Your garage door is probably the largest moving object in your home, and you use it every day. A few minutes of regular checking can help it run smoothly, last longer and stay safe.
This checklist covers what you can safely do yourself, and flags the jobs to leave to a professional.
Safety note: Garage door springs and lift cables are under very high tension. Do not try to adjust, loosen or remove them yourself. A broken or slipping spring can cause serious injury, so leave spring and cable work to a trained technician.
Look and listen
Open and close the door and watch it move. It should travel smoothly without jerking or leaning to one side. Listen for grinding, scraping or squealing, which often point to dry or worn parts.
Check the hardware
- Look at hinges, rollers and brackets for rust, cracks or looseness.
- Tighten loose roller and hinge brackets if you can do so with basic tools.
- Do not touch the springs, cable fittings or the bolts that adjust spring tension.
Clean the tracks and sensors
Wipe dust and grime from the tracks with a cloth. Clean the lenses of the safety sensors and check that nothing blocks them.
Lubricate the right parts
Use a lubricant made for garage doors, such as a silicone-based spray, on hinges, rollers and the opener's moving parts as the manufacturer recommends. Keep lubricant off the inside of the tracks, where it can collect dirt, and avoid heavy grease.
Test the balance
With the door closed, pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener, then lift the door by hand about half way. A well-balanced door stays roughly where you leave it. If it drops or rises on its own, the springs may need adjusting, which is a professional job. Reconnect the opener afterwards, following its instructions.
Test the safety features
Auto-reverse
Place an object such as a roll of paper towels on the floor in the door's path and close the door. It should stop and reverse when it touches the object. If it does not, stop using the opener and have it checked.
Safety sensors
Wave an object through the beam while the door is closing; the door should stop or reverse.
Check the weather seal
Look at the rubber seal along the bottom of the door and at the side and top seals. Replace seals that are cracked, flattened or torn, because they help keep out water, dust and pests.
Look after the remotes
Replace remote batteries when the range drops, and keep a spare remote somewhere safe. See our guide to choosing a garage door opener for more on remotes and features.
How often should you do this?
A quick look and listen each month and a fuller check every few months is a good habit. Doors used heavily, or exposed to salt air or harsh sun, may need checking more often.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if the door is out of balance, has frayed cables, is off its tracks, or if the springs show any sign of wear. Our repairs and servicing page explains what is involved, and our article on signs a spring needs replacing lists the warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I service my garage door?
A monthly look and listen and a fuller check every few months suits most homes. A professional inspection is worthwhile if you notice any problems.
What should I use to lubricate a garage door?
A lubricant made for garage doors, such as a silicone-based spray, used on hinges, rollers and moving opener parts. Avoid heavy grease and keep it off the inside of the tracks.
Can I adjust the springs myself?
No. Springs are under high tension and adjustment can cause serious injury. Leave it to a trained technician.