15 Tips for Garage Door Maintenance

June 15, 2023

close up of a garage door on a home

*Updated June 23rd, 2025

Your garage door is an essential feature in your home. You can’t get your cars, recreational vehicles, or large yard tools out without a properly functioning garage door. It also plays a major role in home security and accessibility. A garage door can be dangerous if it’s not properly maintained, increasing the risk of injury or damage to your car—or worse, a family member.

The good news is that you can ensure your garage door’s safety and prolong its life with routine garage door maintenance. The average cost of a new garage door is $1,192, but the actual cost varies based on materials, location, and the size needed, making it a home investment worth protecting.

Taking care of your garage door ensures the safety of your loved ones and helps prevent costly repairs.

How Should I Maintain a Garage Door?

There are many steps you can take to maintain your garage door, but the most important is semi-annual garage door maintenance. Consider performing a full check-up in the spring and fall. The steps below cover the basics of garage door maintenance, including what you can do yourself and when to call for garage door service.

Why is Garage Door Maintenance So Important?

You might think it’s just a garage door—what’s the big deal?

Well, your garage door acts as a barrier between your home and the outdoors. It keeps out weather, pests, and intruders. Garage doors are equipped with many moving parts, including springs, rollers, and cables, which require regular attention.

Without routine maintenance, a garage door can stop working unexpectedly—or worse, create safety hazards. Worn garage door springs or frayed cables can snap, which may result in serious injury.

Scheduling regular maintenance of your garage door helps prevent these risks and ensures the garage door system continues operating smoothly.

Do These Things to Maintain Your Garage Door

Here are some essential garage door maintenance tasks—some you can handle yourself, and others are best left to a professional garage door technician.

1. Use the Door Sparingly

Limiting how often you use your garage door can help extend the life of its components. Every opening and closing is one cycle, and most residential garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. Excessive use can wear them out prematurely, leading to the need for repair or replacement sooner than expected.

2. Listen to the Door

Pay attention to your garage door each time it moves. Unusual noises, like grinding or scraping, could indicate that it needs lubrication or repair. Addressing garage door issues early can prevent the need for more serious repairs down the line.

3. Inspect It Twice a Year

A biannual inspection is the cornerstone of regular garage door maintenance. Look over the garage door parts, including rollers, cables, hinges, and torsion springs, for any signs of wear and tear. Inspect for rust, cracks, or loosening.

If you’re unsure what to look for, it’s best to call a service technician for a professional inspection.

4. Tighten the Hardware

Due to frequent vibration, bolts and brackets on a garage door can loosen over time. Use a socket wrench to tighten them periodically. Also, examine the cables—if you notice fraying or corrosion, call a garage door professional immediately.

5. Check the Door Balance

An unbalanced garage door strains the garage door opener and could lead to costly repairs. Disconnect the opener, then manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, it’s unbalanced and may require professional garage door service.

6. Replace Rollers as Needed

Your garage door rollers—whether nylon rollers, plastic, or steel—should be inspected twice a year. If they appear cracked or worn, replace them. Don’t forget to lubricate the rollers using a spray lubricant like white lithium grease, not WD-40, which is not ideal for garage door components.

7. Inspect Cables and Pulleys

The cables and pulleys play a critical role in lifting and lowering the garage door safely. If you notice signs of wear, such as fraying or sagging, call a garage door technician immediately. Never attempt to fix high-tension parts like torsion springs or cables yourself.

8. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature

All modern garage doors should have a working sensor system that triggers the door to reverse if it encounters an obstacle. Test this safety feature twice a year to ensure your garage door operates safely.

Place an object like a block of wood on the ground and try to close the garage door. If it doesn’t reverse, it’s time to schedule garage door maintenance or consider an upgrade.

9. Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping at the bottom of the door prevents water, drafts, and pests from entering. If the strip is brittle or cracked, it’s time to replace it. This is an easy DIY task but can also be done during a professional garage door service visit.

10. Clean the Garage Door

Keeping a garage door clean helps prevent dirt and debris from the tracks and allows you to notice issues like rust or damage. Wash the door with mild soap and water. Avoid pressure washers, which can cause the door paint to peel.

11. Repaint or Refinish as Needed

Painting helps protect your garage door against the elements. If the finish looks faded or signs of wear appear, repaint it with weather-resistant paint to prolong the door’s life and improve your home’s curb appeal.

12. Clear and Inspect the Tracks

The garage door tracks guide the door up and down. If they’re clogged or bent, it can prevent smooth operation. Remove any debris and check that the tracks are aligned. If not, call a technician.

13. Check the Battery and Lights

The garage door opener backup battery and lightbulbs are easy to overlook. Test them a few times a year and replace as needed to avoid being stuck with a garage door that won’t open.

14. Adjust Speed Settings

If your garage door is moving longer than usual to open or louder than usual, it may need a speed adjustment. This is best handled by a professional garage door technician familiar with the mechanics of your installed system.

15. Schedule Routine Garage Door Service

Even with DIY care, nothing replaces an annual check-up from a professional garage door service provider. They can identify potential issues before they turn into major repair costs.

Conclusion

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding major garage door issues. Whether you’re lubricating garage door parts, inspecting cables, or keeping the garage door and opener clean and aligned, these simple tasks can help keep your garage door operating smoothly.

So set aside time at least twice a year to complete these checks. When in doubt, call a garage door service professional to ensure your door operates safely and efficiently.

FAQ

How often should you lubricate your garage door?
You should apply lubricant to garage door rollers, hinges, and springs every six months. Regular lubrication ensures the door runs smoothly and minimizes friction.

Can you use WD-40 on a garage door?
No. Use white lithium grease or a silicone-based spray lubricant instead. These are designed to withstand the heat and wear of garage door operation.

What is the most common issue with garage doors?
The garage door sensor is often misaligned or dirty, preventing the door from closing. Clean the lenses and test the auto-reverse feature regularly.

What routine maintenance does a garage door require?
Regular garage door maintenance includes:

  • Lubricating moving parts

  • Inspecting the garage door tracks

  • Testing the safety sensor

  • Checking the garage door opener battery

  • Cleaning and inspecting hardware

How can I extend the life of my garage door?
Limit how often you use it, perform regular maintenance, and call a service technician when you spot issues early. These steps help avoid repairs down the line.

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