Your garage door is one of the most-used systems in your home, but it is easy to forget about until it starts making noise or stops working altogether. In the Sumter, SC area, many homeowners use their garage as the main entrance, which means the door may open and close several times a day. Over time, that daily movement creates wear on rollers, hinges, springs, tracks, and your opener. The good news is that basic seasonal maintenance can help your garage door operate more smoothly, reduce surprise breakdowns, and extend the life of the entire system.
Reliable Garage Door & Automatic Gate is proud to serve Sumter and nearby communities, and we encourage homeowners to take a proactive approach. Below is a practical, homeowner-friendly checklist you can use a few times per year.
Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
1) Listen and Watch for Changes
Before you touch anything, run the door and pay attention. Does it sound louder than usual? Does it shake, move unevenly, or hesitate? New noises like grinding, squealing, or rattling often signal a part that needs lubrication, tightening, or professional repair. Catching these signs early is one of the easiest ways to avoid bigger problems.
2) Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubrication is a simple step with big benefits. Use a garage-door-safe lubricant and apply it to:
- Hinges
- Rollers (especially if they are metal rollers)
- Springs (only if accessible, and carefully)
- Bearing plates if visible
Avoid lubricating the tracks. Tracks should stay clean and free of grease to prevent buildup and slipping. Wipe away excess lubricant so it does not drip onto the door or concrete.
3) Inspect Hardware and Tighten Where Appropriate
With the door closed, visually check the hinges, brackets, and fasteners. If you see loose bolts or screws, they may need tightening. Hardware can loosen naturally from vibration over time. If you are not confident, or if the hardware appears damaged or pulling away from the wall, call a professional. Safety matters more than a quick fix.
4) Clean Tracks and Check Alignment
Tracks collect dirt, dust, and debris. Wipe them with a dry cloth or a lightly damp cloth. Look for obvious dents, warping, or gaps between rollers and the track. If the door rubs, binds, or looks crooked while moving, the tracks may be out of alignment. Track adjustments should be handled by a trained technician because incorrect alignment can damage the door or create safety risks.
5) Check Springs and Cables (Look Only)
Springs and cables are under high tension, so do not touch them. Instead, do a careful visual inspection:
- Look for fraying, corrosion, or slack in the cables
- Look for gaps in torsion springs or signs of stretching
- Notice any loud bang you may have heard recently, which can indicate a spring failure
If you suspect a spring or cable issue, stop using the door and schedule service.
6) Test Safety Features
Modern garage doors include safety features that help prevent accidents. Test these seasonally:
Photo-eye sensors: Clean the lenses and confirm they face each other. While the door is closing, wave an object in front of the sensor. The door should stop and reverse.
Auto-reverse: Place a small object, such as a piece of wood, on the ground in the door’s path. Close the door. It should reverse when it touches the object. If it does not, that is a safety concern and should be fixed promptly.
When to Call Reliable Garage Door & Automatic Gate
Call a professional if your door is unusually loud, moves unevenly, reverses unexpectedly, feels heavy, or fails the safety tests. These are common signs of wear that can turn into bigger repairs if ignored.
Reliable Garage Door & Automatic Gate proudly serves the Sumter, SC area with dependable inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Contact us today to schedule a service visit to keep your garage door safe, smooth, and ready for years of trouble-free use.
