You probably don’t think much about your garage door until something goes wrong. Maybe it starts making a strange noise, moves slower than usual, or refuses to open it altogether. A broken garage door is more than just an inconvenience, it can leave your home vulnerable to security risks and costly repairs.
Instead of waiting for a major breakdown, you can keep your garage door in top shape with a few simple maintenance tricks. Regular upkeep can prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs and ensure that your door works smoothly for years. Here are some essential garage door maintenance hacks that every homeowner should know.
1. Keep Moving Parts Lubricated
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your garage door is to keep all moving parts properly lubricated. Over time, hinges, rollers, and springs can become stiff or rusty, making your door noisy and difficult to operate. A quick application of a high-quality silicone or lithium-based lubricant can keep everything running smoothly.
You don’t need a lot—just a light spray on the springs, rollers, and tracks will do the trick. Avoid using WD-40, as it tends to attract dust and grime, which can make the problem worse. Regular lubrication can prevent unnecessary wear and tear and help your garage door last much longer.
2. Inspect and Tighten Hardware
Your garage door moves up and down multiple times a day, which causes vibrations that can loosen nuts, bolts, and brackets. If these small components become too loose, they can throw the entire system off balance, leading to jerky movements or even dangerous malfunctions.
A simple fix is to grab a wrench and check all the bolts on the tracks and hinges. If anything looks loose, tighten it up, but be careful not to over tighten it, as this can strip the threads.
3. Get Your Garage Door Repaired
If your garage door is unbalanced, it puts extra strain on the opener, making it work harder than necessary. Over time, this can cause major damage to the motor and lead to costly repairs. You can check the balance of your door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it halfway.
Since garage door springs are under high tension, adjusting them yourself can be dangerous. If you suspect that your springs need fixing, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair service to handle it safely.
4. Keep the Tracks Clean
Garage door tracks collect dust, dirt, and debris over time, which can interfere with the smooth movement of the rollers. If you notice your door shaking or getting stuck, dirty tracks could be the culprit. Cleaning them regularly can prevent buildup and keep your door operating smoothly.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks, and for tougher grime, use a mild household cleaner. Avoid using too much water, as excess moisture can cause rust. Once the tracks are clean, make sure they are properly aligned, misaligned tracks can cause serious damage if left unchecked.
5. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature
Most modern garage doors come with an auto-reverse safety designed to prevent accidents. This system detects objects in the door’s path and stops them from closing to prevent damage. If the feature isn’t working properly, it could pose a serious safety risk.
You can test it by placing a small object, like a roll of paper towels, under the door and closing it. If the door doesn’t reverse immediately upon contact the sensors may need realignment or cleaning.