When the seasons shift in Bethany, your garage door feels it. Cold air creeps in, metal contracts, and moving parts begin to stiffen or slow down. If your garage door isn’t properly maintained before fall and winter arrive, you may notice more noise, slower movement, or even complete system failure. The good news? A little early preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re relying on a trusted LiftMaster opener or a basic manual setup, these seasonal tips will help keep your garage door in great shape all through the colder months.
Inspect the Weatherstripping
Start by checking the seal along the bottom of your garage door. If it’s brittle, cracked, or pulling away from the surface, it won’t protect against wind, moisture, or rodents. Replace the strip if needed and consider adding weatherstripping along the sides and top to complete the seal. A tight barrier helps maintain temperature and protect your garage space from the elements.
Lubricate Moving Parts Before It Gets Cold
Cold weather can cause metal components to shrink and stiffen, which leads to noise and slower operation. Apply a garage door–safe lubricant to springs, hinges, rollers, and bearings. Do this before temperatures drop, and repeat midway through the season if needed. Keeping your hardware moving smoothly helps reduce wear and supports consistent function.
Adjust LiftMaster Settings if Needed
If you have a LiftMaster opener, now’s a great time to test its responsiveness. Make sure the door closes and opens at the right speed, with smooth starts and stops. Adjust the force or travel settings if needed so the door compresses seals firmly without slamming. Check safety sensors for alignment and keep the lenses clean for reliable performance.
Test Your Door’s Balance
An unbalanced door puts extra strain on your opener, especially during the colder months when everything works a bit harder. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment. This type of issue should be handled by a professional, but identifying it early can prevent damage later.
Clean and Check the Tracks
Fall leaves, dirt, and debris often find their way into the tracks and frame of your garage door. Wipe down the tracks with a dry cloth and check for alignment. Tracks that are bent or dirty can slow movement or cause your door to come off-track. Keeping these areas clear also helps your opener work more efficiently.
Keep It Clean Inside and Out
Take a few minutes to wipe down the exterior panels. This helps you spot any rust, dents, or signs of wear that may worsen with snow or ice buildup. Inside the garage, make sure there are no storage items leaning against tracks or sensors. Clearing the space now helps avoid interference later.
Watch for Warning Signs
As temperatures drop, listen for louder or slower operation, jerky movements, or excessive vibrations. These changes may signal that something needs attention. Catching small problems before winter sets in prevents more costly fixes later.
Bethany winters can be unpredictable, but your garage door doesn’t have to be. With a little seasonal care—checking seals, lubricating parts, cleaning tracks, and tuning your LiftMaster—you’ll keep everything running smoothly no matter what the weather brings. Treat these steps as part of your fall routine, and your garage will stay warm, secure, and quiet all season long.
Need help winterizing your garage door or want a professional check before the cold sets in? Contact 716 Garage Door today for trusted, local service.
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