Are LED Lights The Culprit?

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Have you been having issues with your garage door opener? Has your door not been opening properly? Do you happen to have LED lights installed in your garage? Although not all LED lights are a problem, they can become a problem when not properly shielded. It is important to stick to popular brands so ensure quality performance.

Q: I would like to thank your reader who told you about the garage door opener that did not work properly. I was facing the same problem. I did everything he did to get the door to work, new remotes, change the batteries, etc. Your reader said that he had installed LED lightbulbs in the garage as I had done and wondered if they were interfering with the remotes trying to open the doors. Well I replaced all my LED lightbulbs with regular bulbs and for two weeks now no problems with opening or closing my garage door, thanks to your column.

— R.L., Chicago

A: It warms our cold little heart to hear that our advice has helped more than only one reader. Just to clarify, not all LED lights are the problem. Only those that are not properly shielded. Stick to popular name brands and your garage door should behave normally when you press the remote.

Q: My Honda CR-V runs fine except for a nervous idle at stops when the A/C is on. If I just press the accelerator slightly, increasing the rpm by maybe 100, the idle is smooth. Two mechanics have diagnosed it as bad motor mounts, but they don’t guarantee this is the problem. If the idle speed could be increased, I would be happy. Can I tweak the cable at the idle air valve to make this happen?

— E.K., Dolton, Ill.

A: Nope. The idle is controlled by the engine control module, which activates the idle air control valve. No amount of mechanical tinkering can adjust the idle speed.

Q: I am a retired senior and I own a 2004 Subaru Outback Sport. Since retirement, I only put about 800 miles per year on my vehicle. The car is garage kept. How often should there be an oil change?

— M.K., Chicago

A: Subaru suggests changing the oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 7.5 months. But since your annual mileage is so low, we would recommend you change the oil yearly. For turbocharged engines, cut that schedule in half.

Q: I recently brought my 2016 Prius V into the dealership for its 30,000-mile maintenance. The service rep said it should have its fuel injectors cleaned, among other things. I agreed as I’m trying to be better than I have been at meeting the scheduled requirements. While trying to make sense of my owner’s manual/maintenance guide I haven’t really been able to see this service on the list of required maintenance and wonder if I’ve wasted money.

— R.H., Westchester, Ill.

A: We would not say that you wasted your money. Fuel injectors can become clogged, or at least somewhat restricted, over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this. But we think that cleaning them at such low mileage may be unnecessary, especially if you use good gasoline. If you are in doubt which brands are good, look for a sign that they are Top Tier fuels. You can also find a list at www.toptiergas.com.

Send questions along with name and town to Motormouth, Rides, Chicago Tribune; 160 N. Stetson Ave., Third Floor; Chicago, IL 60601 or motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sc-auto-motormouth-1011-story.html

Emergency Backup Garage Batteries

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A California bill is headed to the governor that states all new garage doors operate effectively during power outages. This came directly after the October wildfires which led to deaths of individuals who were trapped in their garages. The bill will not require existing homeowners to install new openers or add backup batteries to their existing units.

  1. New garage doors may soon need backup batteries for emergencies  Petaluma Argus Courier

  2. California Bill Requiring Backup Batteries for Garage Doors Heading to State Senate for Confirmation  KSRO

    3. Full coverage

Source: https://www.petaluma360.com/news/8653280-181/new-garage-doors-may-soon

Burglar Breaks Into Home With Garage Door Opener

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With burglars and home invaders taking to garage doors to enter a home, it is important that you make sure the door to your garage is locked! It is vital that you are double checking that your car doors are locked as well. This makes for an easy entrance through any garage if you keep your opener stored in your vehicle. Visit our website for more information on the newest garage door technology. We want to help keep you safe!

  1. Police search for burglar who used garage door opener to break into home  10TV

    2. Full coverage

Source: https://www.10tv.com/article/police-search-burglar-who-used-garage-door-opener-break-home

How to improve the security on your garage door

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Just because your garage door closes properly each time you use it does not mean that it is 100% safe from intruders. Overlooking your garage door can be detrimental to the overall safety of your home. Taking preventative measures is the easiest way to ensure that your garage door is secure. Check out these simple yet effective tips on how to improve your garage door security.

As a homeowner, you would want to have that certain feeling of security in your households. You want to have the ability to effectively separate yourself from the outside world in order to feel safe and secure. But what if your home is not really that secured? What if there is a loophole that allows would-be criminals easy access? This is actually a recurring case for people who tend to overlook their garage door. This loophole, without taking proper preventive measures into consideration, can be an access point for those looking to steal from or, worse, harm you.

