How To Lubricate Garage Door: Step-By-Step Guide

Why do you need garage door lubricant?

Lubricating your garage door often can help it function easily and get rid of that garage door squeaking noise. 

How to Identify the Right Garage Door Parts for Lubrication

To effectively lubricate a garage door, it’s crucial to target the parts that need lubrication the most. These components include:

• Hinges and Rollers: The hinges and rollers are vital for the smooth operation of your garage door. Pay close attention to the ball bearings within the rollers, but avoid lubricating rollers made of nylon, as the lubricant can degrade the nylon over time.
• Springs: Torsion and extension springs help counterbalance the door’s weight. Apply a small amount of lubricant along their length to keep them flexible and prevent brittleness.
• Tracks and Bearings: While you should clean the door tracks with a damp rag and an automotive brake cleaner to loosen grime, avoid applying lubricant directly to them—it can attract dirt and debris. Instead, focus on the bearing plates at the top of the door.
• Top Rail and Large Armbar: These areas support the belt or chain that drives your opener. Spray a small amount of lubricant here and distribute it evenly with a rag.

By focusing on these moving parts of your garage door, you’ll extend its lifespan and keep it operating smoothly and quietly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to lubricate your garage door:

• Ensure your garage door is closed and turn off the opener’s power.
• Remove the dirt and debris around and inside the tracks by using a damp cloth.
• Open the garage door and lubricate the hinges.
• Lubricate the rollers and the ball bearings inside each of them. Avoid lubricating garage door rollers that are nylon.
• Wipe away any access lubricant.
• Lubricate the springs and bearing plates. Open and close the door to ensure you’ve spread the grease evenly.
• Lubricate the lock, keyhole, and large armbar. 
• Lubricate the top of the rail and distribute the garage door grease evenly with a rag. 

Here are some other garage door lubrication tips:

General Garage Door Lubrication Tips

You should lubricate your garage door every six months and ensure you lubricate all the moving parts. But don’t lubricate the tracks since this can make it more difficult for the rollers and opener to function. You can use an automotive brake cleaner to get rid of the grime in the tracks.

If you live in an environment with harsh weather conditions (like extreme cold temperatures, or wide temperature variations in brief periods), you should lubricate the door more frequently. 

Why is it important to lubricate your garage door?

Lubrication can extend the lifespan of your door and ensure it operates properly. 

When you’re ready to lubricate your garage door, ensure you invest in a product that can handle different temperature ranges. Low temperatures can cause your lubricant to thicken, making it more difficult to open and close your garage door. 

It’s crucial to lubricate your garage door’s components in cold weather conditions since the lower temperatures can cause the springs to become brittle. Without proper lubrication, your garage door springs could break. This could injure you and your family members and damage vehicles.

How Weather Impacts Garage Door Lubrication and Performance

Weather plays a significant role in how well your garage door functions, especially in areas with extreme temperatures or frequent weather fluctuations.

• Cold Weather: Freezing temperatures can cause garage door springs to become brittle, increasing the risk of breakage. To prevent this, use a lubricant designed to withstand low temperatures, such as white lithium grease or silicone spray.
• Hot and Dry Climates: In warmer months, excessive heat can cause some lubricants to evaporate or become sticky. A high-temperature-resistant lubricant ensures consistent performance.
• Moisture and Humidity: In humid climates, lubricants can attract dirt and moisture, leading to rust. Regularly clean the tracks and apply a thin, even layer of lubricant to protect against corrosion.

By adapting your garage door lubrication routine to your local climate, you can maintain smooth operation year-round.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Lubricate Garage Door Tracks

While lubricating your garage door is a straightforward task, there are several common mistakes homeowners make:

• Using the Wrong Type of Lubricant: Products like WD-40 or engine oil may seem convenient, but they’re not ideal for garage doors. These can attract dirt and dust, leading to buildup that makes it harder for the rollers to move. Instead, use a silicone spray or lithium-based grease designed for garage doors.
• Over-Lubricating: Applying too much lubricant can result in excess dripping, which not only wastes the product but also attracts more dirt. Always spray a small amount and wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean rag.
• Lubricating the Tracks: Contrary to popular belief, lubricating the tracks can make it harder for the rollers to move and force the opener to work harder. Instead, keep the tracks clean and free of grime using a damp rag.
• Ignoring Non-Moving Parts: While moving parts are the focus, don’t neglect areas like the lock mechanism and keyhole, which benefit from periodic lubrication to keep them functional.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your garage door operates efficiently and lasts longer.

Choosing the Right Garage Door Lubricant for Your Door

Before you can start greasing your garage door, you need to choose the right product to get the job done!

The best garage door lubricant products include silicone sprays and white lithium grease. You can use aerosol sprays when you need to lubricate the smaller components in your garage door. 

You should avoid standard degreasing products, mechanic’s grease, and engine oil, as these products are susceptible to dirt and dust buildup.

• Silicone Sprays:Silicone sprays usually have a long straw-like attachment to keep the spray contained. These sprays can last longer than most sprays and can handle a variety of temperatures. The small attachments can also help you lubricate smaller spaces.
• White Lithium Grease:White lithium grease consists of oil and soap, so it’s a non-corrosive product. This grease needs to be applied by hand, as a result, it’s a messier greasing option. But the benefit here is that you’ll be able to spread the grease around more evenly and exactly where you want it.

Choosing Between Silicone Sprays and White Lithium Grease for Garage Door Lubricant

Selecting the right lubricant for your garage door can make all the difference in its performance. Here’s a closer look at the two most recommended options:

• Silicone Sprays: These sprays are perfect for reaching small, tight spaces like hinges and rollers. The straw attachment ensures precision, and silicone’s long-lasting properties make it ideal for high-traffic doors. It’s also effective across a wide range of temperatures, making it a versatile choice for any climate.
• White Lithium Grease: This grease offers superior coverage and durability. Applied manually, it’s an excellent option for larger components like springs and the top rail. Although messier than sprays, its resistance to moisture and dirt makes it a reliable choice for long-term lubrication.

Avoid general-purpose lubricants like WD-40 or degreasers, as these can attract dirt and shorten the life of your garage door parts. Combining both silicone spray and white lithium grease in your maintenance routine can deliver the best results.

If you need garage door opener maintenance, a brand new garage door, or general maintenance, visit the Tri-Lakes Garage Doors website.

We specialize in new garage door installation, custom garage doors, and repair and maintenance for homes and businesses. Our team of experts have the experience and skills required to diagnose any problem with the electrical components of the entire garage door opener system.

Contact Tri-Lakes Garage Doors today to learn more about the best garage door lubricant.