(BPT) - When was the last time you gave your garage door some TLC? Garage doors can weigh over 400 pounds, depending on the material, thickness, door size, and added windows, so keeping yours well-maintained is key to keeping yourself safe and ensuring it works properly.

May is Garage Safety Month, the ideal time to care for your garage door to prolong its life span, improve functionality, and prevent accidents. Don't know where to start? Precision Garage Door Service^®, a Neighborly^® company, shares six expert tips to help you keep your garage door in working order and improve your safety.

1. Declutter and organize

Before you can work on your garage door, you'll need to declutter and organize your garage. Doing so will give you a clearer view of the door, and in the end, you'll have a clean garage!

Take stock of the outdoor power equipment, tools, bikes, boxes, and other items you may have stored in your garage. Determine what you can keep, toss, or donate.

Once you've downsized and decluttered, organize your remaining tools and equipment. Your goal should be to ensure easy access while minimizing tripping hazards.

2. Inspect the garage door

Next, inspect your garage door. Precision Garage Door Service^® recommends performing an annual inspection. It's the best way to reduce the cost of unnecessary repairs to your garage door system.

During your inspection, pay close attention to the auto-reverse mechanism, springs and cables. Listen for unusual noises and vibrations, look for slow or uneven movements and sagging sections and take note of remote-control malfunctions. These are possible indicators of potential problems and may require professional services by a reputable garage door professional.

3. Lubricate your door

Lubrication is key to smooth garage door operation. This May, make sure to lubricate your door's moving parts with either a spray lubricant or spray grease product. Do not use a penetrating fluid, a primary use of water displacement. This can cause long-term damage to garage door parts. Precision Garage Door Service recommends using a silicone-based lubricant.

What parts should you lubricate? According to Precision Garage Door^® Service^®, pay attention to the hinges, rollers, spring and bearing plates, lock, and top of the rail and armbar.

As you lubricate your door, you may notice that the counterbalance springs need adjustment. While there are a few garage door maintenance tasks you can do on your own, this one is best left to the professionals due to the risk of injury.

4. Upgrade to a smart garage door opener

If you haven't already, consider upgrading your garage door with a smart opener. Smart garage door openers offer enhanced security and convenience, allowing you to ditch your regular garage door remote.

Instead, you'll be able to use your smartphone to operate your garage door. This means that you'll never have to worry about losing your remote. Also, a smart garage door opener means you can securely receive packages in your garage and allow friends and family to safely enter the garage, whether or not you're home.

5. Schedule a repair or replacement

If your garage door is damaged, don't take a chance. Contact a professional to repair or replace it. Find your local Precision Garage Door Service^® location and schedule an on-site visit. During the visit, a skilled service professional will examine your garage door and provide options that best meet your needs.

This May, check another home improvement task off your list and give yourself peace of mind. To learn more about garage door safety tips and how to care for your door, visit PrecisionDoor.net/GarageDoorSafetyMonth.