Below are simple yet effective tips that you should heed to ensure that both your garage door and garage are well-secured.

#1. Install a Robust Security System

When talking about the best line of defense, installing a security system is the best option. This must be installed in your garage and is connected directly to your home security system. As long as your system is set and someone tries to open the garage, the alarm will automatically sound and can even be set to alert emergency services for dispatch.

#2. Keep the Garage Door Opener With You

It is really not ideal for you to leave the garage door opener inside your car. If someone gains access to your vehicle and finds the opener, he now has easy access to your garage. You can invest in openers equipped with an app, so you can control the garage door with one click. And, as much as possible, do not leave it inside your vehicle. Keep it with you at all times.

#3. Install Motion Detector Lights

Unlike in the past, motion detector lights nowadays are quite affordable. Invest in this technology and add it as part of your overall security system. Motion detectors are basically infrared waves that can detect moving objects and body temperatures.

photo/ Champions Garage Door Repair

#4. Secure Your Garage Door at All Times

This seems to be a pretty straightforward tip, but most homeowners tend to neglect this part. Apart from keeping your garage door closed, you should also secure the door that leads to your house from the garage. The last thing you would want is for intruders to breach it in seconds and find their way inside your house.

#5. Perform Maintenance and Repairs

Regardless of how futuristic your garage door may be, it still requires maintenance and repairs from time to time. Check if its springs are in good working condition and make sure that they are properly attached. If, in some ways, your garage door is broken, seek the help of a professional garage door repair technician right away. You want it to be fully functional in order to veer away from intruders.

#6. Add Exterior Lighting

You also need to consider everything that is happening outside of your garage. If it is quite dark, then thieves will feel more comfortable approaching. Adding exterior lighting can be a powerful and effective way of preventing break-ins. Just simply install security lighting around your home’s exterior, but make sure it is of highest-quality. Also, this lighting system should cover the area near the garage door. It is definitely a huge deterrent that keeps your property secured.

#7. Lock Garage Door if You Are Away

Like it or not, a padlock can work as an added security in your garage. The idea is to lock the garage door with it if you are going to be gone for weeks or months. While your current security system is without a doubt top-notch, there is nothing wrong with adding more security such as a padlock.

#8. Use Timers

From leaving your house in a rush to your kids forgetting to push the button in your garage door opener remote, it is very likely for the garage door to be left open. And when it does, it automatically sends an invitation for anyone with a motive to come in. Sure, your memory is still sharp, but it is not best to solely rely on it. Instead, use a timer that tells your garage door opener to close the garage door in a certain amount of time. Interestingly, these timers are super easy to install on the door track. The keypad, on the other hand, can be connected to your garage’s opening/closing control.

#9. Go for a Solid Metal Door

Do you plan on replacing your traditional door? Or perhaps you have already scheduled a garage door repair service? In any case, you might want to consider installing a solid metal garage door. This is a surefire way of giving would-be criminals a tough time if they plan to gain access from your garage. Keep in mind that an old, saggy wooden door is prone to cracks which usually form at the bottom. This only makes it easier for burglars to break in.

#10. Cover the Windows

Obviously, you do not want thieves to have a look-see at what is inside your garage. You could have bikes, tools, gears, or car parts that you definitely want to protect. And if they see something valuable, which they will, they are likely to be encouraged to break in. Do not give them this opportunity and start covering your garage’s window. You can either tint or frost them, so thieves will have a hard time peeking through inside.

Keeping your garage door safe is a big step towards securing your entire house or property. The aforementioned tips are designed to help you do just that. Keep them mind at all times and, as much as possible, apply them.

Author: Rami F.

Source: http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/10-tips-to-improve-your-garage-doors-security-65597/

Spring training attendance dips in 2018 despite record Chicago Cubs games

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One of the great things about the Arizona spring time, is all of the events that go on around the valley. Spring training may be one of the most well known, as half of major league baseball sends teams to the desert to prep for the upcoming season. With this, comes a ton of fans, although this year maybe not as many as usual

The 2018 season was shorter by two days and had 24 fewer games, drawing a total of 1.7 million baseball fans to metro Phoenix.

