Can I Use WD-40 on My Sunroof? – Don’t Do It Again

No you cannot and it’s never recommended. The regular WD-40 isn’t the right lubricant for a sunroof. It may work for a while, but afterward, it’ll turn into a sticky mess. Also, the creaking sound will come back. The rubber in your sunroof will also get damaged if you apply WD-40.

But there’s still so much more you need to know. Don’t worry because we’ve tried to enlist all the necessary details in this article.

2 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use WD-40 on Sunroofs

As you already know, there are two main reasons you shouldn’t use the regular WD-40. Here we’ve tried to elaborate on them:

Works for A Short Time

If you apply WD-40 on the sunroof, the squeaking sound will disappear. But it won’t last for long. So, it doesn’t really solve your problem. Also, the WD-40 will dry up and become sticky. 

Damages Sunroof

Aside from not working, the regular WD-40 also damages your sunroof. It’s a petroleum-based lubricant. Thus, it damages rubber and plastics over time. 

According to the WD-40 website, WD-40 shouldn’t be used on polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastics.(1) As almost all sunroof parts are made of these materials, WD-40 is a bad choice.

Speaking of the limitations of using WD-40 on the sunroof of your car, I’d like to remind you that don’t put deodorant on a timing belt when the belt squeaks. There are other ways to fix that.

Summary:

Mainly there are 2 reasons to avoid using WD-40 on your sunroof. First, it can damage the sunroof, and second, it won’t work for a long time.

Alternative Lubricants for Sunroof

Now that you know WD-40 isn’t the right choice. So, what to use to lubricate sunroof? 

Mainly, you can use lithium-based and silicon-based sprays. Here, I’ve tried to discuss why they are the right choice:

Lithium-Based Lubricant for Sunroof

White lithium based lubricants work properly for lubricating the sunroof. White lithium is a lightweight and heat-resistant grease. It provides a structure to fix the oil in place. Also, it works like a sponge by releasing oil in small amounts. 

Thus, it’ll keep your sunroof lubricated for a long time. Since it’s a type of lithium grease, it’s also durable and stable. It’ll also help to prevent corrosion, oxidation, and high temperatures.

It’s crucial to maintain everything related to your car if you want to ensure safe drives. If you have questions like why timing belts come with date codes, check this out.

Getting back to the point, you can use a white lithium grease WD-40 for your sunroof. Along with it, we’ve suggested some products for you to check out:

• WD-40 White Lithium Grease
• Gasolia WG16
• Lucas Oil

Now, let’s talk about another alternative.

Silicon-Based Lubricant for Sunroof

Silicon based lubricants are perfect for rubber and plastic. These lubricants don’t damage these surfaces. They also work particularly well on plastic for their slippery nature. Thus, they work as the perfect replacement for the regular WD-40. 

Silicone lubricants evaporate after application when they are mixed with solvent. They reduce the friction between two objects. Thus, they allow free movement and help to get rid of any squeaking sound. 

Aside from that, they also extend the lifespan of the part they’re applied on. Sand, dirt, and dust can’t stick to the surface if this lubricant is applied. Silicon sprays also have waterproofing properties. Thus they can displace the moisture, which causes corrosion. 

Thus, you can use WD-40 silicone spray. Here we have enlisted some products alongside this one for you to check out:

• WD-40 Silicon spray
• CRC 05074

Any of these lubricants should get rid of the squeaking noise.

How to Lubricate a Sunroof?

Now that you know which lubricant to use, let’s talk about the procedure. To lubricate the sunroof, you’ll need to clean it first. So, how to clean sunroof? First of all you’ll need the following tools:

1. Vacuum cleaner
2. Brush
3. Paper towel
4. Cloth
5. Degreaser ( DDW-V611)
6. DeoxITX10S

Now, let’s get to the steps of lubricating the sunroof.

Step 1: First, open the sunroof to gain access to its tracks. You’ll be able to see dirt and grease buildup there. Brush away and vacuum the loose debris instantaneously. Do it for both the tracks and the sunroof frame.

Step 2: Next, clean the sunroof cavity in the same way.

Step 3: Then take a paper towel and your degreaser. Spray the degreaser into your paper towel and rub the tracks with it. Use as much degreaser as you need to clean all the spots. 

Step 4: After cleaning, you may see some fragments of the towel left on the tracks. Vacuum the tracks one more time to get rid of these residues. 

Step 5: Now, put the sunroof in a tilt position to access the pivot points. On your car, some covers may need to be pulled out to access them. Clean these points in the same manner. If they’re not too greasy, you won’t have to use a degreaser.

Step 6: Lastly, take a cloth and wipe it up around the cavity. Also, be sure to clean the frame of the sunroof. 

With that, the cleaning process is finished. Now, let’s talk about the lubricating procedure:

• Take the lubricant you prefer to use. If it’s a spray, spray it on the tracks. If it’s liquid or gel, take it on your fingers and apply accordingly. Be sure to lubricate all the moving parts. 

• For the pivot points, you can use the DeoxITX10s. That’s because this spot might be hard to lubricate with grease.

• Then, operate the sunroof by opening and closing it a few times. This will spread out the grease evenly and ensure all the parts are lubricated. 

You can also be sure which parts to lubricate by the old grease marks. With that, your sunroof is lubricated properly. Check to see if the squeaking sound still remains. 

FAQs

Bottom Line!!

Now we’d like to hear from you. 

Here’s the last tip for you. You can use a flex seal for your sunroof as it is waterproof yet flexible.

Thank you for sticking with us till the end.