24/7 Emergency Garage Door Repair  •  Same-Day Service Nationwide
Call now: (888) 247-0922
(888) 247-0922
Home/Blog/Garage Door Maintenance Checklist: 20 Minutes, Twice a Year
Garage Door Guide

Garage Door Maintenance Checklist: 20 Minutes, Twice a Year

A simple seasonal garage door maintenance routine that prevents most emergency repair calls.

In this guide

  1. Watch and listen first
  2. Test the balance
  3. Test the safety reverse
  4. Tighten hardware
  5. Lubricate correctly
  6. Inspect cables, rollers and weatherseal

Watch and listen first

Run the door through a full cycle and watch for jerking, popping, scraping or uneven movement.

Test the balance

Release the opener, lift the door halfway and let go. A balanced door stays put. If it drops or flies up, the springs need adjustment.

Test the safety reverse

Place a 2x4 flat on the floor in the door path - the door must reverse on contact. Then wave an object through the photo-eyes while closing.

Tighten hardware

A door cycles thousands of times a year. Snug up hinge, bracket and track bolts - do not over-torque.

Lubricate correctly

Use a garage-door-specific lithium or silicone lubricant on rollers, hinges, bearings and springs. Never grease the tracks.

Inspect cables, rollers and weatherseal

Look for frayed strands, chipped nylon rollers and a cracked bottom seal. Book a professional tune up once a year.

Need this handled today? Find your city on the service areas page or call (888) 247-0922 for 24/7 dispatch.

Get a Free United States Quote

Fast callback for garage door repair near me. No obligation.

Prefer to talk? Call (888) 247-0922 - lines open 24/7.

More Garage Door Guides

Get It Fixed Right the First Time

Free estimates from local garage door pros, 24 hours a day.

Call for Same-Day Service - (888) 247-0922
Call NowFree Quote