Yes, automatic garage doors need to be oiled regularly to ensure that they operate smoothly and quietly. The garage door opener has a series of gears and chains that work together to move the door up and down the tracks. Without proper lubrication, these components can wear down quickly, causing your door to become stuck or difficult to open.
How Often Should You Oil Your Automatic Garage Door?
The frequency with which you need to oil your automatic garage door depends on several factors, including the climate where you live and how often you use your garage door. In general, it is a good idea to oil your automatic garage door every six months to a year. If you live in a particularly humid or dusty climate or use your garage door frequently, you may need to oil it more often.
What Type of Oil Should You Use?
It is important to use the right type of oil when lubricating your automatic garage door to ensure that it operates smoothly and quietly. We recommend using a high-quality garage door lubricant, such as a silicone-based lubricant. Silicone lubricants are non-corrosive and long-lasting, making them ideal for use on garage door openers.
Avoid using WD-40 or other oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and debris, leading to more problems down the road. While WD-40 can be useful for loosening rusty bolts or other components, it is not a good choice for lubricating garage door openers.
How to Oil Your Automatic Garage Door
Oiling your automatic garage door is a relatively straightforward process that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Clean the Garage Door Opener
Before you start oiling your garage door opener, it is essential to clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the lubrication process. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the gears, chains, and other components of the garage door opener. Be sure to remove any debris or buildup from the track as well.
Step 2: Apply the Lubricant
Once you have cleaned the garage door opener, it’s time to apply the lubricant. Using a spray lubricant, apply a small amount of lubricant to each of the gears and chains, making sure to get the lubricant inside any crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
Be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can cause excess oil to accumulate and attract dirt and debris.
Step 3: Test the Garage Door
After you have oiled your garage door opener, it’s a good idea to test the door to ensure that it operates smoothly and quietly. Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly and check for any unusual noises or issues.
If you notice any problems with your garage door opener, such as unusual noises or difficulty opening or closing the door, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Lubricating your automatic garage door regularly is essential to ensuring that it operates smoothly and safely. By following these tips and using a high-quality garage door lubricant, you can keep your garage door opener running smoothly and extend the lifespan of your garage door.