Most experts agree that your garage door needs a slight touch-up of lubrication every three months. Because garage doors come with lots of moving parts, you can expect some friction that can reduce the lifespan of your door and parts if not appropriately maintained.
The average homeowner opens their garage door 3-5 times per day. Garage doors are often neglected until there is a problem. By then it is too late. It is best to lubricate your garage door frequently to avoid future maintenance issues.
Garage doors have an average life span of 20-30 years and torsion springs have an average life span of 9-10 years or 10,000 cycles (a cycle is one up and down movement of the garage door).
In winter, the cold temperatures can cause the garage door components to expand and contract. Using good garage door lubricants like 3-IN-ONE’s Professional Garage Door Lubricant can help keep your door maintained and operating smoothly.
Note: If you are uncomfortable doing your own garage door maintenance, or your garage door is making loud grinding noises, you should call or consult a service professional for repair or service.
What parts of a garage door need to be lubricated?
Tracks, torsion springs, chains, rollers, pulleys, bearings, hinge springs, and hinges require the most lubrication. They are the moving parts that face the most stress and overall wear. Use a silicone spray or white lithium grease in spray form as they dry quickly and won’t attract dirt or dust. For proper maintenance, these items should get a light spray every three months.
The rails of your garage door do not require much lubrication, but lubricating them once a year will help prevent rust and help the rollers stay on track.
Can I use WD-40 to lubricate my garage door?
It is best to avoid WD-40 as it is not ideal for garage door lubrication. WD-40 is a light lubricant that is best designed for indoor usage. It is mostly made up of mineral oil and mineral spirits that dries and leaves little lubrication behind. Not enough for the moving parts on your garage door.
Our Top 3 Recommended Garage Door Lubricants
How to lubricate your garage door
This video walks you through the steps to lubricate your garage door by professional garage door repair experts.