      

 

 

Source: http://rssfeeds.azcentral.com/~/537528366/0/phoenix/tempe~Spring-training-attendance-dips-in-despite-record-Chicago-Cubs-games/

Opening a Garage Door When the Power Goes Out

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You’re at home getting ready to leave and all-of-a-sudden the power goes out.  You have to head out, but the garage door won’t open so you can’t get your car out of the garage.  What do you do?  Wait until the power comes back on?  Cancel your plans?  No need for either idea because, fortunately, you can likely open your garage door manually.  The article below provides step by step instructions on how to do it, so give it a read and remember these tips if this ever happens to you.

How to Open a Garage Door Manually

All electronic or automatic garage doors have a bypass that will allow you to open it manually. This becomes necessary when there is a power failure or, for some reason, you lose your remote. The bypass disconnects the door from the powered carriage, but it stays on the track. Once you disconnect it, you can then lift it manually. When the power comes back on or you locate your lost remote, you can lock the bypass and use the door normally again.

1 Place a ladder under the chain that operates the garage door. Locate a red cord hanging from a bracket on the chain. These cords are almost always red, but if there is only one cord and it’s not red, it’s probably the right one. The cord will have a plastic red knob on the end. Most often, the cord is located close to the door.

2 Jerk on the cord using the knob. The cord is hooked onto a small lever. The lever may be tilted at a 15-degree angle or pointing straight down. You will feel that the lever is spring-loaded; pull the cord until the lever locks in the down position. Step down from the ladder.

3 Grab the door with both hands and lift it. If the door will not budge, pull the cord harder until it locks open. If the door is too heavy for you to lift, don’t hurt yourself. Get an assistant to help you lift it.

4 Do not let go of the door once it’s off the ground. It is free on the track and it will fall if you let go. Prop the door open using a two-by-four or have someone hold the door open for you while you drive your car in or out. When you’re finished with the door, ease it down by hand.

5 Pull down on the cord hard to lock it in place again after the power comes back on or you find your remote. Pull on the cord and watch as the bracket slips back into the chain bracket, locking the door into the powered carriage. Try the remote. If the door won’t open, but the chain is moving, pull on the chain again until the bracket locks. Test and pull the cord again if necessary to lock it.

Things You Will Need

  • Ladder

Tips

  • Keep the rollers and chain lubricated on your garage door. It makes the door operate quiet, and makes the chain and all moving parts last longer because they operate with less friction.
  • Keep your owner’s manual on hand. Consult it first before tinkering with your door.

Warning

  • Never pull the bypass cord if the door is stuck in the open position. The door will come crashing down with enough force to damage anything that gets in its way.

Source: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/open-garage-door-manually-37286.html

Everything To Consider When Getting a New Garage Door

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Is it the time to finally start tackling your home renovation goals for 2018?  Is one goal to replace your old garage door for something new?  Don’t be intimidated by this process because once you know what to do before and after installation, we take care of the rest!  The guide below tells you about all of the options you have when it comes to a new garage door.  Read it over and then call Lincoln Electric Door to select your new door!

All About Garage Doors – A Buying Guide

Before you buy a new garage door, you must learn about the available garage door types, styles, and materials. This will help you make a well informed decision.

Is your old garage door falling apart, sagging, or really difficult to lift? It might be the time to replace your old garage door with a new one that you can maintain and operate it easily. A new garage door will not only provide ease while using it but it will also provide enhanced safety, security and easy access to the garage. The modern day garage doors also have the quality to refresh and renew the overall appearance of your property. Buying a new garage door is no more a challenging task with this unbiased, expert guide.

You Can Buy Garage Doors of Different Types

There are basically four different types of garage doors that you can find in the market. A garage door may slide to a side, swing up, swing out, or roll up. If you need a distinctive look or want that the ceiling remains clear, then you can opt for a sliding barn door or a swing out carriage house door. Otherwise, sectional roll up door is currently a popular choice available in the market.

Before you buy a roll up door, you must measure the space between the overhead farming or ceiling and the top of the garage door opening. Standard tracks need about 14-inches headroom. If you do not have that, then you can procure the low headroom track that can cost approximately $100. If your garage has the unusually high cathedral ceilings or walls, then you can also find the tracks that are specially built for it in the market.

Garage Doors are Available in Different Styles

Choosing the right type of garage door is necessary for the functionality of the door according to your garage. Selecting a specific door style will affect the beauty and aesthetics of your home front. Always choose the style according to the appearance of your house. For example, if you need to install garage doors in a Craftsman bungalow, then you should opt for a style like swing out doors that you can find behind the early Craftsman homes.

