Quick Answer:
Yes, you can perform some minor garage door repairs yourself, such as lubricating moving parts, adjusting the sensors, or replacing remote batteries. However, more complex issues like broken springs, snapped cables, motor failures, or track misalignment should always be handled by a professional. Attempting DIY repairs on high-tension components can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your garage door.
At LG Garage Door Repairs, we provide safe and efficient garage door repairs to ensure your system operates smoothly and securely. If you’re unsure whether to fix an issue yourself or call a technician, this guide will help you decide.
What Garage Door Repairs Can You Safely Do Yourself?
Not all garage door problems require professional service. If the issue is simple and doesn’t involve high-tension components, you may be able to fix it yourself.
1. Lubricating the Garage Door’s Moving Parts
Over time, garage door components like rollers, hinges, and tracks can become noisy and stiff due to friction and dirt buildup. If your garage door is squeaking or moving roughly, applying a silicone-based lubricant can help keep things running smoothly.
✔️ How to Fix It:
- Use a garage door lubricant (avoid WD-40, as it attracts dust).
- Apply the lubricant to rollers, hinges, and tracks to reduce friction.
- Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
2. Adjusting or Cleaning Safety Sensors
If your garage door won’t close properly, the safety sensors might be dirty or misaligned. These sensors prevent the door from closing if an object is detected in its path, but dirt or misalignment can trigger false detections.
✔️ How to Fix It:
- Check the sensor lights—if they are blinking, the alignment is off.
- Gently clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust.
- Adjust the sensors so they face each other directly. The lights should turn solid when aligned properly.
3. Replacing Garage Door Remote Batteries
If your garage door remote is unresponsive, the batteries may be dead. This is an easy fix that doesn’t require professional help.
✔️ How to Fix It:
- Replace the batteries in your remote control.
- If that doesn’t work, try reprogramming the remote following your garage door opener’s manual.
- If the remote still doesn’t work, the problem may be with the garage door opener’s receiver and may require professional repair.
4. Tightening Loose Hardware
Your garage door moves up and down hundreds of times a year, which can cause screws and bolts to loosen over time. If your door rattles or shakes, some parts may need tightening.
✔️ How to Fix It:
- Use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten any loose bolts on the tracks, hinges, and brackets.
- Avoid overtightening, as this can strip the screws or misalign parts.
When Should You Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair?
While minor maintenance tasks can be done safely at home, some repairs require professional expertise. If your garage door has high-tension components, electrical systems, or heavy mechanical parts, attempting DIY repairs could cause serious injury or damage.
1. Broken Garage Door Springs
One of the most dangerous DIY repairs is attempting to replace garage door springs. These springs hold the full weight of the garage door, and if they snap, they can cause severe injuries or property damage.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t DIY This:
- Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can snap unexpectedly.
- Incorrect installation can cause door imbalance and system failure.
- Special tools and training are needed to replace them safely and correctly.
✔️ Best Solution: Call LG Garage Door Repairs for professional spring replacement to ensure your garage door operates safely.
2. Snapped Garage Door Cables
Cables work alongside the springs to lift and lower the door safely. If a cable snaps, the door may become unbalanced, making it difficult or dangerous to operate.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t DIY This:
- Garage door cables are tightly wound and can recoil with force if mishandled.
- An improperly installed cable can cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly.
- Special tensioning equipment is required to ensure proper balance and safety.
✔️ Best Solution: Call LG Garage Door Repairs for expert cable replacement and rebalancing.
3. Bent or Misaligned Garage Door Tracks
If your garage door comes off its tracks or moves unevenly, the tracks may be bent, loose, or out of alignment.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t DIY This:
- Tracks must be perfectly aligned for smooth operation.
- A bent track can cause the door to jam or derail, leading to further damage.
- Trying to bend or adjust tracks without the right tools can make the problem worse.
✔️ Best Solution: LG Garage Door Repairs can realign or replace damaged tracks for smooth, reliable operation.
4. Garage Door Opener Malfunctions
If your garage door opener makes a clicking sound but doesn’t lift the door, or if the motor hums but nothing happens, the gears or circuit board may be faulty.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t DIY This:
- Modern openers have electronic components that require proper diagnosis.
- A failed motor or circuit board needs specialized repair or replacement.
- DIY mistakes can lead to electrical hazards or damage to the opener unit.
✔️ Best Solution: LG Garage Door Repairs offers garage door opener repair and replacement services.
DIY vs. Professional Repair: Which One Is Right for You?
Garage Door Issue | DIY Fix? | Call a Professional? |
Lubricating hinges, rollers, and tracks | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Adjusting or cleaning safety sensors | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Replacing remote control batteries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Tightening loose bolts or screws | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Fixing a garage door that won’t close | ⚠️ Maybe (if sensor issue) | ✅ Yes (if mechanical issue) |
Replacing broken garage door springs | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Fixing snapped garage door cables | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Repairing misaligned or bent tracks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Garage door opener not working | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Door making loud noises | ⚠️ Maybe (if lubrication issue) | ✅ Yes (if spring or track issue) |
If your repair involves springs, cables, heavy components, or electrical systems, it’s best to call a professional.
Final Thoughts: Should You Repair Your Garage Door Yourself?
You can handle basic maintenance and minor adjustments on your garage door, such as lubricating parts, cleaning sensors, and tightening loose hardware. However, complex repairs involving springs, cables, tracks, or openers should always be handled by a professional.
📞 Need expert garage door repair? LG Garage Door Repairs offers same-day service for all garage door issues. Call us now for safe, professional repairs!