09/24/2026
That's Toby, one of the owners here at AAA Door, showing you one of the easiest things you can do to keep your garage door running smooth this fall: lubricating the moving parts.
After a long Louisiana summer, the metal parts on your door have been through a lot. A little lubricant goes a long way toward cutting down noise, reducing wear, and keeping rust away. Here's what Toby recommends.
What to use
Grab a silicone or lithium-based garage door lubricant. You can find it at any hardware store.
Before you start
Close the door and unplug the opener so nothing moves while your hands are near it. Wipe away old grime and dust with a rag so the new lubricant can do its job.
What to lubricate
Hinges: Spray the pivot points where each hinge bends as the door opens and closes.
Rollers: On metal rollers, spray the small bearings inside the wheel. On nylon rollers, lubricate only the bearing and stem, not the wheel itself.
Springs: A light coat along the springs helps reduce squeaking and protects against rust.
Bearing plates: These are at each end of the bar that runs above the door. A quick spray keeps them turning freely.
Opener rail: If you have a chain or screw drive opener, a light coat along the rail helps. Belt drives don't need it.
Lock and arm bar: If your door has them, give them a spray too.
What NOT to lubricate
Leave the tracks alone. Grease in the tracks just collects dirt and makes the rollers work harder. Wipe them clean instead.
Finish up
Wipe off any drips, plug the opener back in, and run the door up and down a few times to spread the lubricant around.
Doing this once or twice a year makes a real difference. And if you notice anything while you're up there, like frayed cables, a gap in a spring, or a door that still grinds after lubricating, give us a call. Please don't try to adjust springs or cables yourself. They're under a lot of tension and can cause serious injury.
We'll come out, tell you honestly what's going on, and only fix what actually needs fixing. That's how we've always done business.
AAA Door | (318)453-7640
AAADoorRepair.com