MM Garage Door Repairs' Blog
Welcome to Ask A Pro by MM Garage Door Repair, your Utah County resource for practical answers to all those miscellaneous and “other” garage‐door questions. Whether it’s a one-off concern or an uncommon DIY challenge, our expert tips and clear guidance will help you tackle it with confidence.
🔍 Find out: What can you do with wd 40?
Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we’re always looking for ways to help you keep your garage door running smoothly. Today, we’re tackling a common question we hear: “What can you do with WD-40?” While WD-40 is a household staple, it’s important to understand its limitations, especially when it comes to your garage door. Let’s dive in!
WD-40 A Jack of All Trades
WD-40 is a penetrating oil and water displacement spray, known for its versatility. It can loosen rusted bolts, displace moisture, and clean surfaces. Its name, Water Displacement, 40th formula, hints at its original purpose: preventing corrosion on metal parts. But is it the right solution for everything?
WD-40 and Your Garage Door What You Need to Know
While WD-40 can be useful in certain situations around the house, it’s generally not the best lubricant for your garage door’s moving parts. Here’s why:
- Not a Long-Term Lubricant: WD-40 is a solvent-based product. While it can temporarily loosen things up, it evaporates relatively quickly. This means it doesn’t provide long-lasting lubrication, and can even attract dust and debris, leading to further problems down the road.
- Can Dissolve Existing Grease: Your garage door’s rollers, hinges, and springs are often lubricated with grease. WD-40 can dissolve this grease, leaving these parts vulnerable to wear and tear.
When Can You Use WD-40 on Your Garage Door
Despite its limitations as a lubricant, WD-40 can be helpful in a few specific situations:
- Loosening Rusted Hardware: If you have a rusted bolt or nut on your garage door track or opener, WD-40 can help loosen it for removal or adjustment.
- Cleaning: WD-40 can be used to clean grime and dirt off of metal surfaces, such as the garage door tracks.
- Water Displacement: As the name suggests, WD-40 can displace water from electrical components, such as the garage door opener’s circuit board, if it has gotten wet. Important Safety Note: Always disconnect the power to your garage door opener before working on any electrical components.
The Right Way to Lubricate Your Garage Door
Instead of WD-40, you should use a dedicated garage door lubricant. These lubricants are specifically formulated to provide long-lasting protection and reduce friction on moving parts. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose the Right Lubricant: Look for a silicone-based or lithium-based garage door lubricant. These are readily available at most hardware stores.
- Prepare the Area: Clean the area you’re going to lubricate with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Apply the Lubricant: Apply the lubricant sparingly to the rollers, hinges, springs, tracks, and opener chain or screw.
- Wipe Away Excess: Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
- Test the Door: Open and close the garage door several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Specific Areas to Lubricate
Here are the key areas of your garage door that require regular lubrication:
- Rollers: Apply lubricant to the roller bearings.
- Hinges: Lubricate the hinge points where the sections of the door connect.
- Springs: Apply lubricant to the torsion springs or extension springs.
- Tracks: Spray lubricant along the tracks where the rollers move.
- Opener Chain/Screw: Lubricate the chain or screw drive of your garage door opener.
Final Solution The Right Lubricant and Regular Maintenance
The key takeaway is that WD-40 is not a substitute for proper garage door lubrication. Using the right lubricant and performing regular maintenance will keep your garage door operating smoothly and prevent costly repairs. We recommend lubricating your garage door at least twice a year, or more frequently if you live in a dusty or humid environment.
Safety Note
Always disconnect the power to your garage door opener before performing any maintenance or repairs. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from debris and chemicals. If you are not comfortable working on your garage door, it’s best to call a professional.
FAQs About Garage Door Lubrication
Q: How often should I lubricate my garage door?
A: We recommend lubricating your garage door at least twice a year.
Q: What type of lubricant should I use?
A: Use a silicone-based or lithium-based garage door lubricant.
Q: Can I use motor oil to lubricate my garage door?
A: No, motor oil is not recommended as it can attract dirt and debris.
Q: My garage door is still noisy after lubricating it. What should I do?
A: If your garage door is still noisy after lubricating it, there may be other underlying issues. Contact a professional garage door technician for assistance.
We hope this article has helped you understand the proper use of WD-40 and the importance of regular garage door lubrication. Remember, a well-maintained garage door is a safe and reliable garage door. If you have any questions or need assistance with your garage door, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Is your garage door making strange noises, or not operating smoothly? Don’t wait for a small problem to become a major headache! Contact MM Garage Door Repair Utah today for expert service and peace of mind. Our experienced technicians are ready to help with all your garage door needs. Call us now at 801-418-9217 or visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com for a free quote. Let us handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to!
