Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can be brutal on your equipment.
That’s why it’s important to use the right grease for the job. Whether you’re maintaining industrial equipment, automobiles, boats, railways, garage doors, or aircraft, using the wrong grease can lead to serious problems.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about grease and cold weather, so you can make sure your equipment is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
We’ll discuss how cold weather affects grease and what types of grease are best for cold weather conditions.
What Happens To Grease in the Cold?
Cold weather can have a major impact on grease, making it thicker and harder to spread.
As a result, using the wrong grease can lead to equipment failures and costly repairs.
As it turns out, grease is composed of two main types of molecules: lipids and triglycerides. When exposed to cold temperatures, these molecules begin to slow down and eventually harden. The process is similar to what happens when water freezes into ice.
However, unlike water, which becomes a solid at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, grease requires much lower temperatures to harden.
In fact, most kinds of grease will start to solidify at around 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some greases can remain in a liquid state down to 0 degrees or lower.
Can Grease Be Frozen?
Can grease be frozen?
It’s a common question, especially for those who work with automotive or household grease on a regular basis. After all, grease is designed to withstand high temperatures, so it stands to reason that it could also withstand cold temperatures.
However, the answer is not as simple as you might think.
While grease can indeed be frozen, it doesn’t always respond well to the freezing process.
In some cases, freezing can cause the grease to become harder and more difficult to work with. In other cases, it can cause the grease to break down and lose its effectiveness.
As a result, it’s important to understand how freezing affects grease before making the decision to freeze it.
What Is Low-Temperature Grease?
Low-temperature grease is a type of lubricating grease that is designed to maintain its consistency and performance at low temperatures.
Certain low-temperature grease works in temperatures as low as minus 30-60 degrees Celcius.
It is typically made from a base oil, such as mineral oil or synthetic oil, that has been thickened with a soap or clay to increase its viscosity.
In addition, low-temperature grease often contains additives that further improve its low-temperature performance.
For example, waxes and polymers can help to reduce the evaporation of the base oil, while metal deactivators can help to prevent corrosion.
Low-temperature grease is used in a variety of applications where conventional greases would fail due to their inability to remain liquefied at low temperatures.
This type of grease is commonly used in automotive coolant pumps, bearings, and gearboxes.
It is also used in aerospace and industrial applications where conventional greases would not be able to withstand the extreme cold temperatures.
What Grease Does Not Freeze?
While most greases will thicken or solidify when exposed to cold temperatures, there are some that are designed to withstand extreme conditions.
These “low-temp” greases are made with special additives that help to prevent them from freezing or becoming too stiff. As a result, they can be used in applications where standard grease would simply not work.
Some examples of low-temp greases:
- Molly Low-Temp Grease
- White Lithium Grease
- Artic Extreme Low Temperature Grease
While no grease is 100% freeze proof, these products can provide reliable performance in even the most extreme conditions.
Is White Lithium Grease Good in Cold Weather?
Yes, White Lithium Grease is good in cold weather.
There’s no need to worry about white lithium grease ata ll. It’s designed to work in extreme conditions, from sub-zero temperatures to scorching heat.
Whether you’re dealing with a cold snap or a heat wave, white lithium grease will keep your car running smoothly.
One of the things that makes white lithium grease so effective is its low melting point. That means it stays liquid at lower temperatures than other types of grease, making it easier for parts to move freely.
In fact, white lithium grease can even be used in Antarctica and Alaska, where temperatures can dip as low as minus 69 degrees.
So if you’re looking for a grease that can stand up to extreme cold, white lithium grease is the way to go.
What Temperature Is White Lithium Grease Good To?
White lithium grease is a type of lubricating grease that is designed for use in extreme cold temperatures.
It can maintain its lubricating properties at temperatures as low as minus 150 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal choice for use in cold places on earth (and even in many cold places in space).
White lithium grease also has excellent water resistance, which makes it ideal for use in wet environments.
