White residue on the engine bonnet catch

[Slucky]

Hi

would appreciate if someone could help me identify what this is. Just noticed it this morning. It’s cold here in London. I popped my bonnet of my IS 250 to check screen wash level only to notice this white residue on the bonnet catch or lock. I am going on a long journey for the Christmas break, and am now worried about it. I thought it was a coolant leak and have checked that this is not the case. So I don’t know what it is. Thanks  

 

[johnatg]

Likely it's salt, or the results of salt acting on the metal of the catch.

I'd suggest spraying with WD-40 and then with white spray grease.

[Farqui]

Hi Lucky, from the spray pattern I suspect it's grease/lube that was applied during a service.

My door hinges, bonnet catch, etc were all purple after my last service.

Is the residue oily?

[Slucky]

Yes I just had a service at the garage recently, changed the engine oil. It is oily, but do you know why would it turn white. Thanks. 

[johnatg]

It's the white spray grease I suggested you spray on to it! It's white - the clue is in the name!

[rich1068]

Calm down guys. It's white grease. Most likely white lithium grease. Check your door hinges and locks it's likely there too.

[Slucky]

Thanks for all the reply, it’s made me more at ease now. Not looking to spend more money in a garage at this time of the year. Well I learnt something new today as well. White grease. 😊

Thanks to everyone for the help and input. 

[Jaystar77]

Nothing to worry about, in fact that's a sign someone has taken their time to do the last service properly. 

 

Many techs don't bother lubricating the hinges and catches which is a recommendation at each service.  Keep taking it back to whoever serviced it last!