Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home—and one of the most frequently used. Whether you’re heading to work, welcoming guests, or letting the kids run outside to play, your garage door operates multiple times a day. But have you ever stopped to check if it’s actually safe?
The safety reverse feature is one of the most important built-in protections your garage door system offers. It’s designed to stop and reverse the door if something is in its path—like a child, pet, or object. This feature has been required on all automatic garage door openers manufactured after 1993, and for good reason: it saves lives.
Why It’s Important to Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Over time, garage door systems experience wear and tear. Sensors can shift, wiring can loosen, and motors can fail. If your safety reverse system isn’t working properly, your garage door could cause serious injury or damage. That’s why safety experts recommend testing this feature at least once a month. It’s a quick task that gives you peace of mind.
How to Test the Safety Reverse Feature: A Simple Walkthrough
1. Start with a Visual Inspection
Take a quick look at your system before testing. Make sure the photo-eye sensors on each side of the garage door are clean and aligned. Remove any clutter or debris around the base of the door.
2. The Object Test (Mechanical Reversal)
Place a solid object—like a piece of wood (2×4) or a roll of paper towels—on the ground directly in the path of the closing door. Use your wall button or remote to close the door. The door should come down, lightly touch the object, and immediately reverse direction.
If it doesn’t, stop the door immediately and call a professional for repairs.
3. The Sensor Test (Photo-Eye Reversal)
While the door is closing, wave a broomstick or your foot in front of the sensor beams, a few inches above the ground. If the door doesn’t reverse or stop, your sensors may be misaligned, dirty, or faulty.
What to Do If the Test Fails
If your garage door doesn’t pass either test, don’t try to fix it yourself—garage door systems can be dangerous when handled improperly. Instead, call the experts at Right Way Garage Doors. Our licensed technicians can quickly diagnose and repair any issues with your door’s safety systems and ensure everything is working exactly as it should.
Keep Your Family Safe—Test Regularly
A quick monthly check can prevent serious accidents and give you confidence that your garage door is operating safely. As your trusted garage door experts, Right Way Garage Doors is always here to help with maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
Need a professional safety inspection or smart opener upgrade?
Contact us today to schedule service and keep your home safe from the ground up.
