Garage door winter checklist

Ten minutes in October saves a stuck door in January. Do this once before the deep cold and once mid-winter.

Springs and balance

• Look at the springs above the door for any gap in the coil; if you see one, stop here and call
• Only with the springs whole and the door fully closed: pull the release cord, then lift the door halfway by hand with a helper. It should stay put
• Run the opener through a full cycle afterwards so it reconnects
• If it drops or shoots up, or feels very heavy, the springs need attention
• Never adjust, unwind or remove a spring yourself

Moving parts

• Lubricate springs, hinges and rollers with a lubricant made for garage doors; do not grease the tracks
• Check cables at the bottom corners for fraying, from a distance; don't touch them under tension
• Listen for grinding or scraping as the door runs

Seals

• Bottom seal flexible, not cracked or torn
• Clear snow and ice from the threshold so the seal can't freeze down
• Side and top weatherstripping closes the gaps of daylight

Opener and safety

• Test the safety reverse: the door must reverse when it closes on a 2x4 laid flat on the floor
• Clean and align the sensors near the floor; both lights steady
• Fresh batteries in remotes and the keypad
• Know where the manual release is and pull it only with the door closed
• Never idle a car inside a closed garage