While it’s important to schedule professional garage door opener tune-ups annually for safety inspections, there are also some basic maintenance tasks homeowners can do in between to prolong the life of their equipment. Taking just a few minutes periodically for self-care goes a long way in preventing unnecessary repairs or replacements down the road.
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Wipe Off Motors and Sensors
Dust and dirt particles can clog moving parts over time. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away debris from electric motors and sensors a few times per year. Cleaning helps components operate efficiently.
Lubricate Moving Hinges and Pulleys
Examine hinges, pulleys and tracks that move during door operation. Apply a small amount of light machine oil as needed to reduce friction that causes premature wear. Too much lubricant attracts dirt.
Check Tightness of Mounting Hardware
Over many open/close cycles, screws and bolts holding the rail, opener body and wall mounting brackets may loosen slightly. Check for tightness and tighten with a wrench if noticed. Loose hardware increases stress.
Test Photo Eyes and Safety Sensors
Make sure infrared photo eyes aligned across the door opening can see each other’s beam clearly and flash when broken by an object passing through. Slight misalignments can cause safety issues.
Inspect Powerhead and Belt Condition
Look for signs of wear on the belt that turns the door. Cracked or loose belts indicate replacement is due. The powerhead gear train should also rotate smoothly. Garage Door Opener Repair in Poquoson can advise if replacement is warranted.
Clean and Dry Wall Console Contacts
Use a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol to remove corrosion buildup on the metal contact points inside wall console open/close buttons. Moisture or debris here can cause intermittent remote connection issues.
Replace Batteries as Needed
Test batteries in both the wall console and remote(s) annually or if operation seems glitchy. Always keep backups on hand for unexpected failure. Batteries are a chief cause of callouts.
Check Tension and Travel Limit Settings
Confirm the door opens/closes fully and reverses direction in a reasonable space. Small adjustments may be needed after years of use and can prevent accident or injury.
Taking just 15 minutes monthly for basic tasks like cleaning, lubrication and inspection helps keep your garage door opener in top working order between professional services. With some simple self-maintenance, you’ll avoid needless repairs and get the most life from your investment.
Aaron is an expert in all things technology. He enjoys writing blogs about how to use the latest software and hardware on the market, while also providing advice for using existing technology more effectively. His favorite pastimes include reading comic books and playing video games.
