Garage doors endure daily wear and tear—opening, closing, braving the elements, and sometimes even taking a hit or two. Surely, you’ve seen online videos of folks miscalculating their car’s clearance or accidentally backing into a garage door.

Funny as those clips may be, the repair is not a walk in the park. The truth is garage door repairs can be surprisingly expensive, especially if problems go unchecked for too long. But here’s the good news: with a little know-how and some regular TLC, you can save yourself a lot of money and headaches.

This article shares practical maintenance tips straight from the pros to help you improve your garage door longevity and avoid costly repairs down the road. Stick around—your wallet will thank you.

Essential Garage Doors Maintenance Tips

Your garage door is like any hardworking machine—it needs regular maintenance to do its job. Ignoring small issues can lead to costly problems that can be detrimental to its performance down the line. Here are some practical tips to help you ensure your garage door stays reliable, safe, and efficient for years to come.

1. Inspect and tighten hardware

Garage doors move up and down hundreds of times a year, causing nuts, bolts, and screws to loosen over time. Start by grabbing a socket wrench and checking the brackets holding the door to the tracks.

Tighten any loose bolts, and pay extra attention to the hinges and the screws that secure them. Notice your door rattling or making more noise than usual? Check it for a loose track bracket.

2. Lubricate moving parts

Friction is the enemy of any mechanical system, and your garage door is no exception. Use a high-quality garage door lubricant (Note that WD-40 is a cleaner, not a lubricant) to keep the moving parts working smoothly.

Focus on the rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks. A quick spray twice a year can go a long way in reducing wear and tear. However, avoid over-lubricating—just a light coat will do.

3. Test the balance of the door

A garage door that’s out of balance puts extra strain on the opener, potentially impacting longevity. Test the balance by disconnecting the opener by pulling the release handle, then manually lift the door.

If it stays in place, your springs are likely balanced. If it falls or feels heavy, the springs may need adjusting. This isn’t a DIY job—call a professional if the springs need to be re-tensioned.

4. Check and clean the tracks

Dirty or misaligned tracks can make your garage door noisy or even prevent it from operating altogether. Examine the tracks for debris, dents, or buildup. A damp cloth is enough to wipe them clean and ensure alignment by checking that the rollers fit snugly within the tracks. If you see significant damage, call a technician to make repairs.

5. Test the auto-reverse function

Modern garage doors have safety sensors that automatically reverse the door’s motion if something is blocking its path. Test this feature by placing a solid object, like a piece of wood, in the door’s path. If the door doesn’t reverse immediately upon contact, check the sensors at the base of the door for alignment and cleanliness.

Additionally, there may be a simple solution. Wipe the lenses gently with a soft cloth and adjust the sensors if necessary. If the issue persists, contact a professional.

6. Inspect the weatherstripping

Weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door helps keep out drafts, water, and pests. Over time, it can crack or wear down. Check it periodically for damage and replace it if necessary. Most hardware stores carry replacement strips that you can cut to size and install.

7. Listen for unusual noises

Garage doors naturally make some noise, but grinding, squeaking, or clunking sounds often indicate a problem. Listen carefully when your door is in motion. Squeaking might mean the rollers need lubrication while grinding, which could suggest a track alignment issue.

8. Replace worn-out rollers

Rollers are critical for smooth operation and can wear out after about seven years. Inspect them for cracks, chips, or excessive wear. Nylon rollers are quieter than metal ones and are an excellent upgrade if you’re tired of hearing your door rattle.

9. Keep an eye on the cables

The cables that lift and lower your garage door are under high tension. It would be best if you inspected them regularly. Look for fraying or visible wear, but don’t attempt to fix or replace them yourself—this is dangerous work that’s best left to professionals. If you spot an issue, call a technician immediately to prevent a potential failure.

10. Clean the door itself

Don’t forget about the door’s exterior! Whether your garage door is made of steel, wood, or aluminum, keeping it clean will extend its lifespan and boost your home’s curb appeal. Use a mild detergent and water to scrub away dirt, grime, and road salt. If you have a wooden door, check for peeling paint or warping and reapply a weatherproof sealant as needed.

11. Test the door opener

Your garage opener is the engine of the entire system. Check its performance regularly by opening and closing the door while watching for any signs of strain or lag. Replace the batteries in your remote control at least once a year, and ensure the opener’s settings are correct for your door’s weight and size.

12. Schedule professional maintenance

Even with diligent DIY care, some tasks are best left to the experts. Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year. Technicians can spot potential issues you might miss, ensuring your door remains safe and efficient.

Prevent Garage Door Worries

It’s easy to think garage doors are built to take a beating—but that mindset can lead to costly repairs. With a bit of elbow grease and routine maintenance, you can keep your garage door running like a champ.

However, knowing your limits is key. Some tasks, like tightening bolts or cleaning tracks, are DIY-friendly, while others, like spring repairs or cable issues, require a professional touch. Understanding when to step in and when to call the experts can save you time, money, and hassle. Take care of your garage door, and it’ll keep taking care of you.