Your garage door is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s also one of the biggest moving parts, and it works hard every day to keep your home safe and your family comfortable. But when your garage door starts to squeak or doesn’t open smoothly, it might be time to show it a little love with the right garage door lubricant.
In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about garage door lubricants, including the different types, the best garage door lubricant for your needs, and step-by-step instructions on how to lubricate your garage door the right way.
Here at Rainier Garage Door, we believe that a little maintenance goes a long way. So let’s get started!
Why Garage Door Lubricant is Important
Garage door lubricant isn’t just for quieting those annoying squeaks. It also:
- Helps parts move smoothly
- Prevents rust and corrosion
- Extends the life of springs, hinges, and rollers
- Reduces strain on the opener and tracks
- Saves you money on repairs
Without the right lubricant, parts can wear out faster, break down, and even cause your door to get stuck. So taking the time to lubricate your garage door can keep it running like new for years.
When you’re shopping for garage door lubricants, you’ll see a lot of options. Here’s a look at the main types of lubricants and what makes each one special.
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants are a popular choice for garage doors. They’re lightweight, slippery, and great for places where you don’t want dirt or dust to stick.
- They create a thin layer that protects metal parts from water and rust.
- They’re great for metal-on-metal parts, like hinges and springs.
- They’re easy to spray into tight spots, and they don’t leave a sticky mess.
Silicone-based lubricants are also perfect for wet or damp environments. They don’t wash away easily, so they’re great for garages in rainy climates.
Lithium-Based Grease
Lithium grease is thicker and heavier than silicone spray. It’s perfect for high-friction spots like the rollers and tracks of your garage door system.
- It stays in place for a long time, even when your door is moving up and down.
- It creates a thicker barrier that helps protect parts from wear and tear.
- It’s especially good for older doors that might need a little extra help.
White lithium grease is the most popular type for garage doors because it’s clean, doesn’t drip, and keeps everything moving smoothly.
Petroleum-Based Lubricants
You might see petroleum-based lubricants like motor oil or WD-40 in the store. While they can work in a pinch, they’re not the best choice for garage doors.
- They can attract dust and dirt, which can gum up the tracks.
- They don’t stay in place as well, so you might have to reapply them more often.
- They’re not always good at protecting parts from rust in damp conditions.
If you’re serious about keeping your garage door working quietly and safely, stick to silicone-based lubricants or white lithium grease.
The Best Garage Door Lubricant: What to Look For
The best garage door lubricant is one that’s easy to use, protects your parts, and helps your door move smoothly. Here are the features you should look for:
- Water-resistant: Keeps working in wet or humid weather.
- Temperature-resistant: Doesn’t break down in hot or cold temperatures.
- Non-drip formula: Stays put and doesn’t run off.
- Rust and corrosion protection: Helps parts last longer.
- Low dirt attraction: Keeps your tracks and parts cleaner.
For most homeowners, a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease is the best choice. These lubricants are easy to apply, don’t create a mess, and give you long-lasting protection.
At Rainier Garage Door, we use top-quality lubricants that meet these standards. If you’re not sure what to choose, just give us a call at (425) 454-3250, and we’ll help you find the best garage door lubricant for your system.
How to Lubricate Garage Door Parts: Step-by-Step
Let’s break down how to lubricate your garage door step by step. This simple maintenance job only takes about 15 minutes, but it can make a huge difference in how your garage door works.
Step 1: Get Your Supplies Ready
You’ll need:
- Silicone-based lubricant spray or white lithium grease
- A clean cloth or rag
- Safety gloves if you prefer
Make sure you’re using a lubricant specifically made for garage doors. Household oils or general-purpose sprays might not offer the protection your system needs.
Step 2: Close the Garage Door
Start with the garage door fully closed. This keeps everything stable and makes it easier to reach the parts you need to lubricate.
