A Year-at-a-Glance in Garage Door Maintenance

Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to take your garage door for granted. Yet, it’s one of the hardest-working systems in your home—opening and closing hundreds of times a year. Over time, that wear adds up. The good news? A little routine care helps extend its lifespan, keeps it quiet and smooth, and prevents costly repairs. Here’s your year-round guide to garage door maintenance, broken down into simple steps you can actually keep up with.

Daily Habits: Quick Visual Checks

One of the easiest ways to spot trouble early is to look and listen every time you use your garage door.

Does it move smoothly or jerk unevenly?

Do you hear grinding, squeaking, or groaning?

These quick daily observations take seconds and help you catch issues—like misalignment or worn parts—before they become bigger problems.

Seasonal Tasks: Quarterly Tune-UpsYour garage door is the largest moving part of your home, and it needs a seasonal check-up just like your car or HVAC system.

Tighten Hardware – The vibration of daily use can loosen nuts, bolts, and brackets. Grab a wrench at the start of each season and secure them.

Lubricate Moving Parts – Twice a year, spray hinges, rollers, and springs with lithium-based grease. Lubrication reduces noise, prevents rust, and ensures smooth operation.

Clean Tracks and Door – Wipe away dust and debris from the tracks and give the door itself a seasonal cleaning. Wash with mild soap, check for rust, peeling paint, or cracks, and for wood doors, reseal if needed.

Annual Checks: Yearly Deep Maintenance

Once a year, do a full inspection to keep your garage door safe and reliable:

Inspect Rollers – Look for cracks, chips, or sticking. Replace any worn rollers right away.

Check Door Balance – Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it stays put, balance is good. If not, call a pro for adjustment.

Evaluate Weatherstripping – Replace the bottom rubber seal if it’s brittle or cracked to keep out pests, drafts, and water.

Test Auto-Reverse Safety Features – Place a small object under the door to test the mechanical reverse, and wave your foot in front of the sensors to test the photo-eyes. If either fails, call a technician.

Inspect Cables and Pulleys (From a Distance) – Look for frays or rust but don’t touch—these parts are under high tension and should only be handled by professionals.

When to Call the Experts

DIY maintenance goes a long way, but some tasks are best left to the pros. Adjusting springs, cables, or opener systems can be dangerous if done incorrectly. A professional technician can inspect every part of your system, fine-tune the balance, and ensure all safety features are working properly.

That’s where Overhead Door™ Brand comes in. With more than a century of expertise, our technicians provide thorough inspections, repairs, and peace of mind that your garage door is safe, reliable, and ready for years of daily use.

Final Thoughts

Your garage door works hard for you—don’t wait until it breaks down to give it attention. With simple daily habits, seasonal check-ins, and a yearly inspection, you’ll extend its life, reduce repair costs, and keep your home safer. And when it’s time for professional service, you can trust Overhead Door™ Brand to keep things moving, year after year.