What Is Anti-Seize Compound and Why Should I Use It on My Car?

Corroded, frozen or seized parts and hardware can quickly turn an inexpensive 10-minute fix into an all-day, really costly repair.

When working as a technician for a Pontiac dealership many years ago, I cringed every time I worked on a Trans Am. Fabulous cars, yes. But their honeycomb wheels were made from cast aluminum.

As Don Sutliff, product specialist at Permatex, explained to me, when water and road salts got behind those wheels, corrosion buildup would “mechanically weld” the wheels to the steel and cast-iron axle hub. That made the wheels, as well as brake drums, impossible to remove.

This is when I first learned about anti-seize compounds, and how they keep rust and corrosion at bay. That’s why I always have some in my toolbox. As auto repair specialist John Alcaro told me, “Using anti-seize makes any suspension fasteners exposed to the elements easier to remove.”

About the Experts

Don Sutliff, is the senior product specialist at Permatex Inc., in Solon, Ohio, one of the world’s leaders in automotive chemicals, sealants and adhesives. He has firsthand experience with anti-seize compounds from working in the specialty chemical industry.

John Alcaro has been an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master technician for 43 years. He serves as the senior automotive technology instructor at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

What Is Anti-Seize Compound?

Anti-seize compound is a product that seals and protects metal fasteners and other parts when exposed to high temperatures, pressures, acids, alkalis and harsh caustic chemicals. Made from base and synthetic lubricants, it contains highly refined graphite and micro-metals.

Anti-seize compound is used in automobiles, marine and industry applications to protect metal parts and fittings from corrosion and pitting, wear, galling or seizing together.

What Does Anti-Seize Lubricant Do?

It coats metal parts and components to seal out moisture, road salts and dirt. This prevents metal assemblies especially two unlike metals from seizing together.

“Applying anti-seize compound helps reduce frustration when disassembling parts where threads are susceptible to corrosion,” Alcaro says.

This also applies to frequently removed fasteners. Anti-seize compound provides consistent thread torquing, decreasing part and component failure, reducing overall maintenance and repair costs.

How Does Anti-Seize Compound Work?

By preventing electrolysis, a chemical reaction generating an electrical current that passes between metal parts via rain, salt air or salt water.

The current causes the metal parts to release corrosion-causing oxides. The oxides made metals swell (think of rusted rebar cracking through concrete), corrode, rust and mechanically lock onto each other.

“Using anti-seize on parts and fasteners that experience extreme heating and cooling periods [aka thermal cycling], such as exhaust flanges, helps increase their lifespan,” Sutliff says. Alcaro also recommends using anti-seize on engine head bolts.

Types of Anti-Seize Compound

Different types of anti-seize compounds are used for specific applications.

• Aluminum: Recommended by Alcaro, anti-seize compound is most often used on aluminum. It allows for easy part disassembly and assembly, including engine, exhaust, steering and suspension components. Don’t use with carbon steel.
• Copper: Prevents seizing in high temperature conditions while providing good electrical conduction. Best used on exhaust bolts and flanges, oxygen sensors and fuel filter connectors. Don’t use with stainless steel.
• Nickel: Recommended for use with stainless steel, titanium, nickel and other alloys. It protects metals under high pressure and temperatures, and where copper contamination should be avoided.
• Molybdenum disulfide(aka moly): Contains no copper or aluminum, so it’s used under extreme pressure and temperature applications.

Is Brake Grease an Anti-Seize Compound?

No. Brake grease lacks the protective materials found in anti-seize compounds. Although anti-seize compound is commonly applied to contact areas between the brake caliber and the steering knuckle, don’t use anti-seize in place of brake grease.

Can I Use WD-40 Instead of Anti-Seize Compound?

No. WD-40 is different from anti-seize compound. WD-40 is a water-dispersant and lubricant that can remove rust, but it’s not intended to withstand high temperatures or pressures. Also, it can attract dirt and dust which can hold onto moisture, resulting in unwelcome corrosion and wear.

Can You Use Too Much Anti-Seize Compound?

Yes! Don’t slather anti-seize compound all over the place.

“Use anti-seize sparingly,” Alcaro says. “Apply a thin coat, just enough to fill the threads at the end of a bolt [not the entire length of the bolt] and especially under the bolt head.”

How Long Does Anti-Seize Compound Last?

Sutliff says seven years. I’ve seen it last even longer.

To extend the life of anti-seize products:

• Clean the brush, glove (I like to use my finger to control the amount I’m applying) or tool before dipping it into a jar to prevent dirt or debris from contaminating the compound.
• Tightly seal the cover to keep dust and moisture out and store in a cool, dry place.

Pro Tips for Using Anti-Seize Compound

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear eye protection and disposable gloves.
• Choose the correct type anti-seize for your project.
• Clean or repair nut, bolt and internal threads with a wire brush. Use a thread restorer if the threads are damaged. And clean with a degreaser to remove dirt and oil.
• Compensate for anti-seize compound’s lubricating qualities by reducing torque 20% to 25%.
• Carefully remove all corrosion and debris from mating surfaces to avoid part misalignment.
• Wipe excess anti-seize compound to stop gunk build up.
• According to NGH Spark Plugs, spark plugs plated with nickel or zinc offer protection against corrosion should be installed dry, without anti-seize compound. “Dabbing a small amount of copper anti-seize on spark plugs with black oxide threads [is fine],” Alcaro says.
• Sutliff says Permatex doesn’t recommend using anti-seize on lug nuts due to its extremely low coefficient of friction.

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