It is also highly resistant to shear stable, meaning that it will maintain its consistency and viscosity over time. Finally, white lithium grease is relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Is Lithium Grease Low Temp?
One of the most important benefits of white lithium grease is its low-temperature performance.
White lithium grease is a low temperature grease that can be used in a variety of applications where a conventional grease would not perform as well.
One common use for white lithium grease is in lubricating door hinges and other moving parts that may see high loads or be subject to temperature changes.
White lithium grease can also be used on inner mechanisms of both hand and power tools to keep them operating smoothly.
In the automotive world, white lithium grease is often used on suspension components and steering linkages to keep them moving freely and prevent binding.
It is also an excellent choice for lubricating snowblower augers, chainsaws, and other power equipment that may be used in cold weather.
Industrial uses for white lithium grease include bearings, conveyors, and other machinery that may operate in extreme temperatures or environments. The bottom line is that white lithium grease can provide long-lasting lubrication and protection against wear, making it an ideal choice for low temperature applications.
What Is a Good Cold Weather Moly Grease?
When it comes to cold weather grease, you want something that is going to stay put and not turn into a solid brick.
That’s why Phillips 66® Moly Low Temp is a great option.
This grease has a high dropping point and is designed for use in temperatures as low as -30°F. It’s perfect for use on bearings, U-joints, and other moving parts that are subject to high loads and extreme temperatures.
Plus, it’s resistant to water washout, so you don’t have to worry about it being washed away by rain or snow. So if you’re looking for a good cold weather grease, I suggest that you go with Phillips 66® Moly Low Temp.
What Grease Is Best for Cold Weather?
The best grease for cold weather is White Lithium Grease.
It simply withstands colder temperatures better than any other grease on the market. It’s also long-lasting, highly accessible all over the world, and fairly inexpensive.
A close runner-up is Artic Extreme Low Temperature Grease.
Artic works in up to minus 140 degrees cold weather. That means it gets pretty close to White Lithium Grease in terms of low-temperature performance.
Still, White Lithium beats Artic by 10 degrees, which can make a huge difference in severely dipping temperatures.
Here is a chart of the best grease for extreme cold weather:
| Best Cold Weather Grease | Price |
|---|---|
| White Lithium Grease | $ |
| Arctic Extreme Low-Temperature Grease | $$ |
| Lubriplate Low-Temperature Grease | $$ |
Grease for Guns in Cold Weather
A good cold weather grease for guns is one that will maintain its consistency and not harden or freeze in the cold.
BreakFree CLP is a good option for this, as it has been tested in temperatures as low as -40 degrees without any issues. I’ve personally tested it down to -20 degrees with no issues.
It is also inexpensive and can be used for a variety of lubrication needs.
Another option to consider is powdered or dry graphite, which can also withstand extreme cold temperatures.
Whichever grease you choose, be sure to test it in the temperature range you plan on using it in to ensure it will perform as expected.
What Spray Lubricant Works Best in the Freezing Cold Weather (Video)
As the winter weather sets in, it’s important to make sure that your house and equipment is properly prepared for the cold temperatures.
For many home owners and businesses, that means using a spray lubricant to prevent freezing and maintain smooth operation. But with so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve included a video review of some popular options.
The video below shows how they perform in the coldest conditions and gives you a top pick for the best spray lubricant for the winter.
So whether you’re looking to protect your own equipment or keep your business running smoothly, be sure to check out this video review:
Final Thoughts: Grease and Cold Weather
The thing I love most about grease and cold weather is that the grease is relatively cheap.
You really get a lot of benefits for a product within most people’s budget. That’s not true of many other cold-rated items, such as camping equipment, clothing, and workout gear.
Related posts:
- Best Glue for Cold Weather (Tested & Solved)
- Are Overalls Good for Cold Weather? (Answered)
- Is Dri Fit Good for Cold Weather? (Tested & Solved)
- Is Pex Good for Cold Weather? (Tested & Solved)
Sources
Researchgate—Industrial Lubrication and Tribology Journal