Most garage door styles, whether contemporary or traditional, features trim, panels, and the other detailing. If you need a door that can be sturdier then you can opt for the doors that have true frame and panel construction instead of the doors with decorated details. You can select a style with glass panels on top that will allow daylight inside and look inviting from the outside world. If you need a more modern look then you can choose the roll up doors with frosted plastic or shattered proof glass.

Garage Doors Comes in Different Materials

Another important decision that you will have to make is to choose the right door material. Garage doors can be purchased in different materials, like wood, steel, and aluminum. If you want more authenticity and charm then wood is the best material to choose. Wood doors can be made in all sizes according to the requirements of the buyer. However, one drawback of wood doors is that you will often find the need to hire a pro for the garage door repair as they tend to wear and tear too often.

If you need a maintenance free option, then you can opt for steel. Steel is tough and also a relatively less expensive choice. Steel can dent and scratch, so you will have to touch up the steel door before it gets late. Aluminum doors are light weight and you can buy rugged and rust proof aluminum garage doors if you need a dent-resistant option.

Whatever type, style and material you select, you should know that professional installation is necessary. Sometimes, people try installing new garage doors on their own, but it is a fairly tough and dangerous job. It can not only produce a personal injuryFeature Articles, but unreliable installation also reduces the life and performance of the garage doors.

 

Source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/all-about-garage-doors-a-buying-guide.html

Go Into The New Year With a “New” Garage

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Go into the new year with a safer, more organized garage!  The article below gives plenty of ideas of how to update your garage to increase efficiency and security.  We think there are plenty of good ideas to try – perfect DIYs for the weekends!  Give the article a read and decide which solutions you want to try in 2018.

15 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Garage

Forget New Year’s resolutions for yourself—will they last beyond January anyway? Make some resolutions for your garage instead and enjoy your perfect working and storage place all year.

Improve Security

Whatever you keep in your garage, security should be a top priority, so check out our top tips for making your garage safe from intruders. See how to prevent thieves from fishing for the handle with wire, how to cover the windows to conceal what’s inside and how to add security lighting. Also, learn about door sensors that alert you if the garage doors are forced open (or you’ve forgotten to close them!), or even how to install a whole-house security system for ultimate protection.

Give the Garage Door a New Lease of Life

A smart and well-maintained door is essential for a fully-functional garage. One of your New Year’s resolutions should be to give your garage door the once over, following our comprehensive guide, that includes full safety information for inspecting automatic doors. If your door isn’t working properly, use our troubleshooting tips to fix it once and for all, or if you’re looking at a complete replacement, see how to choose the best door for you.

Clean the Garage Floor

A floor that’s splattered with oil stains and gray with grime will spoil the whole look of your garage. So why not give your floor a spruce-up? It can be done in a few hours and for less than $20—a big-impact, little-expensive New Year’s resolution.

Implement the tips in our guide to removing stains and dirt using a proprietary cleaner or eco-friendly alternative. Just be sure to assemble your tools (e.g. a stiff brush, dustpan and trowel) beforehand, and dispose of any waste responsibly. And don’t forget to use protective gear like safety glasses, long pants and long sleeves.

Renovate the Garage Floor

If your floor is too far gone to clean effectively, a good alternative is to repaint it with epoxy floor paint. This paint gives your floor a showroom shine in a range of vibrant colors. This finish is stain-resistant, making it ideal for working on your car or other DIY projects, and the project can be done in a weekend for less than $500.

Careful preparation is the key, removing surface stains and filling cracks is essential before applying two coats of paint. Allow plenty of drying time between coats. Work in a well-ventilated space, wear protective gear and remove anything that could spark a fire.

Organize Automotive Tools

Whether you’re a beginner that likes to tinker, or a full-fledged expert mechanic, a disorganized garage is frustrating and wastes time. So if you’re tired of searching for your tools, take a look at our garage storage tips for the mechanic. Our suggestions for a rolling cart, hanging storage for tools, drawer organizers and metal drawer liners will make your garage the envy of every home mechanic and make working on your car a joy.

Install Double-Decker Storage to Utilize Space

Space is always at a premium in the garage, so why not make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to look up? You can build this double-decker unit to hold loads of miscellany. The upper shelf is great for smaller items like cans and small storage crates, keeping them safely out of the reach of children and pets. The sturdy hooks below provide space for hanging hoses and cords, so they’re sorted, easy to see and instantly accessible. This unit can easily be built in a day!

