Applying Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to an RC car gearbox is not recommended, and here’s why:
🔧 What Will Happen if You Use Vaseline in an RC Gearbox:
❌ 1. Poor Lubrication Under Load
Vaseline is not designed for high-speed mechanical parts.
It becomes too thin when warm and doesn’t provide proper film strength under pressure.
This leads to increased gear wear, noise, and possible failure over time.
❌ 2. Attracts Dirt and Dust
Vaseline is sticky and will trap debris, especially in off-road or dusty environments.
This turns the jelly into an abrasive paste that grinds down gears and bearings.
❌ 3. Melting and Leaking
Vaseline softens and melts at low temperatures (~37°C or 98°F).
This causes it to leak out of the gearbox and make a mess inside the chassis.
❌ 4. Incompatibility with Plastic Gears
Some petroleum-based products can damage certain plastics over time.
If your gears are plastic, Vaseline may cause cracking, swelling, or softening.