How to Lubricate Garage Door Springs: Smooth, Quiet Operation Made Easy
Published Date: Sep 24, 2025
Is your garage door announcing its arrival with a chorus of squeaks and groans? Often, the culprit is dry or improperly lubricated springs. Fortunately, learning how to lubricate a garage door spring is a quick maintenance task that can quiet your garage door and extend its lifespan. In this article, Up & Down Garage Doors will show you exactly how to do it.
Should You Lubricate Garage Door Springs?
Wondering if you should lubricate your garage door springs? The answer is yes — and here’s why. Regular lubrication is a small but mighty part of garage door maintenance, bringing smoother movement and fewer breakdowns. It cuts down on friction, reducing wear and tear on springs, rollers, and hinges, which helps avoid early failures and saves you money on repairs. Even better, it silences those squeaks and rattles, giving you a smoother, quieter garage door every day.
If your springs are damaged or broken, contact Up & Down Garage Doors for reliable garage door spring repair & replacement. We’re here to help keep your garage door working perfectly.
What Is the Best Lubricant for Garage Door Springs?
When it comes to lubricating your garage door springs, picking the right product matters. Not all oils or greases are created equal. In fact, some common household products can do more harm than good by attracting dust and grime that wears out moving parts.
- Silicone sprays won’t attract dust and leave a clean, slick surface that reduces friction. Look for sprays labeled “garage door lubricant” or “silicone spray lubricant.”
- White lithium grease is a heavier lubricant. It offers long-lasting protection, especially good for metal-on-metal points.
Avoid using WD-40 on your garage door springs — it’s a degreaser, not a lubricant, and can dry out components over time. For lasting results, use a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors.
If you’re unsure which product is best, Up & Down Garage Doors can help. Reach out anytime for expert advice tailored to your door and setup.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door Spring Safely
Knowing how to lubricate the garage door spring safely is key. Garage door springs are under high tension, so always exercise caution. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get the job done right:
- Secure Your Workspace: Before you begin, unplug your garage door opener from its power source. This keeps the door from activating while you’re working.
- Wipe Down the Springs: Use a rag to wipe down the springs and remove any old grime or dirt. A clean surface helps the new lubricant adhere better.
- Lubricate the Springs: For torsion springs (mounted above the garage door), spray lubricant along the full length of each coil. Rotate slightly for full coverage. For extension springs (running along the tracks), spray each coil evenly.
- Spread the Lubricant: Manually open and close the door a few times with the opener unplugged to help spread the lubricant. Reapply the lubricant if needed.
- Remove Any Extra Lubricant: Use a clean rag to wipe away any excess lubricant. This prevents drips and keeps your garage clean.
- Listen for Quiet Performance: Plug your garage door opener back in and operate the door a few times. Listen for smoother, quieter movement.
Now that you know how to lube your garage door springs, you might be wondering how often to do it. Explore our guide on how often to lubricate a garage door for more routine care tips, and remember that if you ever feel uncomfortable working with garage door components, it’s always best to call the professionals at Up & Down Garage Doors.
Summing Up
Don’t let a noisy, struggling garage door become a daily frustration. Learning how to lubricate your garage door spring is a quick way to help your garage door run smoother and last longer. This guide has shown you how to choose the right product, apply it safely, and prevent unnecessary wear. With regular care, you can avoid bigger repairs and extend the life of your entire system.
If you ever find yourself with questions or if your garage door needs a closer look, the friendly team at Up & Down Garage Doors is always ready to provide expert assistance and make sure your garage door is working perfectly.
