furniture

A thin layer of WD-40 can make any piece of old plastic furniture look brand new.

Carpets

WD-40 can also be used to remove carpet stains. Simply let the solution soak for a few minutes before using your regular carpet cleaner.

Wooden Tool Handles

A thin coat of WD-40 on wooden tool handles can help them stay splinter-free.

Shoes and Boots

You can spray your shoes and boots with a generous amount of WD-40 for waterproofing purposes.

About The Authors
Reviewed By Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Tony Harlin is a Master Gas and Diesel Diagnostic Technician with over 18 years of experience. He works full-time at a large independent automotive shop as a driveability and repair technician working on all types of vehicles with a focus on diesels. ASE certifications include A1-A9, L1 and L2, as well as X1.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Tags: lubricant