Winter riding is the toughest test for a chain: snow, slush, mud and road salt wash the lube away within a few rides and start rust. A dry chain with salt in its links wears many times faster, runs noisily and shifts badly.
That is why in winter the chain needs a durable, water-repellent lube that penetrates deep into the links, and the care routine needs to be more frequent. Here is how to do it properly.
What you will need
Important: Keep degreaser and lube off brake discs, pads and rims. Work in a ventilated space and let cans brought in from the cold warm up to room temperature before use.
Step 1
Prepare your workspace
Mount the bike on a stand so the rear wheel spins freely. Cover the floor with a sheet or cardboard so dirt and drips are easy to clean up. In winter it is better to work somewhere warm, as lube spreads less well in the cold.
Step 2
Wash the bike
Winter rides leave salt on the frame and drivetrain, so wash the whole bike first. Wet it, scrub thoroughly with a soft brush, especially around the bottom bracket, derailleurs and chainrings, then rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
Step 3
Degrease the chain
Shake WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser and apply it to the chain, cassette, chainrings and derailleurs. Scrub the links with a brush to lift old lube mixed with grit and salt, then wipe clean. For the most thorough job you can remove the chain if it has a quick link.
To drive the last of the water out of the links, give the chain a light spray of WD-40 Multi-Use and wipe it dry. The chain must be dry before you lube it.
Step 4
Apply wet chain lube
Shake WD-40 Specialist Bike Wet Chain Lube and apply it drop by drop to the inner side of the chain while slowly backpedalling. This lube penetrates deep into the links, protects against rust and holds on through rain, snow and slush.
Step 5
Spread the lube and remove the excess
Keep pedalling and shift through all the gears and chainrings so the lube reaches the cassette and keeps shifting smooth. Let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe the outside of the chain with a rag. Excess lube only collects dirt.
Step 6
Protect other parts
The chain is not the only part that suffers in winter. Spray a little WD-40 Multi-Use on pedal axles, the seat clamp, quick releases and gear cables: it displaces moisture and stops the metal rusting. Treat brake mechanisms only in a way that keeps the product off pads and discs.
Tip: After every ride on salted roads, rinse the drivetrain with clean water and wipe the chain. That way the salt has no time to start corrosion before the next lube.
What next
In winter, check the chain weekly and lube it every few wet rides or as soon as it gets noisy. In spring, once the roads dry out, switch to a dry lube.
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».