10 Garage Door Maintenance Tasks You’re Probably Forgetting to Do

When’s the last time you really looked at your garage door? Not just when you pressed the remote and it didn’t open—but actually inspected it. Most Michigan homeowners forget that the garage door is the largest moving object in their home, and it works hard every single day. Without regular care, small issues can lead to costly repairs or even full door replacement.

As a professional handyman service in the Detroit area, we see neglected garage doors all the time. We have good news? A little maintenance goes a long way. Here are 10 simple but important garage door maintenance tasks you’re probably forgetting to do—and why skipping them could cost you later.

1. Lubricate the Moving Parts

This is the easiest task, and the one most people ignore.
Your garage door rollers, hinges, and springs all need lubrication to prevent friction, squeaking, and wear. Use a silicone-based sprays—never WD-40—and apply it lightly to all moving parts once or twice a year.

Pro Tip: If your garage door sounds like a freight train every time you open it, lubrication is the first thing to try before calling for repairs.

2. Tighten All the Hardware

Think about it—your garage door goes up and down hundreds of times a year. That vibration loosens screws and bolts over time.
Take a wrench and tighten all visible nuts, bolts, and brackets on the tracks and rollers. Pay attention to the ones attaching the door to the opener arm.

Loose hardware doesn’t just make noise—it can cause the door to misalign, which puts extra strain on the motor and springs.

3. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

If your garage door doesn’t auto-reverse when it hits an obstacle, that’s a serious safety hazard.
To test it, place a 2×4 board flat on the ground under the door. When you close the door, it should automatically reverse upon touching the board.

If it doesn’t, stop using it immediately and have it serviced. Faulty auto-reverse sensors are one of the biggest causes of garage-related injuries—and something you can’t afford to overlook.

4. Check and Clean the Photo Eye Sensors

Most garage doors have two small sensors near the bottom of the track—one on each side.
If these sensors are dirty or misaligned, the door may refuse to close or reverse unexpectedly.

Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner to wipe the lenses. Then make sure they’re aimed directly at each other.
A blinking light on one of the sensors usually means alignment issues.

5. Inspect the Weather-stripping

Your garage door’s bottom seal and perimeter weather-stripping are crucial for keeping cold air, water, and pests out.
If you notice cracks, gaps, or missing pieces, replace the seal.

In Michigan’s climate, deteriorated weather-stripping can make your garage freezing in the winter, driving up your heating costs and letting salt or moisture damage stored items.

6. Test the Balance of the Door

If your garage door isn’t balanced correctly, it forces the opener motor to work harder than necessary—shortening its lifespan.
Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the spring tension is off.

Warning: Don’t try to adjust the springs yourself. These are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional handyman or garage door technician to handle it safely.

7. Examine the Tracks for Debris or Damage

Small obstructions or dents in the metal tracks can cause the door to bind or move unevenly.
Inspect both sides and clear out dirt, leaves, or rust buildup. Minor bends can sometimes be tapped back into shape with a rubber mallet—but severe damage usually requires a replacement section.

Keeping the tracks clean helps prevent early wear on the rollers and keeps the door running smooth.

8. Inspect the Rollers

Garage door rollers typically can last 5–7 years, depending on use and quality.
If your door sticks or jerks when moving, inspect the rollers for chips or cracks. Plastic rollers tend to wear out faster, while steel rollers with sealed bearings last longer.

Replacing worn rollers is an easy, affordable way to extend the life of your door system and reduce noise dramatically.

9. Repaint or Reseal the Door

Your garage door faces year-round exposure to Michigan’s weather—UV rays, humidity, salt, and snow.
Wood doors need to be repainted or resealed every few years to prevent warping and rot. Even metal doors benefit from a coat of wax or protective finish to keep rust at bay.

Quick tip: Use a high-quality exterior-grade paint or sealant, and always clean the surface thoroughly before applying.

10. Check the Opener Battery and Remote

It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Many modern openers have backup batteries that allow operation during power outages.
If yours stops working suddenly, check the battery before assuming the opener is bad.
Likewise, swap out the batteries in your remotes annually—it’s cheap insurance against being locked out in the rain.

Bonus: Schedule a Yearly Professional Tune-Up

Even the best DIY homeowner can miss things.
Having a professional handyman inspect your garage door annually helps catch small issues—like frayed cables, weak springs, or motor wear—before they become big, expensive problems.

If you’re in the Detroit area and haven’t had your garage door serviced in over a year, it’s time.

Why Homeowners Forget These Garage Door Maintenance Tasks

Most homeowners assume their garage door will “just work.” It’s out of sight, out of mind—until it fails. But here’s the truth: regular maintenance saves you hundreds in the long run.

A simple inspection and tune-up each year keeps the opener motor healthy, prevents spring failures, and helps your door operate smoothly for years longer.

Final Thoughts For Garage Door Maintenance

A garage door is more than just an entry point—it’s a moving wall weighing hundreds of pounds. Treating it with a little respect (and maintenance) is a must.

If you’re too busy or just don’t have the tools, call in a professional handyman.
From adjusting tracks and lubricating rollers to replacing weather seals and safety sensors, we’ll handle it quickly and safely.

Keeping up with these simple maintenance tasks doesn’t just protect your investment—it protects your family and your home’s value.