A Guide to Using Garage Door Lubricants

Using the right garage door lubricants is important to keep your door functioning properly. Your garage door should be lubricated at least once a year to avoid noise or sluggish movement. By taking a few minutes to lubricate your garage door, you can extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly. 

However, with many available options, choosing the best lubricant can be tricky. This post by Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE will walk you through lubricating a garage door properly. 

Choosing the Best Garage Door Lubricant

It is critical to select the ideal garage door lube for your needs. There are different garage door lubricants, some of which might be messy and work poorly in extreme heat or cold. A little research will go a long way in helping you find the best one for your needs.

Silicone Sprays

Silicone sprays are a type of lubricant used in various settings. This silicone-based lube comes with a long, thin straw attachment that helps to keep the spray contained and makes it easier to apply the lubricant to small spaces. Additionally, silicone products are known for their long-lasting properties and ability to withstand temperature changes.

White Lithium Grease

White lithium garage door grease is a great way to lubricate metal surfaces. It is easy to apply by hand and spreads evenly. White lithium grease is a non-corrosive, metal-adhering substance made of soap and oil.

Is WD-40 Safe To Use As A Garage Door Lubricant?

While WD-40 can be a great spray cleaner and degreaser, it is not necessarily the best choice for lubricating garage doors. The ‘WD’ in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement. It is designed to help remove rust by breaking down the chemical bonds on oxidized metals. However, this also means that it can potentially damage garage door parts. So instead, you can use WD-40 white lithium grease, designed for garage door lubrication.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lubricating a Garage Door

Hinges

As with any door, regular lubrication of the hinges is essential to keep it functioning properly. To do this:

1. Start by applying grease to both sides of the bracket at the edge.
2. Do the same for each of the hinges.
3. Wipe away any dirt, dust, or debris that has built up on the roller wheel with a clean damp cloth.

Rollers

Maintaining proper lubrication on garage door rollers is important for keeping the door operating smoothly and quietly. Whether you have nylon or plastic rollers, the process for lubricating them is the same. 

1. Begin by spraying grease on the bearing of each roller. 
2. Operate the door manually to rotate the roller and distribute the grease evenly. 
3. Repeat this process for all rollers until they are fully lubricated.

Door Tracks

It is important to keep your garage door tracks clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation. To clean the tracks:

1. Use a damp towel to wipe them down to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
2. Use a putty knife to apply a lithium-based grease or silicone-based lubricant to the inside of the track.
3. Apply it sparingly — too much can cause the components to gum up.

Opener Belt or Chain Drive

Your garage door opener relies on a chain or belt drive to function properly. Over time, these components can become worn and rust. Regular lubrication will help to keep your opener running smoothly. To do this, spray WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease on the chain or belt.

Garage Door Springs

Spraying WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease on garage door springs helps to prevent rust and breakage. Apply the grease evenly with a putty knife, working on one spring at a time until all of them are coated.

Garage Door Service Near Me

Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE can help keep your garage door operating properly with our lubrication and garage door maintenance services. Our experienced technicians can perform regular maintenance on your door so that you can enjoy your precious time with family and friends. So call us today and let us handle the upkeep of your garage door.