When customers sent their bicycles to be fixed at our bike shop, we usually suggest that they use bike lubricant if we see rusty parts on them. When they told us that they have WD-40 at home, we know that they are refering to this WD-40 Multi-Use Product.
If that is what you have on hand too, you have to note that WD-40 Multi-Use Product can damage plastic parts and destroy the circuits and the mechanisms inside the electrical device. So, it is not a good idea to use it if your chain guard is made of plastic or you are cycling on an ebike.
Also, WD-40 Multi-Use Product cleans more than it lubricates the parts on your bicycle. It is a petroleum-based solvent which will dissolve the bike lubricant already on your chain. This is why you can use it like a degreaser. However, when used on your chain, the solvent will evaporate once it is exposed to the air or get heated up by the hot rays of the sun or friction as your ride. So, after applying WD-40, you should also spray your chain with bike lubricant.
Do you know that in 2012, WD-40 Company founded WD-40 BIKE Company which supplies cycling-specific maintenance needs product? So, under their WD-40 Specialist product line, you should be able to find Bike Degreaser and Bike Chain Lube. It is easy to find lubricants meant for bicycles at your local bike shop which will not affect plastic parts. I know that WD-40 Specialist product are currently more expensive. Just go for the brand that you are willing to pay for.
Most articles I read, will suggest that you wipe the excess lubricant off your bike chain before your ride. If you read the other functions of a bike lubricant from its bottle, you will see that it can remove grease and grime from your chain.
It will be more effective if you spray the lubricant on your chain the night before your ride the following day. In that way, instead of wiping the excess lubricant off, you can leave it on the chain to do its job. However, it is alright to use a cloth to wipe any lubricant accidentally sprayed on the frame of your bicycle so that it will not be too oily to the touch or stain your clothes. You will notice that the frame looks cleaner as you wipe it off.
If your bicycles are installed with disc brakes, are you aware that you are not supposed to spray any lubricant on the rotors? There will be a squeaking noise when you brake if your rotors or disc brake pads have been contaminated with oily residue. Click on the following link to find out what you can do if there is noise whenever you use your disc brake.
Note that WD-40 Multi-Use Product fumes should not be inhaled as it can cause the inhaler to get high which can then lead to potential abuse. If you use it at home, keep it away from fire as it is a flammable chemical. You can read about the benefits of WD-40 and how to use it correctly at the following link:
Is WD-40 Flammable?
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