One way to protect your car’s bearings, joints and other metal parts from rusting and corrosion is by greasing them. This also helps the car’s performance. When it comes to grease, silicone grease is the most preferred type of grease used by car owners. Let’s go through the details, application process and pros and cons of silicone grease.
What is Silicone Grease?
Silicone grease is made of silicone oil and a thickening agent. It is waterproof, high-temperature and chemical resistant, making it ideal for use in harsh environments and conditions. The lubricant is commonly used in several mechanical and industrial applications. The powerful properties of grease make it a suitable lubricant for various applications, including automotive, medical, plumbing, and electrical, among others.
Moreover, silicone grease can bear different temperature levels ranging from around -40°C to 200°C without any collapse or loss of its quality lubricating properties. Furthermore, the lubricant does not dry out or evaporate after a while.
When other lubricants are used on rubber or plastic they crack, swell or degrade – but that doesn’t happen with silicone grease. Additionally, other uses of the grease include lubricating gaskets, bearings, o-rings, and seals in different machines.
Components of Silicone Grease
The following materials are used in different quantities to formulate silicone grease:
- Silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane – PDMS)
- Thickening agent (amorphous fumed silica)
- Performance additives
Simply put, silicone oil is an odourless, clear and inert synthetic fluid that is derived from silicone – a chemical element found widely in rocks, sand and minerals.
In addition to the silicone oil and thickening agent, the silicone lubricant may also contain a variety of other additives to help enhance its performance. These may include:
- Antioxidants – to protect it against oxidation so that the grease doesn’t break down over time
- UV stabilisers – to help prevent degradation due to exposure to sunlight
- Anti-wear additives – to reduce friction and wear
Application Process
The properties of silicone grease make its application ideal for various applications including automotive, electrical, medical, plumbing and household applications, among others. Let’s go through the details.
Automotive Application
Silicone grease is generally used to lubricate various vehicle parts, including engine mounts, door seals, spark plug boots, rubber bushings and hinges, among others. Because this grease can withstand the heat without easily breaking down, auto mechanics and DIYers apply the lubricant to engine parts in harsh weather conditions and environments.
The lubricant is also applied on metal surfaces such as bike chains and tools for rust and corrosion prevention. Here are some effective steps to remove rust from cars.
Electrical Application
Silicone grease is also a great electrical insulator. Various electrical items can be protected from moisture, corrosion and dirt with the lubricant. Usually, silicone grease is applied to electrical connectors, switches and terminals to prevent them from damage. The grease also helps improve the conductivity of the connector.
Medical applications
Silicone grease has an inert and non-toxic nature and it can be used in some medical applications. For instance, grease is commonly used in medical devices, including catheters and several other surgical instruments.
Plumbing applications
Plumbers also use silicone grease to lubricate rubber components, gaskets and O-rings, among others. The lubricant creates a watertight seal to prevent water leaks and also helps prevent metal component corrosion.
Household applications
Individuals usually use silicone grease at home to lubricate drawers, door hinges and window tracks.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Grease
Following are the advantages and disadvantages of silicone grease.
Pros of Silicone Grease
- It has a great water-resistant capacity
- It can withstand high-temperature levels
- It has a high durability
- Its application is multipurpose
- It has exceptional compatibility with different surfaces
- It is effective in lubricating car steering suspension and steering
Cons of Silicone Grease
- It can be messy
- It has a limited load-bearing capacity
- Washing off a silicone stain from clothes may be difficult
- Usually, it is costlier than regular grease
That is all about silicone grease, its components, pros, cons and applications in various industries, including the automotive industry. Silicone grease helps maintain various parts of your vehicle. Here is a car maintenance checklist to extend your car’s life.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more on car DIY solutions, maintenance and repair tips and much more.
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