How to Lubricate your Garage Door

Spring is here and the weather is starting to get warmer. Thus meaning, we are working on our yards, spring cleaning and inspections. One important job on your to-do checklist is lubricating your garage door. Do you know how to lubricate your garage door? Where to lubricate your garage door and which product to use? Don’t you worry, we’re here to help you!

When and How to Lubricate Your Garage Door

First, lubricating your garage door is an important part of keeping your garage door running smoothly. We recommend this to be done every six months or so. How do you know if it needs lubricating? Most doors will making a squeaking noise when they need to be lubricated. Lubricating your garage door will keep it working smoothly and ensure all moving parts will not get worn out.

The Right Lubrication

When it comes to lubricants, it’s best to choose the one that’s specifically for garage doors. If not, the lubricant can drip or leave a sticky mess for you after applying. If you cannot find a garage door lube, then the next best option is a silicone spray. We recommend NOT using WD40. WD40 is not a lubricant and has a cleaning chemical in it. This chemical can break down the grease and remove the grease from being packed around the bearing. For instance, a great lubricant we recommend is the 3-IN-ONE Garage door lube. It provides quick-drying, high performance lubrication. This brand can be used on either residential or commercial garage doors. It can also be found at your local hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Where to Lubricate

In addition to using the proper product, you need to know where to apply the lubricant. We want to make it easy for you to know how to lubricate your garage door.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Stand inside the garage door and pay attention to all moving parts. For example, springs, rollers, hinges etc. This also includes the overhead track system and the garage door opening system (if there is one).
2. Second, you’ll want to wipe away any grime, dirt, cobwebs or dust on any moving hardware.
3. Furthermore, squirt or spray small amounts of garage door lube or silicone spray into the moving parts on the garage door such as the hinges and springs. Next, you’ll want to open the garage door halfway and repeat the process. It’s a great idea to open and close the garage door a few times to make sure the oil is lubricated in all moving areas. If needed, spray any additional areas.
4. Additionally, you’ll want to spray directly on the inner track area overhead. A step stool or ladder may be needed for height. Next, you’ll need to press the wall console button and have the garage door in the open position. Then spray the lubricant into the center of the rollers that ride on the track. Again, open and close the door multiple times to ensure the lubricant got into all moving parts.
5. Wipe away any remaining drips if needed.

In summary, lubricating all moving parts is an important factor on keeping your garage door running smoothly. If you have any additional questions or in need of service give us a call at 586-412-5600. We can even send a service technician for a full garage door tune-up! You can also reach us by email at info@sterlinggaragedoor.com.