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Is WD-40 Safe on Car Paint? Where is it Used?
Ed Malaker
Last updated:
WD-40 is a fantastic cleaner, and many people use it to remove gum, glue, and other items. Some people wonder if it’s safe to get on car paint, so they can remove bumper stickers, for example. The short answer is yes, WD-40 is safe to use on your car, but keep reading as we list the pros and cons of doing so.
Is WD-40 Safe to Use on Car Paint?
Yes, WD-40 is safe for car paint and will help you remove bumper stickers quickly and easily. It will also remove tree sap, oils, grease, bugs, and any other dirt on the surface. The tiny hydrocarbons in the ingredients will help fill small scratches and scuffs to bring out the paint’s natural shine, and it will remove any rust or any other corrosion on the surface. Those hydrocarbons will also create a protective barrier over the paint and protect larger scratches from becoming rusty.
Image By: Safarov Nariman, Shutterstock
Other Great Uses for WD-40 on Vehicles
WD-40 is an excellent cleaner that you can use to improve the appearance of almost every part of your vehicle, from the suspension springs to the steering wheel. It breaks up oil and dissolves dirt, grime, glue, adhesive, and more.
It’s an excellent spark plug cleaner that can remove condensed residues and help you get more life out of your plugs. Using it will also help make installing and removing them easier.
Used WD-40 to help loosen and remove any jammed nuts and bolts.
Use it on the gaskets around your doors and windows to help make them more water resistant and extend their lifespan. Wipe the gaskets off thoroughly to protect them from damage when you finish cleaning.
Use WD-40 on your automobile antennas to create a protective barrier that helps reduce corrosion. It will also help them open and close more easily.
When Should I Avoid Using WD-40 on My Car?
It can dissolve rubber, so it’s best to avoid using it on rubber items. If you need to clean rubber, use the smallest possible amount, and make sure to wipe off any remaining fluid when you finish cleaning.
Never use WD-40 on the engine or the exhaust, as it can ignite even after it dries.
Never spray it near an open flame or even a lit cigarette, as the vapors are extremely flammable.
Never spray WD-40 on any part of your body, and avoid breathing in the vapors.
Image By: Yevhenii Orlov, Shutterstock
What Are Other Good Household Uses for WD-40?
Use it to help keep grass from sticking to your lawn mower blades. Spraying it under your machine before you begin mowing can help make cleanup a breeze.
WD-40 can help free up sticky piano keys.
Use it to make taking apart Lego blocks easier.
Use WD-40 to help break in and soften the leather of your baseball mitt.
Use it to help keep dirt and mud from sticking to your ATV. It will also help protect your machines from rust and corrosion when you store them.
Prevent clay from sticking to your molds while crafting.
Use WD-40 to lubricate old zippers. While it may be too smelly for regular clothing, it works well on luggage and other similar items.
Use it to remove crayon wax and permanent marker.
Summary
WD-40 is safe to use on car paint and is a great way to remove bumper stickers, tree sap, bird poop, grease, and oil from the surface of your vehicle. It also helps fill in small cracks to bring out the shine and leaves behind a protective coating that lasts several weeks. You can also use it to clean your rims, suspension springs, interior, and more. If you have any left, you’re sure to find hundreds of uses for it in the house, so it won’t go to waste.
Featured Image Credit: Safarov Nariman, Shutterstock
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Writer
Ed Malaker
Ed Malaker is an experienced writer who has brought his knowledge to a wide range of blogs, including home improvement, guitars, computer programming, tools, fitness, and pets. If you don't catch him writing, you can usually find Ed working in the garden or taking on DIY projects around the house. Ed’s also a talented musician, spending time composing music for independent films or helping people fix their guitars.
Ed Malaker
