How often should you test your garage door auto-reverse and safety eyes?

This task protects people, not just the house. Do it on a schedule to make sure it gets done.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The garage door is the heaviest moving object in most homes. Its auto-reverse and photo-eye sensors are what stop it from crushing a child, pet, or car; both need to be tested to confirm they still work.

1. Test the photo eyes: with the door open, start it closing and wave a broom through the beam near the floor. It should reverse.
2. Test auto-reverse on contact: lay a solid object (a roll of paper towels) flat under the door and close it. It should reverse on touching it.
3. Confirm the photo-eye lenses are clean and aligned (steady indicator lights).
4. If either test fails, stop using the opener until it's adjusted or repaired.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Doors made before 1993 may lack photo eyes entirely; that's reason enough to upgrade the opener.
• Never disable a sensor that keeps tripping; realign or clean it instead.

Time: 10 minutes · Typical cost: Free to test

If you skip it

A door with failed safety systems can close on a person, pet, or vehicle; these are the features that prevent serious injury.

Other garage door maintenance

• Lubricate garage door rollers, hinges, and springs — every 6 months

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Roof — start with: inspect roof for damage, once a year, ideally in May
• Gutters & downspouts — start with: clean gutters and downspouts, every 6 months
• Chimney / fireplace — start with: schedule chimney sweep and inspection, once a year, ideally in September
• Siding / exterior — start with: inspect siding, trim, and exterior caulk, once a year, ideally in May