Top Tips for Garage Door Repair and Maintenance in Winter

When temperatures drop in Arizona—especially in higher-elevation areas—garage doors often become the first part of the home to show signs of seasonal strain. Cold weather can stiffen metal components, thicken lubricants, weaken springs, and create misalignment issues. That’s why homeowners increasingly search for tips for garage door repair and maintenance in winter as soon as the chilly mornings return.

Winter maintenance is not only about avoiding breakdowns. It’s about keeping your garage door safe, smooth, and energy-efficient. Here’s what HRS Garage Doors recommends to keep your system working flawlessly from December through spring.

1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold temperatures can cause garage door rollers, hinges, bearings, and springs to tighten or seize up. Apply a high-quality, cold-weather-approved silicone-based lubricant to:

• Hinges
  
  
• Rollers
  
  
• Tracks (lightly)
  
  
• Springs
  
  
• Locking mechanisms
  
  

Avoid using heavy grease in winter. Cold air thickens it and causes sluggish movement. A light, even coat ensures smooth operation and reduces stress on your opener.

2. Test and Tighten Hardware

Your garage door moves thousands of times a year. With temperature fluctuations, nuts and bolts can loosen. Inspect:

• Track brackets
  
  
• Hinge plates
  
  
• Roller stems
  
  
• Opener mounting hardware
  
  

Use a wrench to snug everything up. Never tighten torsion springs. Those should only be serviced by a trained technician due to the extreme stored tension.

3. Check Weatherstripping for Gaps and Cracks

Cold drafts, dust, and pests can enter through worn weather seals. Inspect:

• The bottom rubber sweep
  
  
• The side seals
  
  
• The header seal at the top of the door
  
  

Replace any cracked, brittle, or flattened seals. Good weatherstripping helps regulate garage temperature and reduces strain on the door and opener.

4. Clean the Tracks Thoroughly

During winter, dirt, pebbles, hardened grease, and even moisture buildup can affect track alignment. Use a dry cloth or soft brush to remove all debris. Don’t lubricate the tracks heavily—just ensure they are clear and unobstructed so that rollers glide smoothly.

5. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Features

Cold weather can cause sensors to misalign or become blocked by condensation. Test both safety systems:

• Photo-eye sensors: Ensure they are clean, aligned, and not obstructed.
  
  
• Pressure-reverse system: Gently press against the door as it closes. It should reverse immediately.
  
  

If either system fails, call a professional right away. These safety mechanisms protect people, pets, and your belongings.

6. Examine the Springs for Wear

Temperature swings weaken aging springs and can cause sudden breakage. Signs your springs are struggling include:

• The door feels heavy
  
  
• The opener strains or sounds louder
  
  
• The door lifts unevenly
  
  
• The door slams shut
  
  

Broken springs should NEVER be repaired DIY! They require professional tools and training.

7. Listen for Unusual Noises

Cold metal often “talks,” but grinding, popping, screeching, or rattling may indicate deeper problems. Winter noises can point to:

• Loose hardware
  
  
• Failing rollers
  
  
• Bent tracks
  
  
• Dry hinges
  
  
• Weak springs
  
  

Catching these early prevents expensive repairs later.

8. Keep the Opener Healthy

Cold weather can drain batteries and slow motors. Check:

• Backup battery strength
  
  
• Opener chain or belt tension
  
  
• Wiring connections
  
  
• Remotes and keypads
  
  

If your opener hesitates, freezes, or strains—it may be time for a tune-up or replacement.

9. Schedule a Professional Winter Tune-Up

The best winter protection comes from a full inspection by a trained technician. HRS Garage Doors offers complete seasonal tune-ups that include tightening, balancing, lubrication, alignment, safety testing, and identifying worn components before they fail. You can contact us by phone, email, or stop by our Kingman offices at 3392 Monte Moro St, Kingman, AZ 86401.

Service Areas

HRS Garage Doors proudly serves Kingman, Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Lake Havasu City, Meadview, Peach Springs, and all of Mohave County in Arizona. We also happily work with clients in Laughlin, NV, and Needles, CA.

Don’t wait for the cold to cause a breakdown. Call HRS Garage Doors today at (928) 753-9147 for your winter garage door tune-up or repair. Get fast, reliable service from Arizona’s trusted experts. Schedule your visit now!