Upgrade to LED Lights

LED light bulbs have several advantages over traditional bulbs, so one of your New Year’s resolutions might be to replace your old light fixtures and light bulbs with LED bulbs. You’ll save on your energy bills, as LEDs use between 30- and 50-percent less electricity than fluorescents. And you won’t have the tiresome task of recycling your fluorescent tubes either. Our project guide has all the information you need to complete this job successfully.

Save Space Wth Wall Storage

Don’t waste the wall space next to your vehicle. Follow our instructions for constructing a space-saving storage system that fits neatly into that limited space.

Heavy-duty shelves, designed to hold significant weight safely, are fixed firmly to the wall. Lower shelves are narrow, with wider shelves fitted above the car roof level for maximum storage capacity. There’s even a fold-down table/workbench with a concealed tool rack inside. Fully customizable to fit your space perfectly, this storage system is easy to build in a day and costs between $100 and $500.

Replace the Garage Door Opener

If your current garage door opener is broken, make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to replace it. Our step-by-step guide begins with checking the components, so you don’t shell out on a complete replacement if it’s just a part that’s needed. The guide takes you through every stage, including important safety advice to avoid accidents, and also shares a few tips you won’t find in the owner’s manual. Don’t put up with a sub-standard performance from your door opener—fix it now!

Make Use of Ceiling Space

Ceiling storage can be as simple as a few well-placed hooks where you hang bicycles, garden hoses or a ladder. For smaller items, this clever sliding storage system has ample room for camping gear, sports equipment or summer barbecue tools. Using just a few lengths of 2×4, some plywood and some inexpensive plastic totes, this hanging storage solution keeps everything you need safely out of the way, releasing the floor for larger items and easy cleaning. It’s quick and simple to install—just don’t forget to label your totes!

Add Outlets

Fed up with stretching extension cords around your garage when you want to use your power tools? Trailing wires are annoying and dangerous, so make one of your New Year’s resolutions to solve this problem. Install additional outlets in your garage for safety and ease of working.

First, check whether your existing circuit has sufficient capacity. If not, you’ll need to run in another circuit.

Then follow our project guide to wiring a finished garage. Using PVC conduit is convenient, looks neat and saves time, and full instructions are given for every step. This weekend project requires moderate skills, although if in any doubt, consult a professional, and always get your electrical work inspected for safety.

Choose the Best Garage Heater

It’s impossible to concentrate fully and work safely if you’re chilled to the bone, so if you’re out in your garage in winter, one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to install a proper heating system. There are various options, and the best choice depends on your circumstances.

The most affordable option is a portable kerosene or propane heater, but although they’re inexpensive, they require ventilation and create humidity—not good for tools! Infrared heaters work by heating objects instead of the air, but they’re double the price of a forced-air heater.

Many experts recommend a gas-fired, forced air heater that’s mounted to the ceiling for safety. If you work with flammable materials, choose a heater with a separate external combustion chamber. Natural gas heaters are another option. They can be mounted within 1in. of ceiling. For further details, take a look at our guide to choosing the best garage heater for you.

Choose the Best Garage Heater

Ultimately, if this is the year to go all out, give your basic garage an extreme makeover and convert it into a games room, a study, a man-cave or just an extra room.

Install blocking and framing for stud walls and add an inexpensive and effective drywall ceiling. Don’t forget to include extra insulation to keep everything cozy and energy-efficient in winter, and ventilation for fresh air in the summer. Add the big three, power, light and heat, and you’ll have the perfect additional space to use however you like.

Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/garage/15-new-years-resolutions-for-your-garage/view-all/

Garage Door Holiday Decorating

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It’s that time of year when people begin planning out their holiday decorating for the interior and exterior of their house.  The most popular exterior holiday decorations, hands down, are lights.  They look great and are fairly easy to put out.  Most people will decorate with lights and call it a day, but have you ever considered taking your decorations to the next level with garage door art?  Think of your garage door as a blank canvas waiting to be beautified!  There are a variety of ways you can decorate your garage door for the holidays that range from easy and inexpensive to more elaborate.  Discover what they are in the article below!

5 IDEAS FOR DECORATING YOUR GARAGE DOORS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This post may contain affiliate links.

 BY  2 COMMENTS

Now that we are in the midst of the holiday season it is time to start bringing out all those decorations collecting dust in their boxes in an effort to look festive.  The exterior of your home tends to get a little extra attention as that is what people see first whether just passing by or coming in for a visit.

