How long does it take to lubricate hood hinges? Hood hinge lubrication is a relatively quick and simple service and a trained technician should finish in less than 30 minutes. That said, completion times can vary from car to car.

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.

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

You may be able to find more detailed information in your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

. But here’s a general overview of the parts you may need:

Lubricant: The main thing you’ll need to lubricate your hood hinges is the lubricant itself. The most common lube types include 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: Besides the lubricant, you may need cleaning supplies, like a degreaser and rags, to clean the hinges before the service and remove excess lubricant once 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 their reliability and effectiveness. 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?

Unlike some automotive repair jobs, it doesn’t make much difference if you use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket lube for your hood hinge lubrication. While OEM lubricants are made specifically for your car, they tend to be more costly. Aftermarket lubes are easier to find and typically come with a cheaper price tag.

Aftermarket and OEM lubricants will probably contain the same ingredients. Because of this, you’re probably better off going the aftermarket route and saving a few bucks.

Where can I buy the parts for my hood hinge lubrication?

If you want an OEM lubricant, you’ll have to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer. You can find aftermarket parts at any of your local auto parts stores—like Advance Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts or AutoZone—or online from retailers like Amazon or RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my hood hinge lubricated?

Without an existing relationship with a local auto repair shop, you may struggle to find a trustworthy mechanic. Fortunately, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare hourly rates and average repair costs from more than 2,500 U.S. shops.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses real hourly rates from local shops to give you fair price estimates for common services. Use it to plan for repairs, learn about diagnostic fees, and find the shops near you with the best customer reviews.

Below you’ll find some of our vetted shops, but be sure to download the app to find affordable repair quotes near you.

156 Reviews

Otwell's Auto and Tire Care

7304 Indiana Ave # 1, Riverside, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (951) 688-2141

107 Reviews

Goodyear Auto Service - San Jose

486 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$170

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (408) 246-1171

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

176 Reviews

Z Auto Service LLC

1231 W Lehigh Pl, Englewood, CO

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (303) 781-2855

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 hood hinges?

If you visit a repair shop for a hood hinge lubrication, these are the general steps your mechanic will follow:

Preparation: Your mechanic will open the hood and identify the lubrication points. They will spray grease remover into the pivot points to remove any grime, debris, or corrosion.

Lubrication: The mechanic will use a spray can or applicator to squirt lubricant into each pivot point. They may lubricate the latch mechanism, too. Then, they’ll move the hood up and down several times to work the lube into the moving parts.

Cleanup: Your technician will finish up by removing any excess lubricant and grease.

What happens if I don’t lubricate my hood hinges?

If you fail to lubricate your hood hinges routinely, you may develop the following issues:

Increased friction: Without the proper lubrication, your hood hinges will experience more friction, leading to damage and a decreased lifespan.

Difficult or stiff hood operation: Your hood may become difficult to open or close without proper lubrication.

Rust and corrosion: Lubrication protects your hinges from moisture and debris. If you fail to lubricate the hinges correctly, they may develop rust or corrosion.

Noises: Hood hinges without adequate lubrication may squeak, creak, or groan when you open and close the hood.

What is hood hinge lubrication?

A hood hinge lubrication service helps keep your car’s hood opening and closing smoothly. It protects the hinges from corrosion and premature deterioration by reducing friction and protecting the metal from moisture and debris. Without regular hinge lubrication services, you may experience squeaky or stiff hood operation.

When should I lubricate the hood hinges on my car?

There is no set schedule for lubricating hood hinges but experts generally recommend performing this service twice a year as part of your maintenance routine. The following are common signs that you need to lubricate your hood hinges:

The hood is stiff or difficult to open

The hood makes squeaking or creaking sounds

The hood won’t stay open

The hinges have visible rust or corrosion

The hood is misaligned

Keep in mind: These symptoms may develop due to other problems, like worn-out hood lift support shocks. The best way to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a certified mechanic.

How often should I lubricate my hood hinges?

There is no universal or set maintenance schedule regarding hood hinge lubrication. But most experts recommend lubricating the hinges twice annually.

You should also lubricate the hinges if you notice symptoms like squeaks, a misaligned hood, or visible corrosion.

Can I lubricate my hood hinges myself?

Lubricating your car’s hood hinges is an excellent DIY project. It requires little-to-no auto repair experience and no special tools. While even novices should be able to complete the service with ease, don’t be afraid to contact a professional mechanic if you’re uncomfortable lubricating your hinges.

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FAQs

What is the best lubricant for hood hinges?

There is no universal “best” lubricant for hood hinges but you can check your repair manual to learn what the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle. The most common products used for lubrication services (hood hinges, car door hinges, and door latches) include white lithium grease, silicone spray lubricant, dry lubricant like graphite, PTFE/Teflon lubricant, and even motor oil.

Is silicone or WD-40 better for hinges?

WD-40 is a brand name for a specific line of lubricants and penetrating oils, including silicone lubricants. Generally, silicone is better than penetrating oil for lubrication.

When it comes to WD-40 vs. silicone, the specific WD-40 product will make the difference—a standard silicone spray will be better than WD-40 penetrating oil, but WD-40 silicone spray is a great choice as well.

How do you lubricate a hood latch?

To lubricate a hood latch, follow these general steps:

Open the hood

Locate the latch and remove any trim blocking your access to it

Clean any debris or corrosion from the latch

Apply lubricant to the moving parts

Work the latch back and forth to ensure the lubricant enters all moving parts

Clean any excess lube

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.

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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.

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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.