White Grease

Quick answer: White grease is a pale, usually sprayable lubricant that dries to a thick, water-resistant film on hinges, latches and other moving parts, used where ordinary oils would run off or wash away.

White grease is a good quality, durable grease often used in the automotive industry, especially for treating hinges and latches. It may be used to lubricate hinges of the convertible roof frame. However, it is white and can be unsightly, and so a multi-purpose grease may be preferable for latches which can be seen.

What it means

White grease is a light coloured grease used as a long-lasting lubricant on moving parts. In the car world it is most often a lithium-based grease supplied in a tube or aerosol. When sprayed or spread onto a hinge, latch or catch it goes on fairly thin, then sets to a thicker, slightly waxy film that clings to the metal instead of running away like thin oil. The white colour makes it easier to see where it has been applied and how much remains.

Why it matters

Helps parts move smoothly: Applied correctly, white grease reduces friction on hinges, latches and catches so doors, boots and roofs open and close more easily.
Cuts noise and wear: It can quieten creaks and squeaks and provides a cushion between moving metal parts, slowing long-term wear and play.
Offers lasting, water-resistant protection: The grease film helps resist water and road spray, so it tends to stay in place and protect against corrosion longer than light oils.

Where you’ll see it

You will see white grease mentioned in service sheets, inspection reports and maintenance notes around moving hardware. Typical comments include lubricate hinges and latches with white grease, bonnet catch cleaned and white grease applied or excess white grease on hinges attracting dirt. It is commonly used on door hinges, bonnet catches, boot and tailgate latches, pedal pivots and some convertible roof latch points.

Context

White grease is one of several lubricants used on a car. Thin oils and sprays are good for getting into very tight spaces but can run off quickly, while heavier greases stay put but can be messy if overdone. White grease sits in the middle and is popular for exposed hinges and catches where a durable, visible lubricant is useful. It is not the same as silicone spray, copper grease or dry-film lubricants, which each have their own ideal uses. As part of sensible maintenance, key points are cleaned, then a modest amount of white grease is applied so parts move freely without being caked in thick, dirt-holding deposits.

Also called: White lithium grease, white grease spray, white spray grease, lithium grease, white lubricating grease

Opposite of: Dry, unlubricated or rusty hinges, latches and catches that feel stiff, noisy or notchy in operation

Belongs to: Vehicle maintenance, hinges and latches, convertible roof mechanisms, water leak and wind-noise prevention, inspection and appraisal

Measured by: How freely and quietly parts move, whether an even film of grease is present, and how well it remains after use and exposure to weather and washing

Units: No fixed units – typically described as freshly lubricated, lightly greased, over-greased or dry, with notes on any contamination with dirt or old hardened grease

Related: Latches, hinges, rubbers, bonnet catch, door checks, convertible roof catches, silicone spray, copper grease, maintenance, water leaks and wind noise diagnosis

Common mistakes

Overloading hinges and catches with thick blobs of white grease so it squeezes out everywhere and collects dirt and grit.
Using white grease on parts that should stay dry or very lightly lubricated, such as lock barrels or some electrical contacts.
Spraying blindly without cleaning first, which just coats existing dirt and old dried grease instead of removing it.
Assuming a quick squirt of white grease will fix underlying alignment or latch issues, when the real problem is worn, bent or misadjusted hardware.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 05/12/2025 16:18