10 Uses for WD-40 on Your Car

Water may be the universal solvent, but WD-40 is the universal everything. WD-40–which stands for Water Displacement 40th Formula–is a cleaner, lubricant, rust preventer, diluting solution, declogger, and everything else in between. An all-in-one fluid that could probably solve the world’s problems, this liquid also has plenty of uses in cars as well. Check out these ten possible uses for WD-40 in your vehicle.

1. Cleaning spark plugs

If your engine is misfiring, dirty spark plugs could be the culprit. Using WD-40 to wash away the carbon residue could do the trick. It’s also a way to protect your plugs from moisture.

2. Decal and bumper sticker removal

Time may come when your decals lose their luster and you want to remove or replace them. This handy fluid can help you remove those stickers cleanly. Spray WD-40 on the sticky residue to make them easier to remove.

3. Removing greasy dirt and grime

Once grease mixes with dirt, it can be stubborn to eliminate. Use WD-40 to get rid of stubborn grime from your car parts. Just make sure to wipe away any fluid residue to prevent further accumulation.

4. Soaking bird droppings

It’s not safe to wipe away bird droppings directly, as it contains many abrasive substances such as nuts and sand. Spray WD-40 on any that falls on your car to soak and loosen the material before washing it away with soap and water. Do the same for tree saps.

5. Caring for your wheels and tires

Caking mud, brake dust, and road tar should never be allowed to build up in your wheels and tires. Use WD-40 to get rid of oxidation, loosen dirt, and give these car parts a good shine. You can even use it to polish the sidewalls on your tires.

6. Cleaning radiator fins

WD-40 also works as a remover of splattered bugs and dust bunnies in your radiator fins. Apply WD-40 before hosing those unwanted accumulations to loosen them up.

7. Polishing faux surfaces

If your interior trims, upholstery and pads have become riddled with leftover food, gum crayon marks and the like, spraying WD-40 on the surface and cleaning it with cloth will take care of the stain. Just make sure you don’t use it on genuine wood or leather.

8. Lubricating stuck nuts and bolts

Flat tire hard to remove? WD-40 can penetrate the threads and dissolve some of the rust that’s causing the bolts to stick. You can also use WD-40 on stuck locks and knobs in your car.

9. Protecting rubber

Spray WD-40 on other rubber surfaces such as weatherstripping, wipers and gaskets to keep them moistened and supple.

10. Preventing rust

See any rust spots? WD-40 is great for preventing rust and corrosion on your car’s metal surfaces.