The benefits of garage door lubricant are the same as a car’s engine. The engine needs oil because the moving parts inside require a layer of lubricant to move smoothly. Without oil, the engine seizes up.
It’s the same with your garage door. Without lubricant, metal parts rub, which causes friction, and friction can lead to catastrophe. Simply adding grease in the strategic areas of your garage door will limit noise, prevent wear, and fight corrosion. In the long term, such essential maintenance will ensure the door works reliably.
What Types of Lubricants Are Best for Garage Doors?
Avoid WD-40 despite its convenience and ease of use. While it’s great at removing rust and dirt, it’s also great at removing lubrication. As for the lubricants you should use, each has pros and cons.
Petroleum Lubricant
This option has several benefits. For instance, it is weather-resistant and long-lasting. It also sticks well to metal. However, a major drawback of petroleum lubricant is that it can degrade rubber and plastic.
Silicone Lubricant
Silicone lubricant can be a good choice for your garage doors due to its durability and ability to resist extreme weather and temperatures. If you go with this option, though, know that it can also damage car paint.
White Lithium Grease
As a garage door lubricant, this choice carries several benefits, including being corrosion-resistant and long-lasting, as well as sticking well to metal. Nonetheless, white lithium grease carries some cons as well. For instance, it is less stable than other greases in addition to being less resistant to water and heat.
Graphite Powder
Graphite powder can be helpful for lubricating your garage door because it does not leave a sticky residue, has excellent wear resistance, and can handle lots of pressure and heat. Note, though, that this option does have a messy application.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door
Fortunately, keeping your garage door moving like new is not a complex process. Remember to keep these tips in mind as you go:
- Shut off Power: Keeps others from opening the door while you’re working
- Clean Tracks: Start by vacuuming and then wipe debris with a rag
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment: Such as gloves, goggles, mask, etc.
- Lubricate Hinges: You might need help lifting the door to keep it from falling
- Lubricate Rollers: Avoid petroleum for nylon or plastic rollers
- Lubricate Remaining Parts: Such as bearing plates, springs, top rail, lock, etc.
- Inspect Your Work: Check for missed spots and any grease squishing out
Remember, too, that some parts, such as the bearing plates and springs, will require you to open the door after greasing them to ensure it’s been spread in the right areas.
Rely on Larry Myers Garage Doors for Repair and Maintenance
Not everyone is comfortable hopping up on a ladder and spreading grease on garage door mechanisms. That’s okay. Contact Larry Myers Garage Doors, and we’ll make sure your garage door is lubricated and ready for action.