If you have a garage, you might not know that simple maintenance tasks can prevent premature wear, costly repairs, or unexpected replacement. While you can hire a company to “tune up” your garage components, the steps are so simple that you can probably do them on your own. What’s more, you only need to run through these tasks twice a year. Let’s cover how you can easily maintain your garage door yourself.

Warning: most DIY garage maintenance guides frown upon handling garage door springs. Please leave the springs to professionals.

Before you begin, release the garage door from the automatic opener by pulling on the red cord above your head at the end of the center rail.

Inspect and tighten hardware

Your garage door goes up and down several times a day, which can loosen the hardware over time. Check the brackets, bolts, and screws on the tracks and hinges, and use a socket wrench to tighten any that have become loose. You don’t have to use a lot of force here; just tighten them so they aren’t noticeably loose. This simple step can prevent more serious issues down the road and keep your door operating safely and efficiently.

Lubricate moving parts regularly

One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your garage door is to regularly lubricate its moving parts. This includes the hinges, roller pins, roller bearings (if applicable), tracks, springs, the motor rail, and pulleys. There’s a bearing inside the spring bracket where the track meets. Be sure to lubricate that bearing. One YouTuber and DIYer, ToolboxDIY, places a piece of cardboard behind the springs to avoid lubricant getting on the wall.

Applying a high-quality silicone or lithium-based lubricant can reduce friction, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation. It’s recommended to lubricate these parts every six months. 

After lubricating, lift your door up halfway to make sure it stays. If it just falls back down, your springs will need to be adjusted. This is when you should call a professional.

Test and replace the weather seal

The weather seal at the bottom of your garage door helps keep out dust, water, and pests while maintaining your home’s insulation. Over time, this seal can become brittle or cracked, reducing its effectiveness. To maintain it, regularly inspect the seal for signs of wear and tear and replace it if necessary. This not only helps protect the contents of your garage but also improves energy efficiency.

Lifespan of garage door components

A well-maintained garage door can last between 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the door and the frequency of use. The motor of a garage door opener typically has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance, like lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, and replacing weather seals, can help extend the life of both the door and the motor.

Sources: Bob Vila, Home Depot, ToolboxDIY