On average, it costs $50-$150 to fix a squeaky door on your car. But take note that those are averages, and the exact price you’ll pay may vary based on your car and location.

How long does it take to lubricate car doors? Most mechanics will be able to complete the job in around 30 minutes, but the exact time can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

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What parts do I need to lubricate my doors, and how much do those parts cost?

Check your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

for specific information regarding door lubrication, but here’s a general outline of the parts you may need:

Lubricant: The only thing you typically need to lubricate your car doors is a lubricant. The most popular choices are white lithium grease ($5 to $10), silicone spray lubricant ($5 to $15), dry lubricant like graphite ($5 to $20), and PTFE or Teflon lubricant ($5 to $20).

Miscellaneous parts: You may also need cleaning supplies like paper towels or rags to clean up any grease, corrosion, or dust before applying the lube and to remove excess lubricant or drips when you finish.

We recommend purchasing lubricant and other parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon. We also recommend trusted brands such as WD-40 Specialist, 3-IN-ONE, and Permatex for effective lubricants to ensure smooth and quiet door operation for your vehicle. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to lubricating squeaky door hinges, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket doesn’t make much of a difference. If you want a lubricant designed by your car’s manufacturer, go the OEM route. If you want to pay less, look for a quality aftermarket product.

Where can I buy the parts for my door lubrication?

You’ll have to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer if you want an OEM lubricant. If you choose an aftermarket product, you can find quality lubricants at auto parts stores—like Advance Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts or AutoZone—or online shops like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my doors lubricated?

If you don’t already take your car to a trusted mechanic, it can be difficult to find the right shop. Fortunately, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

allows you to compare hourly rates and repair estimates from more than 2,500 U.S. shops.

With Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can view fair price estimates for shops across the country using their real-time hourly rates. It will help you plan for repairs, learn about diagnostic fees, and find the shops near you with the highest customer ratings.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare repair estimates in your area.

196 Reviews

Dulles Shell Service Center

45410 Holiday Dr, Great Falls, VA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$64

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703)-435-4300

137 Reviews

Expert Auto Centers

5351 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$145

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (773) 582-2222

137 Reviews

Wrench Inc. DBA Otobots - SFO

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

178 Reviews

Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Lansing #889

17015 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$99.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (708) 895-5859

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic lubricate my doors?

These are the steps a mechanic will follow to lubricate your doors:

Identify the lubrication points: The mechanic will inspect the door latches, hinges, and other moving parts to identify the areas that need lubrication. This may include hinge pins, latch mechanisms, striker plates, and pivot points.

Clean the parts: Before applying the lubricant, the mechanic will clean any grime, dust, corrosion, or debris from the components.

Apply the lubricant: The technician will apply the lubricant to the points identified earlier. They will then open and close the door several times to ensure the lubricant works its way into all of the moving parts.

Cleanup: The mechanic will finish up by cleaning any excess lube and ensuring that no grease stains are present.

What happens if I don’t lubricate my car doors?

If you never lubricate your car doors, you risk developing the following issues:

Increased friction and wear: If you don’t lubricate your doors properly, the moving parts will experience increased friction. Over time, this can lead to excessive wear and tear.

Difficult door operation: Without the proper lubrication, it may be difficult to open and close your car doors.

Annoying noises: Your doors may squeak, groan, or creak if you don’t lubricate them properly.

Corrosion and rust: Lubricants also prevent moisture from damaging the latches and hinges. Without the proper lubrication, your car door components may deteriorate prematurely.

What is door lubrication?

A door lubrication service ensures the continued smooth operation of your car’s doors. During this service, a technician will clean the door components—including hinges and latches—to remove build-up. Next, they’ll apply a layer of lubricant to prevent door squeaks and protect the components from future damage.

When should I lubricate the doors on my car?

While there is no set lubrication schedule for your car doors, most experts recommend performing this service two to three times a year. It may be time to lubricate your car doors if you experience any of the following:

The doors are difficult to open or close

The doors make squeaking or creaking noises

The doors stick or bind

There’s visible rust or corrosion on the door components

The door components are overly dirty

Keep in mind: These symptoms may indicate other issues, like a faulty door handle or latch. To accurately diagnose the issue, it’s best to contact a certified mechanic.

How often should I lubricate my doors?

There is no general schedule for lubricating car doors. That said, to prevent annoying squeaks, most experts recommend taking a few minutes to lubricate the door latches and hinges two to three times a year.

Can I lubricate my doors myself?

Yes—a car door lubrication service is an excellent DIY project! Lubricating your vehicle doors requires no training or special tools, and even automotive novices should be able to handle it with ease. That said, if you’re uncomfortable performing the service yourself, there’s nothing wrong with contacting a professional mechanic to help you.

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FAQs

What is the best lubricant for car doors?

There isn’t one single “best” lubricant for car doors. The most common lubricants used for car doors are silicone spray, white lithium grease, PTFE/Teflon lube, and dry lubricants like graphite powder.

How do you lubricate a squeaky car door?

To lubricate a squeaky car door, you must open the doors, identify the lubrication points, remove any grime or debris, and add a light layer of lubricant to the parts. Afterward, open and close the doors a few times to ensure the lube penetrates all of the moving parts.

Is WD-40 safe for car doors?

Yes—WD-40 is safe for car doors. WD-40 is a silicone spray lubricant and is commonly used for automotive projects, including door lubrication.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.