7 Best Garage Door Lubricant For Cold Weather

The best garage door lubricant for cold weather needs to be highly moisture resistant. While you may find lubes that are weather-resistant, they are largely unhelpful when it comes to waterproofing.

Silicone-based lubes are your best bet in low temperatures as they are supremely impervious. During winter, you need to ensure that metal parts are properly lubricated, as they tend to stop working as a result of contraction. Don’t forget to lube all moving parts too.

The most optimal way to keep your garage door working in freezing temperatures is to use a combination of silicone-based lube and grease.

In this guide, we look at high-quality garage door lubricants to help your garage door survive harsh winters.

Best Garage Door Lubricant for Cold Weather

To choose the best garage door lubricant not only for the cold weather you may be experiencing currently but generally, you need to consider the type, legality, the weather, and the construction.

The WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant (best overall)

If you have been having problems opening your garage door during cold temperatures, then the WD-40 Specialist is what you need. It will not only take care of the squeaks but is less messy as it does not run much. It is friendly on both metal and non-metal parts and will not corrode them.

Key Features

• Made of foam.
• Highly water-resistant.
• It is VOC compliant in 50 states.
• Easy to spray.
• Made for use in temperatures between -100° and 500° Fahrenheit.
• A little goes a long way.

Pros

• Stops squeaks.
• Dries quickly.
• Rust resistant.
• Loosens joints.
• There is no grim build-up or oily leaks.
• No petroleum or chemical smell.
• You can use it on both the metal and non-metal parts of your garage door.

Cons

• Some users have complained that the nozzle does not work properly.
• Some users have also found the product to have a strong smell akin to petroleum which has led them to question the silicone content.

Verdict

The WD-40 Specialist works well on both metal and non-metal parts. It is built for use in extreme temperatures making it an ideal lube during cold weather. Our concern is that the design might make it hard to use without spilling it. It, however, is a great product overall.

The B’laster Garage Door Lubricant

The B’laster is silicone-based. Once dry, the tack-free film ensures that dirt and dust do not stick to the metal surface. It can be used as a grease replacement since it contains high-pressure agents.

One fantastic thing about the B’laster is that it works the first time, so you don’t need to keep reapplying. It also easily penetrates hinges and tight spaces.

Key Features

• Teflonª Fluoropolymer formula.
• Extreme pressure agents.
• Silicone-based.

Pros

• Dust and dirt resistant.
• Easily penetrates hinges and tight spaces too.
• Stops squeak, making your garage door quieter.
• Reduces friction and wear.
• No need for frequent and subsequent applications.
• Can be used as a grease replacement.
• Low odor.

Cons

• You need to hold a paper towel under the can as you work with it as it drips.
• Some users had a problem attaching the sprayer nozzle.

Verdict

The B’laster is a great option if your garage door rattles. It can easily get into the hinges and tiny spaces. This lube does the job right the first time, with no need for subsequent applications.

You however need to use a smaller plastic nozzle (comes attached to the can) for a more accurate spray with less dripping.

The 3-In-One Garage Door Lubricant

The 3-In-One can be used for both commercial and residential garage doors. It does not freeze in extremely low temperatures. The straw is attached and foldable meaning that you will never have to worry about losing it.

You can accurately place the silicon due to the applicator. You are also able to regulate the amount of lube you want to apply on the surface using the push button at the top.

Features

• No-mess formula.
• 2 ways nozzle.
• Attached and foldable straw.

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant.
• The straw is attached, meaning you don’t need to deal with lost or misplaced straws.
• Stops squeaks.
• No odor.
• Dries quickly.
• Leaves no residue.
• A little goes a long way.
• Minimizes the accumulation of dirt and dust.
• Gives you the option of a precision stream or fan-shaped spray.

Cons

• The lube is thin, which means that you frequently need to keep lubricating the hinges and track rollers.

Verdict

The 3-in-one is highly effective when it comes to taking care of noisy garage doors, especially in cold weather. It adheres strongly to surfaces without leaving any residue behind. You are also able to accurately apply the right amount of lube.

The Liquifix Lubricant

What makes the Liquifax the best garage door lubricant for cold weather is the fact that it is 100% safe as it is zero VOC. Better still, It lasts longer when compares to silicone.

The Liquifax is made up of only certified non-toxic and food-safe, as well as bio-based ingredients. Since it does not contain a static charge, it does not attract dirt and dust.

