Having an automatic garage door opener is a great convenience, as it allows you to safely enter the garage without leaving your vehicle. As a result, you can easily carry items into your home from the garage during inclement weather. To keep the opener operating smoothly, follow the maintenance tips below.

Automatic Garage Door Opener Maintenance

1. Inspect Regularly

Inspect the motion of the door once a month. Extreme cold, heat, or humidity can affect the electronics and lubricants within the automatic opener, and may cause the door not to open or shut completely, or to have uneven speed or force while traveling. If you notice that the “travel” of the door is not smooth and complete, the travel limit and force settings may need to be adjusted.

2. Check Safety Reversal

Automatic garage door openers are supposed to stop and reverse when an object is touched by the door. When you do your monthly inspection, also test this function. Place a brick or piece of wood underneath the level of the safety sensor, and lower the door. It should stop and reverse when it touches the item underneath it. If it doesn’t, try increasing the downward travel limit. This adjustment should cause the door to reverse properly. If not, the door may need professional repair.

3. Perform Manual Operation

Although the reason to have an automatic door is so that you don’t have to open it manually, it’s important to be able to do so in case of emergency or failure of the opener. With other monthly checks, raise and lower the door a few times manually to check the operation. You may have to move the door into “manual” mode, depending on the model, so check the owner’s manual before trying to lift the door yourself. Notice how smoothly the door travels and any left/right imbalances or stickiness in the motion.

4. Perform Yearly Tasks

Once a year, lubricate the rollers, bearings, and hinges of the opener and door. Use a silicone spray lubricant rather than WD-40, as it can dry out the parts. Do not grease or lubricate the tracks, as this will just attract dust. Make sure the emergency release handle is reachable—no higher than 6 feet off the floor. Make sure all safety labels and warnings are near the door control and visible. Test the battery back up, if there is one, by unplugging the opener and observing whether the battery light is solid or flashing. A flashing light indicates that the battery needs to be recharged or replaced.

If your garage door opener shows signs of malfunction, the professionals at Automatic Garage Door Repair Service will inspect the unit and repair it efficiently. They serve Monroe County, NY, with reliable, fast, and night and weekend service. They work with all types of automatic garage door openers and have 35 years experience in the business. Call (585) 663-1180 to schedule service or visit their website to see a range of offerings.