White Grease

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

Friction is what wears hinges out. White grease cuts it on hinges, latches and catches so doors, boots and roofs move easily instead of grinding against themselves every time they are used.

Noise goes with it. A greased joint stops creaking and squeaking, and the film cushions metal against metal, which slows the development of play and wear over years rather than months.

Staying put is the other half of its value. The grease film resists water and road spray, so it holds position and keeps protecting against corrosion considerably longer than a light oil that washes away with the first proper rain.

Which fittings get 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.

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.

Authored by Danny Argent. Reviewed by Gary Wray. Last updated 16 May 2026.