Have you been noticing a screeching or squeaking noise every time you open or close your garage door? These are signs that your door requires a health check-up that's often done during an annual garage door servicing. When you hire an expert to service your door, they will check its condition, do repairs, replace worn-out parts and lubricate the moving parts.

But, you don't have to wait till then to get the parts lubricated if the door isn't working smoothly. You can always lubricate the springs, screws and hinges by yourself, provided you use a proper lubricant and follow the recommended instructions. Knowing how lubrication is done will not only give your precious ears a break but will also increase the door's longevity. To help you do the task perfectly, this post will share some essential garage door lubrication tips.

Pick a suitable lubricant

Garage door components are lubricated using special sprays that do not leave a sticky or drippy mess. In case you cannot purchase a speciality product, consider using white lithium spray. To target all the hard-to-reach areas among other tiny moving parts, consider choosing an aerosol that comes with a straw.

Lubricants like WD-40 are not ideal for garage doors. This product is a cleaning solvent, and people often mistake it for a lubricant because it contains degreasing and anti-rust properties. Also, avoid using grease for lubrication because it creates a stickiness that won't be easy to clean, and damaging debris will build up on it.

Before you start lubrication, clean the parts using a dry cloth to eliminate debris and dust. Also, you will need another dry cloth for cleaning the components as you go—this prevents excessive dripping on the surface.

Parts you should lubricate

Rollers – Rollers are the parts that help the garage door to travel up and down. Spray the rollers and ensure the nylon material (if there is any) doesn't get any lubricant on it. Remember that non-metal rollers don't require lubrication.

Hinges – Hinges should only be sprayed at the pivot points. Lubrication should be done on metallic hinges, not plastic parts, since some sprays can break the plastic over time.

Springs – Torsion springs are designed to lower or lift the garage door, so apply enough lubricant to enable them to move smoothly.

Pulleys – If you can see the bearings in a pulley, consider spraying them. However, pulleys with enclosed bearings do not require lubrication.

Avoid applying spray on the tracks of the garage door. Simply clean them with a dry cloth to make sure they function well—lubricants don't help the track perform better.

For more information or assistance, call a garage door company.

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