As you tinker with your bike, you discover that it needs lubrication in some parts. Unfortunately, you run out of bike-specific grease.
Is there something you can do? You quickly do your research and discover many things you can use as a replacement.
You have read Vaseline works as bike grease, but you only know petroleum jelly as perfect for skin care.
Does it work? Well, there lies the problem. Many people often turn to the internet to find answers, but they become unsure if what they discover works.
Fortunately, you come across this article. Kindly read on to learn where you can use Vaseline grease.
Difference Between Vaseline and Dielectric Grease
You may wonder if you can replace dielectric grease with Vaseline because you only know petroleum jelly as an excellent product for moisture retention.
However, before you can decide, you should first learn the characteristics and qualities of each.
What Is Vaseline?
Vaseline is petroleum jelly beneficial to every home. It’s excellent for hair, dry skin, eye shadow removal, and personal care.
However, it also finds its use for industrial purposes, explicitly moistening plasticine and finishing wood.
Moreover, Vaseline petroleum jelly conditions leather and prevents and protects moisture loss. It acts as a release agent for plaster molds and castings.
What Is Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease has several industrial uses, particularly as an electrically insulating compound. For example, it finds its use in the motor and electric industries to insulate electrical connectors.
This grease doesn’t disintegrate even when subjected to a high voltage. Therefore, it is helpful in sealing and lubricating connectors containing rubber gaskets.
Dielectric Grease vs. Vaseline
| Dielectric Grease | Vaseline | |
| Meaning | It is a translucent substance to protect and seals electrical conductors against foreign materials such as dust, dirt, and sand. | It is a yellow petroleum jelly helpful in finishing wood, moistening plasticine, protecting and preventing moisture loss, and acting as a release agent for plaster molds and castings. |
| Preservation Strength | It is better than Vaseline in preserving connections | It is weaker and not as long-lasting as the dielectric grease |
| Chemical Properties | It isn’t an electric conductor | Objects soaked in Vaseline may burn if exposed to an electric current or heat. |
| Resistance | It can withstand extreme temperatures. | It has a shallow melting point and will dry out immediately |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheap |
Does Vaseline Work the Same as a Bike Grease?
Vaseline isn’t only a skin protectant for sensitive skin; you may use petroleum jelly the same way as bike grease, especially if the budget is tight.
However, remember that it melts quickly at 40-60 degrees Celsius. Therefore, consult the product label to ensure it will work perfectly.
Can I Use Vaseline on Bike Bearings?
Vaseline and grease have similar base content; therefore, you can use Vaseline as a bike lubricant.
However, it would help if you realized that you couldn’t use petroleum jelly on bike parts to generate heat because Vaseline melts at 40-60 degrees Celsius.
Petroleum jelly isn’t just a go-to solution for diaper rash; you may use petroleum jelly on bike components with threads.
Moreover, Vaseline perfectly works if you prefer to prevent cold welding on some bike areas.
It would be best if you only used Vaseline on bearings for emergency fixes, but ensure that the bearings’ temperature doesn’t get near petroleum jelly’s melting point.
Moreover, you should regularly reapply a new layer of petroleum jelly because it dries faster. It’s more cost-effective to use bike-specific or multipurpose vehicle lubricant.
Can I Use Petroleum Jelly on Bike Pedals?
Experts recommend using bike-specific grease; however, you may use Vaseline for emergency cases, and it’s the only lubricant you have at home.
If you should replace the bike pedals and don’t have suitable grease, you may opt to use petroleum jelly to prevent cold welding of the pedal threads.
Can I Use Petroleum Jelly on the Bike Chain?
Petroleum jelly isn’t only a replacement for body lotion; you may use Vaseline on your bike chain if it’s your only lubricant.
But, first, it would help to understand its pitfalls.
Vaseline is more viscous than other oils or lubricants. As a result, it doesn’t reach the bike chain’s inner surfaces.
Second, Vaseline collects grime and dirt, making the chain roller’s inner components gritty and sticky.
The collected dirt has an abrasive effect on your bike’s chainrings and chain. As a result, it can wear out these parts swiftly.
However, if you require a quick fix, you may use Vaseline because it’s better than nothing.
Why Should You Use Purpose-Made Bike Lubricant
Purpose-made bicycle chain lubricant ensures your chain moves over the gears, ideally without corrosion, rust, and gunk.
Moreover, if you’re into a specific type of cycling, you should buy bike chain lube specifically for it.
For instance, if you’re a mountain rider who enjoys riding in rugged and more challenging terrains, you should get a wet bike chain lubricant.
On the other hand, if you’re a road biker, you may use a dry bicycle chain lube. An excellent lubricant applies like water while penetrating deep into the parts and chain.
Moreover, this chain lube has a wax-like, thicker element that prevents rust and doesn’t attract dirt.
Remember that a wax-based lubricant doesn’t attract dirt or dust but is not long-lasting.
On the other hand, a grease-based lube profoundly penetrates the bike chain but attracts dirt.
It would help if you opted for a purpose-made bike chain grease because it protects the chain and works well for the weather.
You shouldn’t have issues with cleaning up after applying the chain lube. However, many alternatives may be inadequate, expensive, and work temporary.
FAQs
Which Type of Grease is Advisable on Bike Pedals?
Polyurea grease is perfect for bike pedals and bearings because it’s the best-grade lubricant for weather riding.
Can I Use Vaseline on the Bike Seat Post?
If you don’t have any lubricant at home, you may use Vaseline on the seat post upon installation. However, it would help if you did it to protect the metal parts from corrosion.
Where Should I Apply Grease On My Road Bike?
Generally, you can apply grease on all moving bike parts. However, using it on components with threads would be best.
Moreover, you should apply lubricant on the seat post, bottom brackets, and pedal threads.
However, it would be best not to grease between the cranks and bottom bracket spindle.
Can I Use Lithium Grease On My Bike?
Ideally, you can use lithium grease on all bike components. Even manufacturers use it on bike screws before installation.
The thick lithium grease keeps the bearing balls in place when reassembling a bike hub.
Can I Use Cooking Oil On a Bicycle Chain?
Vegetable oil and other related products should work as a chain lubricant but for emergency purposes only. You can’t always use it because it collects dirt and grime faster than chain grease.
