A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home. It opens and closes thousands of times a year—often in all kinds of weather. But like any mechanical system, it needs regular attention to stay safe, quiet, and reliable.
At 313 Garage Doors, we want your investment to last as long as possible. That’s why we’ve put together these essential garage door maintenance tips, drawn from years of hands-on experience in Metro Detroit homes and businesses.
These simple tasks don’t require a toolbox full of specialty tools—but they will help you extend the life of your door, avoid costly repairs, and ensure smooth daily performance.
Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Routine garage door care isn’t just about convenience—it’s about:
Preventing sudden breakdowns
Avoiding safety hazards
Extending system lifespan
Saving money on repairs
Preserving your door’s warranty
Ensuring smooth, quiet operation
Most garage doors are used multiple times a day. Without basic upkeep, wear and tear can add up fast—leading to noisy movement, opener strain, and system failure.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
1. Inspect the Door Panels and Hardware
Look over the exterior and interior of your door for:
Dents or warping in panels
Rust spots on steel surfaces
Cracks or splitting in wood
Peeling paint or finish
Loose bolts, screws, or hinges
Tighten anything that appears loose, and take note of any unusual wear.
2. Check the Balance of the Door
An unbalanced door puts stress on the opener and can become a safety hazard.
How to test balance:
Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord
Lift the door manually halfway
Let go—if it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it moves up or down, the springs may need adjustment
⚠️ Important: Never attempt to adjust torsion springs yourself. Call a professional if balance is off.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
Friction is the enemy of a healthy garage door system. Lubricating your components helps reduce wear and noise.
Apply garage-specific lubricant to:
Rollers and hinges
Torsion springs (lightly)
Bearing plates
Door tracks (wipe clean first—then apply only to non-plastic rollers)
Use: Silicone spray or lithium-based garage door lubricant
Avoid: WD-40—it’s a degreaser, not a lubricant
4. Test Safety Reversal System
All automatic garage doors are required to have an auto-reverse feature to protect people, pets, and property.
To test:
Place a roll of paper towels or a block of wood under the door
Close the door using the opener
The door should reverse immediately upon contact
If it doesn’t, the opener’s sensitivity settings need adjustment—or the safety sensors may be misaligned.
5. Inspect the Weather Seals
Check the rubber or vinyl seals at:
Bottom of the door
Sides and top of the frame
If the seals are cracked, brittle, or missing, replace them to prevent drafts, moisture, and pest entry.
6. Clean the Tracks
The tracks on either side of your garage door should be:
Free of debris, dirt, or grease buildup
Not bent, misaligned, or rusted
Properly fastened to the walls
Use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the tracks. Do not lubricate them—it can attract grime and cause slippage.
7. Examine the Cables (With Caution)
Look at the cables near the springs to check for:
Fraying
Rust spots
Separation or bulging
⚠️ Warning: Never try to adjust or replace cables yourself. Call a technician if you see damage.
8. Listen During Operation
Sometimes the best indicator of an issue is what you hear. While your door opens and closes, listen for:
Grinding or scraping
Loud popping or clunking
Slower-than-usual movement
Jerking or uneven travel
If your door sounds different or louder than usual, it may be a sign that something needs attention.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Winter
Clear ice and snow away from the bottom seal
Check opener battery backup in case of outages
Lubricate metal parts more frequently (cold thickens grease)
Spring
Deep clean the exterior surface
Inspect and repair weather seals
Schedule professional tune-up before heavy summer use
Summer
Check insulation and seals to reduce heat transfer
Confirm smart opener connectivity and Wi-Fi function
Clean and repaint wood or steel doors as needed
Fall
Clear leaves from tracks and thresholds
Inspect cables before freezing weather
Replace worn-out seals before snow arrives
Professional Maintenance Recommendations
While DIY tasks are essential, professional service is recommended once a year for a full inspection and adjustment.
A technician will:
Inspect and tension springs
Re-balance the door system
Adjust or replace worn rollers
Clean and realign tracks
Test sensors and opener functions
Lubricate all critical parts
Perform safety checks and diagnostics
This service helps prevent unexpected failures and keeps your door in peak shape, especially before winter.
How Maintenance Affects Your Warranty
Neglecting regular maintenance can void manufacturer warranties, especially if parts fail due to lack of lubrication, balance, or sealing.
313 Garage Doors recommends keeping a simple maintenance log, noting the date and services performed—especially for spring, cable, and opener coverage.
Tools You’ll Need for Routine Maintenance
Clean cloth
Silicone or lithium-based garage door lubricant
Flathead screwdriver
Level (to check track alignment)
Stepladder
Flashlight
Safety gloves and glasses
No need to be a technician—just 20 minutes a month can make a big difference.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
If you’d prefer to leave it to the pros—or something doesn’t look right—313 Garage Doors offers:
Annual maintenance packages
One-time seasonal tune-ups
Emergency repair services
Spring and cable replacement
Smart opener troubleshooting
Just give us a call and we’ll take care of everything for you—fast, clean, and guaranteed.
FAQs – Garage Door Maintenance Tips
How often should I perform maintenance?
Do a basic inspection and lubrication every month, and schedule professional maintenance once per year.
Can I replace my weather seal myself?
Yes, with the right size and adhesive. But if you’re unsure or it’s misaligned, we can handle it quickly and affordably.
My garage door makes a loud bang—what does that mean?
That could be a broken spring, which is dangerous. Do not use the door—call us immediately.
Do smart openers require maintenance?
Yes—especially sensors, backup batteries, and Wi-Fi components. We check all that during tune-ups.
Can I lubricate the springs myself?
Yes, lightly. But never try to adjust or replace them unless you’re a trained professional.
A Quiet, Smooth Garage Door Starts with Simple Care
You don’t need to be a repair tech to maintain your garage door—just proactive, attentive, and a little hands-on. With these maintenance tips, you can keep your system running safely and smoothly for years to come.
Need help or ready to schedule your tune-up?
Call (313) 000-0000 or book your maintenance service online. At 313 Garage Doors, we keep things moving—quietly and dependably.