Having an automatic garage door opener can be a great luxury for any homeowner to enjoy--especially on rainy or snowy days when the last thing you want to do is get out of your warm, cozy car to open up your garage door manually. Still, some homeowners get frustrated when they have to make premature repairs or replacements of their garage door openers. The good news is that you can prolong the life of your garage door opener by taking some simple preventative maintenance measures.

Be Observant

Pay attention when you use your garage door opener. Be on the lookout for strange sounds or unusual vibrations coming from the door opener when in operation. If you notice something strange that continues for more than a day or two, contact a garage door repair company to take care of the problem before it becomes worse.

Test Balance Regularly

Over time, garage doors can get thrown off balance, which can lead to premature wear and tear. You can test your door's balance by simply pulling the red release handle on your door and manually moving it to a point where the door is halfway open. When you let go, the door should stay put; if it falls a couple of inches on either side, your garage door spring may need to be replaced by a professional.

Tighten Bolts as Needed

Every few months, grab a wrench and check for loose bolts or hardware--especially if you've noticed any strange vibrations lately. Tighten up any loose bolts or brackets, being careful not to over-tighten them to the point of damaging any moving components.

Lubricate Rollers

Garage doors have many moving parts, so it only makes sense that these moving parts should be lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Take some time to spray a lubricating grease onto your garage door opener's tracks and rollers every few months to keep things running smoothly.

Clear Debris from Tracks

While your lubricating your garage door rollers and tracks, this is also a good time to clear out any loose debris from the tracks themselves. This will help the rollers move more smoothly along the tracks and help protect against issues with garage door balancing. Plus, it only takes a few moments of your time.

By following these preventative maintenance tips, you can avoid costly repairs and potentially extend the life of your garage door opener in the process. For more information, talk to a professional like Kaufman Overhead Door.