Garage Door Tips & Guides
Keep Your Garage Door Running Like New
Free expert advice from A Plus Garage Doors Inc — maintenance tips, troubleshooting guides, and safety checklists for Central Valley homeowners.
Why Maintenance Matters
A garage door is the largest moving part of your home — and one of the most overlooked. A few minutes of maintenance twice a year can prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your springs and opener, and keep your family safe.
The guides below cover everything from monthly visual checks to seasonal lubrication, so you know exactly what to look for and when to call a professional.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Run through these quick checks once a month to catch problems early.
Visual Inspection
Look at springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys for signs of wear, fraying, or rust. Never touch springs under tension — call a pro if you see damage.
Test the Auto-Reverse
Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door and press close. The door should reverse immediately on contact. If it doesn't, adjust the force settings or call us.
Check the Photo-Eye Sensors
Wave your hand through the sensor beam while the door is closing. It should reverse. Clean the lenses with a dry cloth if the beam is blocked or misaligned.
Listen for Unusual Noises
Grinding, squeaking, or banging sounds indicate worn rollers, loose hardware, or spring issues. Catching these early prevents bigger failures.
Test Manual Release
Pull the red emergency release cord and try lifting the door by hand. It should move smoothly and stay open at waist height — if it doesn't, the springs may need adjustment.
Check Remote & Keypad
Test all remotes and the keypad. Weak or intermittent response often means a dying battery — replace them before they fail completely.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door
Lubricate these parts every 6 months using a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease. Never use WD-40 — it attracts dirt and dries out quickly.
Torsion Springs
Spray the coils lightly along the full length of the spring. This reduces friction and slows corrosion. Do not over-apply.
Rollers
Apply lubricant to the stem of each roller (not the wheel if it's nylon). Metal rollers benefit from lubrication on the wheel as well.
Hinges
A small amount on each hinge pivot point eliminates squeaking and reduces wear on the hinge plates.
Tracks
Wipe the tracks clean with a damp cloth — do not lubricate them. Lubricated tracks cause rollers to slip and the door to bind.
Opener Chain or Belt
If you have a chain-drive opener, apply a small amount of white lithium grease to the chain. Belt drives do not need lubrication.
Lock & Latch
A drop of lubricant in the lock cylinder keeps it turning smoothly and prevents it from seizing in cold weather.
Avoid WD-40 on garage door parts. It's a degreaser, not a lubricant — it strips existing grease, attracts dirt, and causes parts to wear faster. Use silicone spray or white lithium grease instead.
Common Problems & What They Mean
Problem
Door won't open at all
Likely Cause
Broken torsion or extension spring
What to Do
Do not force it. Call a technician — springs are under extreme tension and dangerous to replace without proper tools.
Problem
Door opens but won't close
Likely Cause
Misaligned or dirty photo-eye sensors
What to Do
Check that both sensors have solid indicator lights. Clean the lenses and make sure nothing is blocking the beam path.
Problem
Door reverses before hitting the floor
Likely Cause
Close-limit switch set too high, or obstruction sensor triggered
What to Do
Adjust the down-limit screw on the opener motor unit. If the problem persists, call us for a free diagnosis.
Problem
Loud grinding or scraping noise
Likely Cause
Worn rollers, bent track, or loose hardware
What to Do
Inspect rollers for flat spots and check that all track bolts are tight. Replace worn rollers — they're inexpensive and make a big difference.
Problem
Door moves slowly or strains
Likely Cause
Worn springs, dry rollers, or opener motor failing
What to Do
Lubricate rollers and springs first. If the door still feels heavy when disconnected from the opener, the springs need adjustment or replacement.
Problem
Remote works inconsistently
Likely Cause
Dead battery, signal interference, or worn remote
What to Do
Replace the battery first. If that doesn't help, reprogram the remote. Persistent issues may indicate a failing logic board.
Garage Door Safety Tips
Garage doors cause thousands of injuries each year. Follow these rules to keep your household safe.
Never stand under a moving door
Keep children and pets clear of the door path at all times. Teach kids never to run under a closing door.
Keep fingers away from sections
Pinch points between door panels cause serious finger injuries. Never place fingers in the panel gaps while the door is moving.
Don't leave the door partially open
A door left halfway open puts extra stress on springs and cables. Always fully open or fully close the door.
Test auto-reverse monthly
Federal law requires all openers sold after 1993 to have auto-reverse. If yours doesn't reverse on contact, stop using the opener immediately.
Never DIY spring repairs
Torsion springs store hundreds of pounds of force. Attempting to replace them without professional tools and training can cause serious injury or death.
Secure your remote
Treat your garage remote like a house key. Don't leave it visible in your car — it's a direct entry point to your home.
Seasonal Care for Central Valley Climates
Summer
- Check weatherstripping for cracks from heat exposure
- Lubricate springs and rollers — heat accelerates drying
- Test auto-reverse more frequently in high-use months
- Inspect the door finish for paint bubbling or panel warping
Winter
- Lubricate the lock cylinder to prevent freezing
- Check bottom seal for gaps that let in cold air and pests
- Clear debris from tracks after wind or rain storms
- Test opener sensitivity — cold weather thickens lubricants and slows movement
Problem Beyond a DIY Fix?
If your inspection turns up something that needs a pro, we're ready. Same-day service across Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Hanford, Madera, Lemoore, Kingsburg, and Dinuba.