Published 12th October 2025
Have you ever tried to open your garage door and then heard some strange creaking, or the door would get stuck at the moment you are late for work?
These are the indicators of problems with a garage door. The longer you wait before they get fixed, the greater the chances you have of ending up with a lot more problems or a hefty bill in your hands. Minor problems can be prevented with a mere maintenance checklist.
These garage door maintenance tips are created to keep your door running smoothly, safely and without surprise costs. Think of this as a mini garage door repair manual you can follow every few months.
1. Tighten All Hardware
Go round the door and inspect all bolts, nuts, hinges, brackets and roller mounts. Use a socket or spanner to check if anything has come loose. Make sure your fixings are snug.
As time goes by, your door is going to be used dozens of times per week, and these little parts will vibrate and eventually loosen. Loose hardware will result in misalignment of tracks, grinding of rollers and straining of the opener. That means more frequent garage door problems and higher repair costs.
When to call AGD professionals:
If you spot bent hinges, cracked brackets or misaligned tracks, you’ll need an AGD specialist. These are beyond basic DIY and fall into real garage door repair territory.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
A lubricant specifically designed for garage doors, such as a white lithium-based grease or a silicone-based spray, is a must for your garage door maintenance routine. Apply to rollers, hinges and spring coils to keep them lubricated and working smoothly.
When moving parts are dry, the friction increases. That leads to wear and tear, noise, and component failure. Proper lubrication helps parts move freely and extends their lifespan.
Check the rollers, springs, tracks and the gear and chain or the belt of your opener. Spray using a silicone-spray or dry lube garage door lubricant to prevent failure.
When to call AGD professionals:
If grinding or squeaking noises persist after lubrication, or if the door opens slowly or makes harsh clunks, call in our experts. These are typical garage door problems you shouldn’t ignore.
3. Test the Balance
First, disconnect the opener. Then manually lift the door halfway and let go. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises sharply, the balance is off.
An unbalanced door places extra load on the motor and the springs. That means sooner wear, higher chance of failure. Balanced operation is a core item on your garage door maintenance checklist.
When to call AGD professionals:
If the door fails the balance test or if cables look slack when you lift the door, a technician must inspect it. The springs or cable tension may need adjusting and will more than likely need professional attention.
4. Inspect and Clean the Tracks
Look at the vertical and horizontal tracks and see if they are aligned. Are they clean and free of grit, debris or loose bolts? Also, examine the gap between the rollers and the track, as it should be even. Use a cloth and a cleaning thinner if required.
Dirty or misaligned tracks cause jerky movement, wear on rollers and can push the door off its correct path. That leads to bigger garage door problems. A simple check now avoids big repair bills later.
When to call AGD professionals:
If the track is visibly bent, if the gap is uneven, or if the door scrapes one side when moving, this is beyond DIY. You’ll need experienced garage door repair tips from a pro.
5. Replace Weather-Stripping and Seals
Examine the bottom seal, side and top weatherboards and the frame’s rubber or brush‐style seals closely. If they’re cracked, missing or hard, they’re due for replacement.
Good seals keep out water, dirt, pests and cold air. When seals fail, moisture and grime get into tracks and moving parts, accelerating wear and creating garage door problems you’d rather avoid. Also, maintaining the seals improves insulation, which UK homeowners appreciate.
When to call AGD professionals:
If you see visible gaps around the door edges, the seal is missing or hardening, or you notice water ingress after rain, get a specialist in to fit new seals properly.
6. Inspect Cables and Springs
With the door shut, inspect the torsion springs above the door and the lift cables on each side. Look for rust, fraying or stretched coils. Check if the spring ends are intact and anchored properly.
Cables and springs support the full weight of the door. If one fails, you risk the door crashing down or the opener failing entirely. This is one of the most serious areas in your garage door repair manual. Ignoring it often leads to urgent call-outs.
When to call AGD professionals:
Never attempt spring or cable repair yourself. They carry great tension and pose safety risks. Call a qualified technician whenever you spot rust, frayed cables or a broken spring.
7. Test the Safety Features
If applicable, operate the door using the remote. Observe the auto-reverse feature: place a block of wood in the door’s path and see if it reverses promptly. Check the photo-eye sensors at the base of the door for alignment and clean lenses. Test the manual release. Replace remote batteries if weak.
Safety features exist to prevent injury and damage. A door that fails to auto-reverse or has misaligned sensors poses a major hazard. Making sure they work means your door is safe.
When to call AGD professionals:
If the door does not reverse immediately or sensors do not align after cleaning, call a technician. If the motor’s force setting seems off or the remote fails consistently, get professional help immediately.
Closing Thoughts
Regular care is the simplest way to avoid sudden faults and unnecessary costs. A few minutes spent checking hardware, cleaning tracks, and testing balance can make a real difference to how long your garage door lasts.
If you prefer professional servicing, Associated Garage Doors offers reliable maintenance and repairs across Surrey and the South East. Our engineers handle all types of garage doors, manual or electric, with careful inspection and genuine replacement parts when needed.
A well-maintained garage door is quieter, safer, and far less likely to surprise you with an unexpected breakdown. With AGD, you can keep it that way, season after season.
FAQ
Do electric garage doors need maintenance?
Yes. Electric garage doors have moving parts, motors, and safety sensors that need regular checks. Routine maintenance keeps the opener smooth, reduces strain on springs and tracks, and makes sure the safety features work correctly. A simple service every six to twelve months prevents breakdowns and costly repairs.
Should you use WD-40 on garage doors?
No. WD-40 is a cleaner, not a lubricant. It removes grime but doesn’t provide long-term protection. For proper lubrication, use a silicone-based or lithium-based garage door spray.
Should you roll or brush a garage door?
Use a brush for detailed areas and a roller for broad panels. When repainting or maintaining a garage door, brushing helps reach edges and textured surfaces, while rolling gives a smooth, even coat on flat sections. Always clean and sand the surface before applying paint.
What is the average lifespan of a garage door?
A well-maintained garage door lasts around 15 to 30 years. The exact lifespan depends on material, usage, and climate. Regular lubrication, balance checks, and prompt repairs extend its life and help avoid early replacement.