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Regular Maintenance is Key
Like any machine, your garage door opener needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Neglecting basic maintenance tasks can lead to more severe issues that may require professional garage door opener repair in Mechanicsville. With some preventative care, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your opener in top working order.
Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
At least twice a year, inspect your garage door opener’s rails, hinges, rollers, and other moving parts. Look for any signs of wear and apply lubricant as needed. White lithium grease works well for lubricating garage door tracks and rollers. This helps reduce friction and prevents premature wear that can cause noise or sticking issues over time.
Check the Force Setting
The force or pressure setting on your garage door opener controls how much resistance is needed to stop and reverse the door during closing. Over time, this setting may need adjustment. If your door meets more resistance or reverses for no reason, the force setting may be too low and needs to be increased. Test the setting using a garage door force test tool or have a pro check it during your next garage door opener repair.
Replace Aging Belts or Chains
Most garage door openers use a belt or chain drive system to open and close the door. Over thousands of cycles, belts and chains will stretch and weaken. Inspect your opener’s belt or chain for cracks, fraying or looseness. Replace if it shows signs of wear. New belts or chains will help the motor operate smoothly.
Test Photo Eyes and Safety Sensors
These important safety devices prevent the door from closing on people or objects. Test photo eyes and safety sensors monthly by blocking the beam with your hand. The door should stop and reverse direction. If not, the sensors may need cleaning, adjusting, or replacing during garage door opener repair.
Change Batteries in Remote Controls
Low batteries are a common cause of remote control issues. Replace batteries in remote controls at least once a year or when the remote seems sluggish or unresponsive. Alkaline batteries tend to last the longest in remote controls. Replacing batteries can often fix intermittent operation problems.
Consider a Tune-Up or Overhaul
For garage door openers over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to have a pro give it a tune-up or overhaul during your next visit from a garage door company in Mechanicsville. They can inspect all components, adjust, replace worn parts, and apply lubricant. This can extend the life of your older opener by a few more years before considering replacement.
Know When It’s Time for Replacement
If repairs grow frequent or costly relative to the opener’s age, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Signs it’s time for replacement include frequent need for garage door opener repair, slow operation, intermittent operation, or an opener over 15-20 years old. A new, high-efficiency opener will provide reliable performance for years to come.
With some basic maintenance and care, you can keep your garage door opener running dependably for many years. Following these tips will help avoid unnecessary repairs down the road. Don’t neglect maintenance—your opener will thank you with smooth, reliable operation!
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