Features

• Eco-friendly, no VOCs.
• No static charge.
• Compliant with California air quality regulations.
• A flashpoint of 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Made of certified non-toxic and food-safe, as well as bio-based ingredients.

Pros

• 100% safe.
• A little goes a long way.
•  Rust, moisture, and corrosion-resistant.
• No dust and dirt build-up.
• Lubricates better compared to the other lubes in this review.
• Cost-effective, as you need not lube frequently.

Cons

• It easily drips.
• It is difficult to get into tight spaces.
• When the bottle is set to stream, you could lose a significant amount of the lube.

Verdict

We love that the Liquifix is eco-friendly. This makes it safe to use as you will not be breathing in VOCs. Since it has no static charge, it does not attract dirt and dust.

The only downside to this great product is that it is difficult to get into tight spaces and that it easily drips. The bottle’s design could use an improvement to make it leak less.

The Liquid Wrench L212 Lubricating Garage Door Lubricant

What makes the Liquid Wrench unique is that the brand is family-owned, and has managed to leave its imprint for over 7 decades. It comes with a long spray stem that helps you lube even hard-to-reach places. Since it is made from Cerflon, it is highly durable.

Features

• It is made from Cerflon.
• Long spray stem.
• 50-state compliant.
• Dry formula.

Pros

• Works fine even in subzero temperatures.
• Dries quickly.
• Easily flows into tight spaces.
• Stops squeaks.
• Moisture, dirt, and dust resistance.
• Easy to spray and apply.
• Saves you service on your garage door.

Cons

• Can could get damaged during transport.
• Some users have complained about a strong odor.

Verdict

We love the Liquid Wrench. First, because the brand has grown to compete with major mainstream brands. Secondly, because it does its job well. Some customers have seen it lubricate garage doors even when temperatures are below freezing.

It helps get rid of squeaking, dries fast, and you can reach every nook and cranny. A downside is that it has a strong smell.

The Genie Screw Drive Lube

What makes the Genie stand out from the rest of the lubes on this review is not only its size but that it is specifically designed for use on Genie screw drive garage door openers. Moreover, unlike other products that are silicone-based lubricants, this one is made of lithium grease.

Features

• Specifically designed for Genie screw drive garage door openers.
• Comes as a 3 pack.

Pros

• Long-lasting. You only need to apply it once a year.
• Stops squeaking.
• Makes your Genie garage door opener more durable.
• It does not drip.
• Easy to apply.
• A little goes a long way.
• Makes your screw drive garage door opener running smoothly.

Cons

• Some customers have complained that the lube is not enough.
• May freeze is extremely low temperatures.

Verdict

The Genie seems to lube well. It however could freeze during extremely low temperatures. We would not recommend it for below-freezing temperatures. It only lubricates the Genie screw drive garage door openers.

It is highly functional as a lube, but will not protect your garage door during cold weather.

The Lubriplate Aero LBR-S Grease for Garage Door Openers

This one comes in a small tube just like the Genie. It however only has 1 tube in its packaging. It is designed as a low-temperature grease. The Lubriplate Aero works in below-freezing temperatures (up to -70 degrees Fahrenheit). It is ideal for lubricating Garage Door Openers.

Features

• Neutral lithium base.
• Low-temperature grease.
• Light viscosity mineral oil.

Pros

• Helps your garage door opener to operate more smoothly and quietly.
• No overspray or drips.
• The white color of the grease makes it easy to see when applying.
• Remains solid even in below-freezing temperatures (up to -70 degrees Fahrenheit).
• No detectable odor.
• The tip is just the right size to help get small beads into your garage door opener.

Cons

• It is a little difficult to squeeze out the grease evenly as the plastic tube does not collapse when you squeeze it from the bottom.
• It is difficult to get into tight spaces.
• It gets flung off gears.

Verdict

We like the fact that the Lubriplate Aero is designed for use in low temperatures. In most cases, it efficiently lubes the garage door openers. Our major concern is that it gets flung off gears, which means that you need to frequently lube your garage door opener.

How to Do Garage Maintenance in Cold Weather

Since we have been reviewing the lubricants that are ideal for cold weather, in this section, let us look at how you can maintain your garage during cold weather, in addition to using the right lubricants.

Lubrication Tips

• Check your garage door racks for grease build-up and remove them.
• Wipe the tracks using a clean cloth.
• Lubricate all moving parts (rollers, springs, and hinges) using a silicone-based lube.
• Silicone-based lube is not suitable for ball-bearing rollers. For these, get some heavy motor oil.
• Use low-temperature grease to lube the opener rail.

