Chain lube has to reach every gap between the rollers, bushings and plates. It needs to be thin enough to flow inside, yet durable enough not to vanish after the first ride. Over-thick formulas do more harm than good here: they pick up grit and struggle to reach the pivots.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer: the right choice depends on where and in what weather you ride. A typical season means dusty tracks in summer, rain in spring and autumn, and slush with road salt in winter. Below we explain which lube suits each case and how to apply it properly.
What you will need
Important: Keep lubricant away from brake discs, pads and rims on bikes with rim brakes. Cover the brakes with a rag while applying and wipe off any stray drops immediately.
Step 1
Work out your riding conditions
Think about how you ride most often. Dry tarmac and dusty tracks in summer are one thing, daily commuting through rain and drizzle is quite another. This decides which type of lube will last longer without turning into dirty paste.
Step 2
Dry lube for dry weather
Bike Dry Chain Lube has a light texture, spreads easily along the chain and attracts very little dust. It is ideal for dry, dusty trails, gravel and summer rides. The chain stays clean for longer and the drivetrain runs quietly. The one drawback is that rain washes it off sooner, so re-lube after a wet ride.
Step 3
Wet lube for rain and mud
Bike Wet Chain Lube resists water and mud and is not washed away even by heavy rain or puddles. It protects the chain from moisture and corrosion, which makes it right for autumn, spring and off-road riding. Its thicker film collects more dust, so always wipe off the excess in dry weather.
Step 4
All-conditions lube for mixed weather
If one day's route can take in both dry roads and a downpour, choose Bike Chain Lube for all conditions. It gives lasting protection against wear and corrosion in dry and wet weather alike, making it the easiest choice for most urban riders.
Step 5
Clean the chain before applying
Any lube only works on a clean chain. Wipe off the dirt with a rag, soften stuck-on old lube with WD-40 Multi-Use and wipe it away. After washing with water, it also drives moisture out of the links. Let the chain dry for a few minutes.
Step 6
Apply, spread and wipe off the excess
Backpedalling slowly, apply your chosen lube evenly to the inner side of the chain so it reaches the rollers. Turn the pedals another ten or so times while shifting through the gears to spread it. Finally, hold the chain in a clean rag and turn the pedals: the excess should end up on the cloth, not collecting dirt.
Tip: Keep two lubes: a dry one for summer and a wet one for the shoulder seasons. When switching between them, clean the chain thoroughly so the formulas do not mix.
What next
Lube the chain roughly every 150-300 km or after every ride in the rain. If the chain gets noisy or shifting turns vague, clean and lube it ahead of schedule.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».