Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home. It opens and closes thousands of times per year, protecting your vehicles, tools, and even serving as an extra entryway. Yet for many homeowners, garage door maintenance doesn’t become a priority until something breaks.
Regular service is the key to keeping your garage door reliable, safe, and long-lasting. Whether you use your garage multiple times a day or just on weekends, knowing how often to schedule professional maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
Here’s a year-round guide to help you keep your garage door system running smoothly – no matter the season.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
A garage door may look simple on the surface, but it’s made up of dozens of parts working together: springs, cables, rollers, hinges, sensors, and the opener. When even one component wears down or falls out of alignment, it can affect the entire system.
Routine maintenance helps you:
- Prevent expensive emergency repairs
- Extend the lifespan of your opener and door components
- Improve energy efficiency
- Keep your home and family safe
Neglecting maintenance can lead to noisy operation, uneven lifting, or even dangerous spring failures. For simple DIY upkeep between professional visits, check out our post on Preventative Maintenance: 5 Tips to Avoid Costly Garage Door Repairs.
How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?
In most cases, homeowners should schedule professional garage door maintenance once a year. However, factors like usage, age, and local weather can affect that frequency.
If your garage door opens several times a day – especially in busy households or during seasonal temperature swings in Ohio – it’s smart to schedule a tune-up every 6 months.
You should also plan a service visit if you notice any of the following:
- The door moves unevenly or gets stuck
- It makes loud grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises
- The opener is slow to respond or fails to close completely
- The springs or cables appear worn or rusted
By addressing these issues early, you can prevent more serious (and costly) repairs later.
Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Ohio’s changing weather can take a toll on your garage door. Here’s what to check each season to keep your system in top shape:
Winter: Prevent Freezing and Heat Loss
Winter is especially tough on garage door systems. Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to contract, seals to stiffen, and openers to strain. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, and tracks, and check that your weatherstripping is intact.
For more seasonal guidance, see our Fall Maintenance Checklist for Your Garage Door System.
Spring: Inspect and Clean
Spring is the perfect time to inspect your door’s balance and alignment. Clear debris from the tracks, tighten loose bolts, and clean the photo-eye sensors. This is also when professionals can test the door’s tension and ensure the safety systems are functioning properly.
Summer: Focus on Safety and Efficiency
High temperatures can affect door performance and energy efficiency. If your garage feels excessively hot, you may need better insulation or upgraded seals.
You can also use summer as a good reminder to check your opener’s safety features – especially the auto-reverse function and sensor alignment.
Fall: Prepare for Cold Weather
Before the first freeze, check your weather seals and insulation to keep cold air out. Inspect the springs and cables for wear, as they can weaken over time. Scheduling your annual maintenance in fall ensures your door is ready for the demands of winter.
What Happens During a Professional Tune-Up?
When you schedule service with Springfield Overhead Door, our technicians complete a full system inspection and tune-up that includes:
- Tightening and lubricating hardware
- Balancing the door and testing tension
- Checking safety sensors and auto-reverse systems
- Inspecting springs, cables, and rollers for wear
- Testing the opener’s performance and remote functions
This proactive approach not only prevents breakdowns but also improves safety and energy efficiency.
If you’d like to learn more about long-term garage door care, LiftMaster’s Maintenance Guide offers helpful manufacturer-recommended tips.
Why Local Expertise Matters
When it comes to garage door maintenance, local experience makes a difference. The weather in Springfield and surrounding areas can be unpredictable, with humidity, rain, and cold affecting garage components differently throughout the year.
At Springfield Overhead Door, our technicians understand these local challenges and tailor every inspection to Ohio’s seasonal conditions. Whether it’s preparing for winter, adjusting for humidity, or replacing worn insulation, we make sure your door is ready for every season.
Schedule Your Annual Garage Door Service Today
Don’t wait until your garage door stops working to give it the care it deserves. Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your system safe, efficient, and reliable year-round.
Call Springfield Overhead Door today at 937-325-4361 or visit our contact page to book your next tune-up. A little preventive care now can help you avoid major repairs later – and ensure your garage door runs smoothly all through 2026.
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