Step 3: Clean the Tracks
Use your cloth or rag to wipe down the garage door tracks. Remove any dirt, dust, or spider webs. Even though you don’t actually lubricate the tracks themselves, keeping them clean helps the door move better.
It’s important to remember that you should not put lubricant directly on the tracks. Lubricating the tracks can make them too slippery, which can mess with the door’s alignment and make it harder to open or close.
Step 4: Lubricate the Moving Parts
Focus on the following parts:
- Hinges: These help the door sections bend as it opens and closes. Spray lubricant where they pivot to keep them moving smoothly.
- Rollers: If you have metal rollers with open bearings, spray a small amount of lubricant into the bearings. If your rollers are nylon or plastic, skip this step—they’re self-lubricating.
- Springs: Lightly coat the torsion springs and extension springs. This helps them expand and contract smoothly.
- Bearing plates and end plates: These hold the torsion bar and help it turn. Lubricate these spots to reduce friction and wear.
- Arm bar and lock: If your garage door has a lock or arm bar, a quick spray can keep them working properly.
When spraying, aim for the moving parts and joints. A little goes a long way! Wipe off any extra lubricant to prevent drips or buildup.
Step 5: Work the Lubricant In
Open and close the garage door a few times by hand (or with the opener if it’s safe to do so). This helps distribute the lubricant evenly and ensures every part gets the protection it needs.
Lubricating your garage door twice a year is a great rule of thumb. Once in the fall and once in the spring is usually enough to keep your door running smoothly.
If you live in an area with a lot of rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, you might want to lubricate more often to keep everything protected.
Here are a few more tips to help you get the best results:
- Use a straw nozzle (if your lubricant comes with one) to reach tight spots.
- Wipe up extra lubricant so it doesn’t drip or attract dirt.
- Don’t use too much—more isn’t always better.
- Store your lubricant in a cool, dry place so it’s always ready to go.
If your garage door still sounds noisy after lubricating, there could be a bigger issue with the springs, rollers, or opener. In that case, it’s time to call the pros at Rainier Garage Door.
While lubricating your garage door is a simple DIY task, there are some situations where you’ll want a professional’s help. Call Rainier Garage Door at (425) 454-3250 if:
- Your garage door is shaking or wobbling as it moves.
- The door won’t open or close all the way.
- The springs look rusty, stretched, or broken.
- You hear loud banging or popping sounds.
Our team is here to make sure your garage door is safe and reliable. We’ll inspect everything, fix any issues, and make sure your door is working at its best.
Keep Your Garage Door Happy
A garage door that’s well lubricated isn’t just quieter—it’s also safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting. Taking a little time to use the best garage door lubricant and following the steps on how to lubricate garage door parts can make a big difference in how your door works and how long it lasts.
At Rainier Garage Door, we’re always here to help you with garage door maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. If you’re not sure where to start or just want a pro to handle it, give us a call at (425) 454-3250. Our friendly team will make sure your garage door gets the care it needs.
What is the best thing to lubricate a garage door with?
The best thing to lubricate your garage door with is a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease. These options protect moving parts, reduce noise, and won’t attract dust like other lubricants.
Is silicone or lithium grease better for garage doors?
Both are excellent, but silicone spray is perfect for quick touch-ups and hard-to-reach spots, while white lithium grease is better for heavy-duty protection and high-friction parts like rollers and hinges.
Should you use WD-40 on a garage door?
No, WD-40 isn’t ideal for long-term lubrication. It’s mainly a cleaner and water displacer, so it doesn’t protect as well as silicone spray or white lithium grease.
How to lubricate a garage door spring?
Spray a light, even coat of silicone spray or white lithium grease directly onto the spring, then open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant in and keep the spring moving smoothly.
Your garage door works hard every day, and with a little help from the right lubricant, it can keep working smoothly for years. If you’re ready to make your garage door run like new, grab your lubricant and give it a try. And if you’d rather let the experts handle it, call Rainier Garage Door. We’re here to make sure your garage door stays quiet, safe, and working perfectly!
