There are things you can do as an owner to keep your garage door system in good condition for longer, staving off malfunctions. Our technicians have put together a list of useful tips that will help you get the most out of your overhead door. Find out more below!
Change the factory default codes of the opener
If your garage door opener does not have rolling-code technology, it will have a standard code set up by the manufacturer. If a burglar learns what that code is, they may be able to use your opener too. That's why you need to change it to something that is uniquely yours. Furthermore, just like with your email passwords, be sure to change the code again occasionally and make sure nobody knows it except you and your family members.
Do not run your car while the garage door is closed
If you need to warm up your car in a cold morning, open the garage door before you start the ignition, to make sure the toxic fumes get out. When the door is closed, all the carbon monoxide coming out of your exhaust remains in the garage. This gas is odorless but extremely toxic and can quickly cause headache, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. Long term inhalation will result in loss of consciousness, arrhythmia, seizure, or death. Don't risk it.
Test the auto-reverse safety features
All modern garage door openers have an auto reverse safety feature that forces the door to reverse if it encounters an obstacle. It is important to test this mechanism every month, to ensure the door is still safe to use. This can easily be done by placing either a small cardboard box or a piece of wood on the floor under the door. If the door doesn’t reverse within two seconds after touching the obstacle, something is wrong with the system and it needs to be repaired. Our experts can help.
Keep your remote somewhere safe
Misplacing your garage door opener remote control is one thing, and leaving it in your car or with the parking attendant is another. An easy solution to the latter can be getting a keychain and keeping your car key(s) and the remote together on it. This will reduce the likelihood of you losing or misplacing it, and lower the chance of your young children getting their hands on it.