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Technical Vaseline – what is its use in the automotive industry?
Technical Vaseline is a rather thick, transparent substance obtained by refining crude oil. It is a mixture of paraffinic hydrocarbons and is widely used in technology, especially in the automotive industry. It's worth having a tube of Vaseline in your workshop or car kit. Here are its most popular uses.
From the article below you will learn:
- What is Vaseline, where does it come from and what are its properties?
- How Vaseline affects rubber;
- What is the use of technical Vaseline?
- What products should be used instead of Vaseline.
What is technical Vaseline?
The name of this product comes from the American brand Vaseline, which patented this substance in 1870. There are not many differences between cosmetic and technical Vaseline, except that the former is purified - hence its lighter, often transparent color. For workshop applications, such sterile products are not needed. Technical Vaseline may irritate the skin due to the impurities dissolved in it.
What are the types of technical Vaseline?
Depending on the composition, technical Vaseline it can also be low or high melting (35-45 °C or 36-60 °C respectively).
Generally, this is where the division of this substance ends. Any other notes, e.g. specifying the use or acid-free nature, are just a marketing trick.
Does technical Vaseline destroy rubber?
Yes, Vaseline is aggressive towards natural rubber and leads to its decomposition. The same applies to all other petroleum substances and mineral oils - they all destroy natural rubber. However, you must know that currently most of the seals used in the automotive industry are made of artificial rubber - although it has properties similar to natural rubber, it is actually a different substance. Most plastics used in the automotive industry are, to some extent, resistant to oils and petroleum products. Therefore, e.g. Vaseline will not damage the seals of the engine and drive or fuel system because they are oil-resistant.
Of course, not all rubber elements in the car will be resistant to oil - e.g. cooling system pipes quickly decompose due to the action of petroleum products. However, technical Vaseline does not have such a harmful effect on them as engine oil. It can therefore be used to facilitate the installation of hoses running to the radiator or engine.
Similarly, technical Vaseline should not cause havoc in the case door seals - it will help you avoid the problem of them freezing in winter. However, this solution has a significant drawback - technical Vaseline does not dry out and does not soak into the surface, so you can get dirty with it when getting in and out of the car. Stained with it car upholstery will definitely need washing.
What is the substitute for technical Vaseline?
There are several substitutes for technical Vaseline for various purposes. The most popular include:
Silicone grease
It is a non-petroleum based lubricant, so it is safe for plastics, including rubber, as well as for leather, etc. Perfect for lubricating seals in sanitary installations as well as rubber suspension elements in vehicles. You can also use it to reduce friction in mechanisms operating under light loads, e.g. sunroof, hatch and hood actuators, electric mirrors, etc.
Dry lubricant spray
This is another universal preparation for protecting metal and plastic surfaces. A characteristic feature of this product is that it dries after application while maintaining friction-reducing properties. You can use it in places that are exposed to, for example, contact with clothes. Suitable for securing chains cycling, hinges and locks on doors. Does not leave any dirt.
Preparation for maintaining seals
Winter invest in a dedicated one seal preservative, it can be applied both as a spray and as a stick. It is safe for rubber and does not stain, leaves no greasy marks and is effective will protect the door from freezing.
Spray for maintaining electrical contacts
Instead of Vaseline to protect electrical connections, e.g. battery terminals, you can use dedicated preparations to protect electrically conducting elements. They are applied in a spray, which allows you to reach hard-to-reach places. This is an ideal solution for protecting plugs against tarnishing - car lamp connectors, sensor plugs located in the chassis (e.g. ABS), etc. It is perfect for protecting the lighting socket in a trailer.
Dielectric grease
Like Vaseline, it is an insulator, but unlike it, it has a high melting point. It is therefore ideal for securing electrical connections in installations.
What can be lubricated with technical Vaseline?
In addition to its excellent properties for reducing friction in mechanisms operating under light loads, Vaseline is ideal to protect the battery terminals against moisture, contacts of ground cables to the body and engine, and light plugs. First of all, technical Vaseline does not conduct electricity, so use it sparingly in such applications.
Acid-free technical Vaseline will work not only in automotive applications - it is worth having a tube of it at home to lubricate door hinges or locks, guides drawers etc. This a friend of every DIY enthusiast and car enthusiast.
