As for the hinge squeak, I'd run some thin oil sparingly down the length of the hinge. On the two cars I've had I can't say that it's ever been a problem.
As far as the tape is concerned, the factory told me to use Vaseline once a month. Whilst we are on the topic of lubrication, you should also use thin oil or ideally ACF50 along the beading between body tub and wings.
I rotate my tyres by the way to even out wear. Just means a bigger bill when all four need replacing!
Last edited by Jays; 29/01/15 08:04 AM.