A garage door is the largest moving part of most homes and one of the most used. Simple maintenance keeps it quiet and reliable, while the high-tension parts are best left to professionals.
Lubricate and tighten
Lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs with a garage-door lubricant (not WD-40) a couple of times a year to keep it quiet and smooth. Tighten any loose bolts and brackets that vibrate loose over time.
Test the balance and sensors
Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway by hand — a balanced door stays put. If it slams down or flies up, the springs need adjustment. Test the auto-reverse safety: the door should reverse when it meets an obstruction or the photo-eye beam is broken.
Leave springs to a pro
The torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Adjusting or replacing springs and cables is a job for a garage-door technician, not a DIY task.