Autumn is here, so it’s time to prepare your garage for winter

Preparing Your Garage Door for the Cold Months Ahead The nights are drawing in, the children are back in school and we’ve probably all given in to the temptation to turn on the heating; this means that autumn is here, so it’s time to prepare your garage for winter. The importance of garage door maintenance We all understand that prevention is better than cure, which is why we have garages in the first place. Storing a car indoors, protected from the seasonal extremes of weather, increases its longevity and prevents a great deal of wear and tear. Your garage door consists of mechanical and electrical components, which are subject to the potential for failure and damage and, therefore, require thorough testing and, in some cases, either preventative or restorative action to ensure they continue to work smoothly and safely. How to prepare the door for the winter A visual inspection of the door and frame is the first step. Any obvious signs of damage or wear may need addressing, for example, if the door is wooden, it may need a new coat of varnish or paint. Rust can be removed with wire wool and the previously rusty part can be oiled. Next, take the following steps:

• Batteries: Always ensure that the battery in the remote control is in working order; if the door seems slower or you need to come closer to it to make it open, these could be low battery warning signs. Additionally, we recommend you keep a spare battery in the car. If your door has an external keypad, this will also be battery operated, so you should test this and replace the battery if necessary.
• Lubrication: Metallic components must be lubricated to protect them from cold, damp and friction. We recommend that you use an oil-based product wherever metal parts interact, such as the springs or hinges. Thoroughly remove any old lubricant, dirt or dust with a soft cloth before making the fresh application. Sections of weather stripping can be coated with a silicone gel or spray, as this kind of lubricant doesn’t result in a build-up of dust and grime.
• Lighting: Check the condition of the bulb and fitting on your door opener’s light; if you have been driving into the garage during daylight, you may not have noticed if it has malfunctioned. Use only the type of bulb recommended by the manufacturer.
• Safety reversal system: Your garage door should never close when an object is in the way, so you should test this vital safety device. To do this, place a piece of 2x4 or a slim rolled rug across the garage threshold and set the door to close; when it approaches the obstruction, it should stop and reverse.

It’s amazing how much trouble and expense can be avoided by a little timely action. Correct garage door maintenance will not only ensure that your garage door works correctly, but it will preserve it for years to come.