Other Tips

• Ensure that your bottom rubber seal remains clean and dry. This way, your garage door will not stick to the ground.
• Use a cloth to wipe the bottom rubber seal.
• Ensure that the safety sensors are not exposed to snow, debris, or dirt, otherwise, the door will not shut properly.
• Look out for broken springs.

Types of Garage Door Lubricants

Garage door lubricants are categorized based on their main chemical component, or application methods. Let’s look at the types you are likely to find in the market.

Silicone-based Lubricants

These are highly moisture-resistant and durable. They can easily get into tight spaces. They are a great choice for cold temperatures and hot summers too since they are weather resistant.

Lithium-based Lubricants

They help reduce friction between metal parts. They however are less likely to penetrate tight spaces. They are not waterproof, despite being weather-resistant.

Oil-based Lubricants

These are by no means durable. They are not also weather-resistant, therefore unsuitable for use in extremely cold temperatures. They are also easily flung from rotating parts.

Spray Lubricants

They can be either silicone or lithium-based. These come with straws to help you accurately focus on the specific area you want to lube. They are easier to apply when compared to grease and can easily soak into tight spaces. You need more frequent lubrication with spray lubes as they wear off faster.

Grease Lubricants

Grease is packaged in cans or tubes. You need to smear it onto the surface you want to lube. It is great for reducing friction and is durable. Lithium and silicone-based greases are the best as they are more weather resistant. Grease wears away over time.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Garage Door Lubricant

When shopping for a garage door lubricant, there are some non-negotiables. You do not want a lube that will corrode surfaces for example, or one that is excessively high in VOCs, that you have to use a respirator after inhaling. Here are some of the things to take into consideration when choosing a garage door lubricant.

Lubricating Base

We looked at the types of lubricants that you can get in the market. Silicone and lithium-based lube are the best for your garage door. Silicone is best for extreme weather conditions.

How you Intend to Use the Lubricant

Some lubes are better suited for certain applications than others. Spray lubes are best for hinges and wheels, while grease lubes are ideal for rails and tracks. This is because you can get spray lubes into the tight spaces they need to go into.

Grease lasts longer and is, therefore, better suited for rails and tracks. Some lubes are specifically designed for particular uses, for example, garage door openers. Use them as instructed by the manufacturer.

Weather Conditions

If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions – hot summers and excessively cold winters, the best garage door lubricant for cold weather should withstand these weather fluctuations.

This is because some lubes could freeze during cold winters making it difficult to use your garage door. Silicone-based lubes are best for extreme temperatures.

Application

If you want something easy to apply and that you can get into tight spaces, then spray lubricants are best. They come with straws that can help you to accurately apply the lube exactly where you want it.

On the other hand, grease can be difficult to apply, especially when in cans. You will need to use a brush or glove up and use your fingers. This makes it difficult to get it into tiny spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer common questions that most people have about the best garage door lubricant for cold weather.

Which is the Best Lube for Cold Weather?

The best garage door lubricant for cold weather needs to be highly moisture resistant. While you may find lubes that are weather-resistant, they are largely unhelpful when it comes to waterproofing.

Silicone-based lubes are your best bet in low temperatures as they are supremely impervious. The 3-In-One Garage Door Lubricant is ideal for cold weather because it does not freeze in extremely low temperatures.

What Can I Use to Lubricate My Garage Door?

To lubricate your garage door, you can use lubricants like oil lubricants, silicone grease lubricants, and white lithium grease lubricants.

How Often Should I Lubricate My Garage Door?

Most garage door types and models require lubrication every 1 to 3 months. However, if you notice squeaking or rattling, you should lubricate your door.

What Exactly Do I Use a Garage Door Lubricant on?

To help make sure the garage opens without a problem and to get rid of any creaking noises, spray the lubricant on door tracks, springs, hinges, rollers, and locks.

How Long Does Garage Door Lube Last?

This is a difficult question to answer because each lubricant is different. It also depends on how often you open the door.

Editor’s Pick

The 3-In-One is our editor’s pick for the best garage door lubricant for cold weather. This is because it does not freeze in extremely low temperatures. It is versatile and can be used for both commercial and residential garage doors.

You only need to use a little and you get to accurately apply the right amount, thanks to the attached and foldable straw. It adheres strongly to surfaces without leaving any residue behind. The straw is attached and foldable meaning that you will never have to worry about losing it.