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Winter Prep: Where to Grease a Car

Updated: Sep. 04, 2017

Complete this 10-minute chore now and prevent cold weather hassles

Family Handyman

5 simple lubrication steps will prevent many cold-weather auto problems. Lube window tracks, weather stripping, the hood latch, locks and door hinges.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

5 things to lubricate before winter

Photo 1: Lube window tracks

Spray window tracks with silicone spray or dry Teflon. Silicone stays slick even in cold weather, so windows slide smoothly, lessening the wear on your window motors.

Photo 2: Lube door weather stripping

Spray silicone on all weather stripping. Silicone will keep ice from bonding the rubber to the metal doors. That’ll make doors open smoother and may even prevent tears in the weather stripping.

Photo 3: Lube the hood latch

Spray aerosol lithium grease on the hood latch mechanism. You don’t want to fight a balky hood latch when it’s snowing and you’re trying to add windshield fluid.

Photo 4: Lube locks

Keep your lock cylinders working smoothly by injecting dry Teflon lubricant spray. You never know when your remote keyless entry system might let you down.

Photo 5: Lube door hinges

Spray lithium grease on door hinges to keep them opening smoothly and prevent rust.

For much of the country, snow and ice are right around the corner. Here’s what to lubricate on your vehicle before winter hits.

Video: How to Measure Tire Tread

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

Lithium grease spray
Silicone spray
Teflon lubricant spray

Originally Published: June 20, 2017