One of the most sadly neglected areas of the exterior of your house is the garage door.  Imagine strangers driving around looking at holiday decorations and checking out all the bare garage doors and suddenly they come across the stunning festive display covering your garage doors!

You don’t have to go over the top in decorating, just a few simple touches can be enough to make your house really stand apart in a wonderful way!
Here are some ideas as to how you can “Wow” your neighbours by decorating your garage doors and improving your curb appeal over the holiday season!

1) The easiest trick is to simply place a wreath in the middle of the garage door just as you would your front door.  You may want to find or make a much larger one for this purpose though.

2) A large bow ribbon taped to the centre of the garage door with the ends radiating out towards the side of the door is also a nice look.

3)  If you have the ability to string lights and garland around your garage you can really make it stand out in a tasteful way!  Just frame the outside of the garage door with white or coloured lights, garland, or better yet a combination of the two

4)  Garage Door Magnets in Holiday Styles can be purchased at many retailers as well as online through Amazon.  There are many holiday-themed murals out there that come on a giant magnet that can be applied to your garage door

5)  Holiday themed Garage Door Murals are made ready to hang and are easy to simply take down and roll up for use year after year.

 

Source: http://www.frugalmomeh.com/2012/12/5-ideas-for-decorating-your-garage.html

Knowing When a Garage Door Needs Repairs

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Just like a car needs maintenance, a garage door does too.  You know when something doesn’t sound right or feel right with your car, but do you know when that’s the case with your garage door?  If you want to get the most life out of your garage door and make sure it’s operating safely then you definitely need to read the article below.  It describes what to look and listen for to determine if your door needs service.  There are things you can repair on your own and others that you can call us for.  Continue reading and then go check you garage door.

Caring for Your Garage Doors

Contributed by Rick Menard of Keene Door LLC Oct 12, 2017

Putting off projects like servicing your furnace, fixing your broken garage door or opener and swapping your summer tires for snow tires will usually come back to cost you more in the long run. Losing heat on a frigid morning, having to leave your car outside during a blizzard, or slipping off the road during the first snow storm all can be avoided with a little planning.

Procrastination only benefits businesses, as emergency calls are much more expensive than routine maintenance.

When it comes to where you park your car, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your garage doors and openers running smoothly. The first thing you should do is run your door up and down and look and listen for problems that are obvious. Does the door come down and land level? Are there sounds of metal rubbing against metal as the door moves?

Lack of lubrication is the biggest cause of mechanical breakdowns. Using a good garage door lubricant, spray all of your rollers, pulleys, hinges, tracks and springs. Also spray the rail on your opener. Move your car outside while you do this and wear eye protection as you spray overhead to avoid getting any lubricant in your eyes.

Secondly, look for any loose or missing nuts and bolts and tighten or replace them. How does the weather seal look? Bottom seal worn? Now would be a good time to replace those to save energy. Speaking of bottom seal, clean and apply a cooking spray to reduce the chance of your door freezing to the ground.

More than 70 percent of us now use our garage as the main entrance into our homes. Now is the time to make sure that your opener is prepared for the weather heading our way. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones we ignore the most.

Does your light go on when you open your door? If not, replace the bulb. When was the last time you changed the battery in your remotes? Does your entry keypad still work? Are you keeping the trash containers, rakes and shovels away from the photo eyes at the bottom of your tracks?

How do you know when it is time to call in a professional? When it comes to safety, a trained garage door technician can adjust springs, replace pulleys and cables, remove hinges, etc. Garage doors are under a tremendous amount of tension and if improperly handled can cause severe injury or death.

Are the bearings in the rollers or pulleys worn out? Springs showing separation from age? If so, they should be replaced by an installer who knows how to repair these safely.

Do you have safety cables inside of the extension springs in the event the springs break? These safety cables will keep the springs from flying all over the place, possibly hitting someone walking by or denting that new car or motorcycle parked inside of the garage.

Winter is fast approaching. Before you are one of the unlucky callers who end up with a car stuck inside of your garage just as you are leaving on an important trip, service your garage doors and openers early.

Put the money you saved on an emergency repair bill toward something more fun.

Source: http://www.sentinelsource.com/home_and_hearth/caring-for-your-garage-doors/article_9c46fce2-af5e-11e7-ab52-dfc8f3f2ef24.html