There are many different types of lubricants on the market, and it can be confusing to know which one to use on your garage door. In this article, we will discuss the different types of lubricants and their benefits so that you can make an informed decision about which one to use on your door.
We will also share our top picks for the best spray and grease lubricants.
It’s important to keep your garage door lubricated so it runs smoothly and quietly. Lubricating your garage door also helps to extend its lifespan. In general, you should lubricate your garage door at least once a year. If your door is particularly noisy or if it’s starting to show signs of wear, you may need to lubricate it more frequently.
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What Lubricants Should I Use on My Garage Door?
You’ll want to use different lubricants for different parts of your garage door. In general use a silicone-based spray lubricant on moving parts like hinges, and plastic rollers. Silicone sprays wear off faster than twice a year. For the tracks, chain drive, and metal-on-metal moving parts like pulley and roller ball bearings use a white lithium-based grease tube or can. Lithium grease lasts longer so you only need to apply it annually.
Silicone vs Lithium Lubricants
Silicone and lithium are the two most common lubricant bases.
Silicone lubricants are the most popular choice because they’re inexpensive and easy to apply. Common WD-40 is an example of a spray-based silicone lubricant though they also make a white lithium grease version.
Silicone lubricants are more waterproof than white lithium lubricants. That makes them great to use on hinges and other parts exposed to rain. They’re also suitable for non-metal contact points, such as rubber, plastic, wood, and a variety of other materials.
Lithium grease lubricants are designed to endure temperatures ranging from minus 30 to 150 degrees Celsius. They’re ideal for metal-on-metal applications such as the chain drive or steel rollers on metal tracks.
Lithium grease protects against rust and provides longer-term lubrication. It isn’t as runny as silicone lubricants, making cleaning overspray simpler and keeping it in place better.
What About Oil-Based Lubricants?
Oil-based lubricants are no longer as popular as they once were. They’re not as effective as silicone or lithium grease and can attract dirt, which leads to more wear on the door components.
They’re dirty, time-consuming to apply, and prone to dripping off over time. They also don’t do well in extreme heat or cold.
Where to Use Lithium Grease Lubricants on A Garage Door
Lithium grease lubricants are best applied to metal-to-metal contact points that are exposed to the elements. This includes:
- The chain drive (belt drives don’t need additional lubrication)
- Chain drive sprocket
- Metal on metal ball bearings in the rollers and pulleys
- Tracks if using metal rollers
Where to Use Silicone Lubricants on A Garage Door
Silicone lubricants can be used on any moving part of the garage door but do best on materials that don’t have a metal-on-metal contact like:
- Plastic or nylon rollers
- Springs
- The hinges that connect the door panels. Silicone gives better water protection for these elements that contact the rain.
How Often Should You Use Lithium Grease Lubricants?
You should apply lithium grease lubricants to your garage door at least once a year. If you live in an area with salt air, you may need to apply it more often to prevent rust.
How Often Should You Use Silicone Lubricants?
Silicone lubricants don’t last as long as lithium grease lubricants so you’ll need to apply them more often. In general, you should apply silicone lubricants to your garage door at least twice a year.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door so It Isn’t Noisy
If your garage door is noisy it’s probably because the moving parts are dry and need lubrication. The first step is to identify which parts are making noise. This will help you determine which type of lubricant to use and where to apply it.
Once you’ve identified the problem areas, vacuum the area then clean them with a degreaser or a mild soap and water solution. This will remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the lubricant from doing its job.
Next, apply the lubricant to the moving parts. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to use and how often to reapply.
With regular maintenance, you can keep your garage door running smoothly and silently for years to come.
We’ll next discuss how and when to lubricate individual garage door components.
Lubricating Garage Door Tracks
If your garage door is making noise when it opens and closes, the tracks may be the problem. The tracks are what the rollers ride on as the door opens and closes. Over time, they can become dry and dusty, which causes friction and makes noise.
To lubricate the tracks, first vacuum and wipe them down.
Next, lubricate the rollers. Use white lithium-based grease if you have metal rollers with metal bearings. Repeat this annually.
If you have nylon or plastic rollers use a silicon-based spray. Repeat this twice a year.
Lubricating Door Hinges
The hinges that connect the door panels can also become dry and dusty. This can cause the door to squeak when it opens and closes.
To lubricate the hinges, first, wipe them down.
Next, use a silicon-based spray as it offers the best water protection. Repeat this twice a year.
Lubricating the Chain Drive
If you have a chain drive opener, the chain can become dry and dusty. This can cause the door to jerk when it opens and closes.
To lubricate the chain, first, wipe it down with a rag.
Next, apply a white lithium-based grease. Repeat this annually.
Use a white lithium spray if the grease tube or can option is too inconvenient, but you’ll have to re-spray twice a year.
Lubricating the Door Springs
The springs on your garage door do the most lifting and strain, as they are in charge of lifting the weight of the door. They can also cause significant property damage or personal injuries if they break.
For that reason, it’s important to regularly lubricate your springs. You should use a white lithium-based grease and apply it liberally to the springs. Repeat this annually.
You may also use a spray if you’re in a hurry since it’s easier to cover the larger surface of the springs with a spray than with hand grease.
Using a Grease Rag and Dealing with Overspray
If you’re spraying, be careful of overspray. Overspray will attract dirt over time, making your garage seem unclean.
Also, silicone-based lubricants, which flow more freely than white lithium lubricants, are more prone to running and necessitate a cleanup with a towel.
Parts of Garage Door that Don’t Need Lubricant
There are some parts of your garage door that don’t need lubrication. These include:
- The photo eye sensors
- The garage door opener motor
- The circuit board
- Wiring
It’s also important not to use too much lubricant as this can attract dirt and cause buildup. Too much buildup can cause more friction, which will make your garage door noisy.
If you’re not sure how to properly lubricate your garage door or what type of lubricant to use, contact a professional. They will be able to help you choose the right products and correctly apply them to your door.
Top Pick for Silicone Lubricant
If you are looking for a quality silicone lubricant to keep your garage door running smoothly, Blaster Chemical Company’s Garage Dr. Lube is a great option. This lubricant comes in a convenient aerosol spray can, and it’s designed to quickly and easily coat all of the moving parts on your garage door. It also offers superior protection against rust and corrosion.
Top Pick for Lithium Grease Lubricant
If you prefer a lithium grease lubricant, there are several great options on the market. Our top pick is the WD-40 Specialist Protective White Lithium Grease Spray. This lubricant comes in a convenient aerosol spray can, and it’s designed to quickly and easily coat all of the moving parts on your garage door. It also offers superior protection against rust and corrosion.
If you want to use a longer-last grease tube we recommend Lubriplate’s low-temp Multi-purpose, Low-Temperature Grease.
Conclusion
Lubricating your garage door is an important part of maintaining it. By lubricating the moving parts, you can keep your door running smoothly and prevent noise and damage.
There are several different types of lubricants available, and each has its advantages. Silicone lubricants and lithium greases are two types of lubricants available for metal applications. Silicone lubricants provide better protection for non-metal components and water protection, while lithium greases last longer and are better suited for metal-on-metal uses.
