The invention provides a lubricant composition for generating a combined passivate and lubricating coating on a metal substrate with which the composition is brought into contact. The lubricant composition comprises an organic polymer and/or a wax dispersion; phosphates, preferably acid phosphate salts, and/or phosphoric acid; and optionally, a surfactant, a thickening aid, an anti-wear additive, a defoaming agent; a corrosion inhibitor; and/or a linear or branched hydrocarbon.