The automotive industry has not labeled dielectric grease as a necessity. However, if you have used it, you’ll agree that it is among the most useful products a car owner can possess.
What is dielectric grease? How does it work? Can it be used on spark plugs and if so, how should it be used? What are the best dielectric greases to use with spark plugs? These are some of the questions that will be answered in this article.
Let’s find out what dielectric grease is.
Dielectric means “having the property of transmitting electric force without conduction; insulating,” and grease means “a thick oily substance, especially as used as a lubricant.”
Thus, dielectric grease is a greasy substance with its properties lying in its ability to lubricate, insulate, and protect against natural particles and foreign materials.
Dielectric grease is also known as tune-up grease and is used for preventing voltage leaks in high-energy ignition systems.
Should I Use Dielectric Grease On Spark Plugs?
The simple answer is yes.
Dielectric grease is non-conductive, waterproof, and fireproof. It is a multi-purpose substance that aids in the defense against dirt and corrosion. It preserves the quality and prolongs the life of your vehicle and its components.
It prevents foreign materials such as dust, sand, and dirt from sticking to the conductor. It also prevents the conductor from transmitting a current between the connection points.
How Does Dielectric Grease Work?
Dielectric grease acts as an insulator and lubrication. This helps to protect electrical connections and systems from water and moisture. It also prohibits rubber gaskets from drying out, preventing cracking and seizing.
Corrosion and premature breakdown of wiring and connectors result from dust or alkaline contamination. Dielectric grease mitigates these materials.
Different dielectric greases can be used for different purposes, so before you use them, you should find out whether or not it’s an insulator.
For example, the thermal paste ‘Thermal grease’ drains excess from the electrical circuit components such as LEDs and transistors. When using dielectric grease, apply it to the body or external surface of the electrical part.
It can also be used for extra applications. However, it is mostly used in spark plugs. It allows the plugs to slide into their ceramic containers and protects against foreign materials. Grease is generally used when electrical components such as processors, cables, or terminals come into contact with moisture.
It can also be used in other connectors and terminals, such as heat shrink terminals, spades, rings, and butt connectors.
If dielectric grease is properly used, it will prevent electricity from entering the engine block. It also eliminates the risk of voltage leakage.
Check Out What Is Dielectric Grease and Why Should I Use It?:
Where To Put Dielectric Grease On Spark Plugs?
Dielectric grease should be applied to keep the spark from your ignition coil, which is supposed to go through the spark plugs, from arching around. It also prevents it from going through the boot to the ground.
Since dielectric grease is an insulator, it should sparingly be applied to the inner wall of the spark plug boot only.
How To Apply Dielectric Grease On Spark Plugs?
Apply a small amount of dielectric grease onto a cotton swab to the inside of the spark plug boot using circular motions to ensure complete coverage. Remember to use a small amount as a thin coat.
As an added protection, you can also apply a small amount of the grease to the ceramic part of the spark plug connection, again, taking care not to get any grease on the metal terminal.
Another benefit is that it helps to keep the spark plug boots from bonding to the ceramic part of the connection and makes future removal of the boots easier. This prevents you from damaging them. If dielectric grease is not used, the spark plug boots can stick and tear upon removal.
Check Out How To Properly Use Dielectric Grease On Spark Plug Wires:
Can You Use Too Much Dielectric Grease On Spark Plugs?
Yes, too much dielectric grease (applying a thick layer to the inside of the spark plug boot) will inhibit your ability to push the socket.
Ensure that none of the dielectric greases comes into contact with the metal terminals or spark plug threads. It may cause increased resistance, overheating of the wiring, or misfiring. Remember that dielectric grease is not intended to be used at the distributor or coil end of the spark plug wires.
Remember that dielectric grease does not conduct electricity. If you apply a thick layer between the two metal terminals, you will have difficulty starting your vehicle. To ensure an anti-seize of the vehicle, apply a thin layer of grease on spark plugs.
What Is The Best Dielectric Grease For Spark Plugs?
Some of the top dielectric greases for use on spark plugs include:
| Top Dielectric Grease | Features |
| Versachem Dielectric Spark Plug Boot Grease – 15309 | This is an OEM-specified grease. It resists voltage leakage and arching. It is also water, ketone, and alcohol resistant. |
| Permatex Dielectric Tune-up Grease – 22058 | The tube allows for easy application. The grease slides smoothly without leaving residue behind. It is perfect for keeping spark plugs and electrical connections clean and lubricated. |
| Spark Plug Boot Protector Dielectric Grease | This grease is made from a high-temperature formula, specifically designed for use on spark plug boots. |
| Silicone Dielectric Compound – YOLOtek | The tube allows for easy application. The grease slides smoothly without leaving residue behind. It is perfect to keep spark plugs and electrical connections clean and lubricated. |
| Permatex Counterman’s Choice Spark Plug Boot Grease – 09980 | This grease is effective in preventing voltage leaks and boots fusing. It is easily applied and protects against corrosion and dirt. It is also a good price. |
FAQs
What Constitutes Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease consists of a combination of silicone oil and a thickener. The most common silicone oil used is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and amorphous fumed silica for the thickener.
Other more specialized silicone grease types are prepared from fluorinated silicones. The PDMSs are made from phenyl substituents instead of methyl groups for lower temperatures.
You can use other thickeners, such as Stearates and powdered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
When Should You Not Use Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease does not conduct electricity. Therefore, it should not be applied to your electrical connection’s mating surfaces (pins and sockets).
When Can You Use Dielectric Grease?
Dielectric grease can be used across various things, such as the general need in an electronic connection and as a plastic or rubber lubricant.
Also, dielectric grease is safe to be used on battery terminals, a spark plug, a bulb socket, and a trailer connector when there is a need for a lubricant, a sealant, an insulator, or a protectant.
Should You Use Dielectric Grease on Ignition Coils?
Dielectric grease can be applied to ignition coils; however, be sure to use the correct type of grease. In this case, you’ll want to use the green dielectric grease color, not the white/clear one.
Final Considerations
Dielectric grease, also known as tune-up grease, is a multi-purpose substance. It is non-conductive, waterproof, and fireproof. It helps protect electrical connections and your vehicle from dirt, corrosion, and water damage. This can preserve the quality and prolong the life of your vehicle and its components.
Dielectric grease can be used across many components. It is generally used when electrical components such as processors, cables, or terminals come into contact with moisture. It also prevents voltage leaks.
Dielectric grease should be used on spark plugs for the above-mentioned reasons. Also, to prevent the spark plug boots from bonding and tearing upon removal.
When applying this grease to a spark plug boot, use a cotton swab to smear a thin layer onto the inside of the boot, and be sure not to get any of the greases onto the metal sections.
To boost overall performance, dielectric grease must be used and applied correctly.
