Greases and Lubricants: A Complete Guide for the Car Owner

Lubricants are the invisible protective layer of every car and machine, keeping metal surfaces running smoothly, reducing wear and extending the life of the car. The right lubricant in the right place means fewer repairs, a quieter ride and working joints even in the harshest conditions.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain what lubricants are available, where to put what, what are the classifications , and provide practical recommendations that will help you choose the right product from the ak24parts e-store. 1. What is lubricant and why is it needed?
Grease is a semi-solid lubricant that consists of three main parts:

• base oil – mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic
• thickener – lithium, lithium complex, calcium, aluminum, etc.
• additives – ep (high pressure), mos₂, ceramics, graphite, water-resistant additives

Functions of lubrication:

• reduces friction ,
• protects against wear and corrosion ,
• softer work on joints and bearings,
• repels water and dirt ,
• stays in place even where oil would leak.

Grease is used everywhere – in wheel bearings, hinges, steering ends, brake systems, locks, cables, etc. 2. Types of lubricants: what types exist and where are they used?
2.1. wheel bearing grease (wheel bearing grease / ep2)
the most common type of grease, intended for:

• for wheel bearings,
• to the hubs,
• for rolling bearings,
• for mechanisms that can withstand heavy loads.

Typical labeling: EP2, NLGI 2, lithium complex.
where used: car wheel hubs, trailer wheels, industrial bearings. 2.2. CV joint grease
special greases that withstand:

• great emphasis,
• impact loads,
• quick turns.

often contain mos₂ (molybdenum disulfide) , which makes the grease black and very strong.
Where used: drive shaft inner and outer joint covers, steering knuckles, stabilizer bars. 2.3. brake system greases (brake grease / ceramic grease)
they are only used in the brake system , because:

• must withstand extreme heat ,
• must not affect the ABS sensors,
• must not damage the rubber.

types:

• Ceramic grease – universal and safe around ABS
• copper paste – heat-resistant, but not suitable for aluminum or near ABS

where used:
brake pad backs, sliders, muffler mounts. 2.4. multi-purpose grease
suitable for light work at home and in the car:

• hinges, locks, door grooves, smaller mechanisms.
  often available in an aerosol can.

2.5. waterproof greases (marine grease)
very resistant to moisture and salt.
where used:
trailer wheel hubs, boat rails, bearings in contact with the vehicle, off-road vehicles. 2.6. silicone grease
safe for rubber and plastic.
where used:

• door and window seals,
• sunroof rails,
• protection against moisture of electrical connections.

2.7. graphite and dry lubricants
intended for situations where:

• the lubricant must not collect dust,
• the temperature is very high,
• need a slippery dry layer.

3. Lubricant classifications: what do EP, MOS₂, NLGI, etc. mean?
3.1. nlgi – how thick is the grease?
nlgi number = consistency:

• 000–0 – flowing, soft
• 1 – easier to process
• 2 – automotive bearing grease standard (most commonly used)
• 3 – very hard, high heat

most used: nlgi 2 . 3.2. ep – extreme pressure
EP greases contain additives that protect:

• heavy loads,
• pressure,
• in case of impact loads.

used:

• on hinges,
• in wheel bearings,
• in drive shafts.

3.3. mos₂ (molybdenum)
black color, very strong protection in extreme conditions.
usage:

• CV joints,
• hinges,
• slow, high-load-bearing surfaces.

3.4. ceramic greases

• withstand very high heat,
• fit near the abs,
• does not contain metals.

usage:

• brake pad backs,
• sliders,
• muffler mountings.

4. Where to put which grease? (practical table)

car detail / place	the right grease	Why this?
wheel bearings	ep2 bearing grease	withstands load and heat
drive shaft joint	mos₂ CV grease	does not break under impact loads
hinges, steering tips	EP grease	heavy load and pressure
brake pad backs	ceramic brake grease	no snore, no impact on abs
door and hood hinges	universal grease / aerosol	lubricates and repels moisture
seals and plastic parts	silicone grease	does not break rubber
trailer hubs	waterproof marine grease	repels water and salt
handbrake cable	thin aerosol grease	also flows into the cable

5. How to apply lubricants correctly?
5.1. manually
best method:

• bearings, hubs, hinges
• thick grease must be kneaded into the part

5.2. grease gun
used at points where there are grease nipples :

• hinges
• steering rods

5.3. aerosols
ideal:

• souls
• locks
• cables
• universal care

5.4. brush / spatula
suitable for areas requiring precise application, e.g. brake system sliders. 6. Common mistakes to avoid
❌ incorrect grease in the brake system → can clog the sliders, disrupt the operation of the ABS sensor
❌ universal grease in the CV joint → cannot withstand impacts → the joint is destroyed
❌ copper grease on aluminum parts → causes galvanic corrosion
❌ excessive grease → collects dirt and causes more wear
❌ thick grease in door locks in cold weather → locks stick 7. How to choose the right lubricant from the ak24parts e-shop?
When making a choice, ask yourself:

1. What detail do I lubricate?
2. What are the conditions there? (heat, water, pressure)
3. Has the manufacturer prescribed a special lubricant?
4. Is there a heavy load?

ak24parts greases and lubricants category includes:

• a selection of universal lubricants,
• EP and MOS₂ joint lubricants,
• wheel bearing grease,
• brake lubricants,
• silicone and technical greases,
• a set of aerosol lubricants for every situation.

All products are suitable for both home maintenance and professional repairs. Summary: the right grease = longer life, fewer repairs
good grease:

• reduces wear,
• protects against corrosion,
• ensures quiet and smooth operation,
• prevents expensive repairs,
• extends the life of the vehicle.

If you choose the right lubricants for your parts, your car will serve you longer and more reliably .

see our full range of lubricants here: greases and technical fluids