If your garage door reverses before hitting the ground, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that many homeowners face—especially during seasonal transitions like spring. The good news? You can fix most of these issues with a little maintenance and inspection. Let’s walk you through a spring maintenance checklist that can help keep your garage door operating safely and smoothly.
🚩 Understanding the Problem First
So, why does your garage door reverse before closing completely? The most common reasons are:
- Misaligned or dirty safety sensors
- Incorrect garage door opener settings
- Obstructions on the door track
- Broken or weak springs
- Faulty wiring in the opener system
Before you panic or call a technician, it’s good to know how to troubleshoot these issues on your own—starting with a proper spring garage door maintenance checklist.
✅ Spring Maintenance Checklist for Your Garage Door
1. Inspect and Clean the Safety Sensors
Safety sensors, also known as photo eyes, are the small devices near the bottom of your garage door tracks. If they are dirty or misaligned, your door will reverse automatically—thinking something’s in the way.
What to do:
- Wipe the sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
- Check if both sensor lights are on.
- Make sure the sensors face each other directly.
🧰 Pro Tip: If the sensors are blinking, that’s a clear sign something’s off. Adjust them until both lights stay solid.
2. Check the Garage Door Tracks
Your garage door runs on metal tracks. If these are bent, dirty, or blocked, your opener might struggle—and reverse before hitting the floor.
What to do:
- Clean any debris from the tracks.
- Check for rust or dents.
- Tighten any loose brackets holding the tracks.
If you’re in Vancouver or nearby and need help with this, feel free to reach out to us for a quick inspection.
3. Test the Close Limit Settings on the Opener
Your garage door opener has limit settings that tell the motor when to stop. If it thinks the ground is closer than it really is, it’ll reverse as a safety precaution.
How to fix it:
- Look for the limit adjustment screws on your opener.
- Turn the “down” limit screw slightly.
- Test the door after every adjustment.
⚠️ Always follow the manufacturer’s manual. If unsure, schedule a professional tune-up.
4. Inspect the Torsion or Extension Springs
Springs do the heavy lifting—literally. If they’re worn or broken, the opener senses resistance and automatically reverses to prevent damage.
Spring check essentials:
- Look for gaps in the spring coil.
- Listen for squeaking or popping sounds.
- If the door feels heavy to lift manually—your spring might be broken.
🔧 Important: Never try to repair a garage door spring on your own. It’s dangerous and should be left to licensed professionals.
Need a local spring repair expert in Vancouver? We’ve got you covered. Visit Garage Door VanCity for prompt, reliable service.
5. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Yes, something as simple as lubrication can prevent your garage door from misbehaving. Dry rollers or stiff hinges can cause jerky movements and make the opener stop early.
What to lubricate:
- Rollers
- Hinges
- Tracks (lightly)
- Torsion springs (with garage door lube)
Use a silicone-based lubricant—never grease or oil, as they attract dust and dirt.
6. Look for Obstructions or Debris
Sometimes, it’s just a broom, leaf, or even a kid’s toy lying in the way of the sensor beam or track. A quick cleanup around the garage door path might solve the issue instantly.
🌸 Why Spring Is the Best Time for Garage Door Maintenance
Spring is the season of change—and that includes your garage. Cold winters can cause metal to contract, affecting alignment. Dust and grime also build up. That’s why garage door spring maintenance is essential this time of year.
🛠️ When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through this checklist and the issue still persists, it’s time to call the pros. Whether it’s a sensor calibration, spring replacement, or a full garage door inspection, we’re here to help.
👉 Contact us at Garage Door VanCity for same-day service across Vancouver and surrounding areas.
📝 Final Thoughts
A reversing garage door is more than an annoyance—it’s a sign that something may need urgent attention. Following this spring maintenance checklist not only helps fix the issue but also extends the life of your garage door system.
So, don’t wait for the door to jam entirely. Do your spring check-up today—and if you need help, you know who to call!