In addition to convenience, an automatic garage door opener provides safety and security. A driver no longer is vulnerable to attack by a stranger hiding in the bushes. An automatic opener allows the driver to remain in the car until it is safely in the garage and the door fully closed. What's more, most openers have an automatic light that will illuminate an otherwise dangerous path from the vehicle to the home. This can be a bonus when one is saddled with an armful of groceries.

All mechanical components in the home require periodic maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation, and the automatic opener is no exception. In fact, because the garage door is often the heaviest and largest piece of moving equipment in a home, frequent testing and maintenance is especially important.

One of the best resources for garage door maintenance is the owner's manual. Lubrication requirements and adjustment details are typically found in it. Unfortunately, for many, the owner's manual for the automatic opener is like the marriage license. You know that you have it, you just don't know where it is. Fortunately, if the brand and model can be identified, a copy can be requested from most manufacturers.

A visual inspection of the garage door springs, cables, rollers and other door hardware is a great place to begin. Look for signs of wear and frayed or broken parts. Most minor repairs such as roller replacement can be performed by a handy homeowner, while more complicated tasks should be handled by a qualified technician. The springs and related hardware are under high tension and can cause severe injury when handled improperly.

Rollers and hinges require periodic lubrication. Use a spray silicone or lightweight household oil according to the instructions in your owner manual.

Periodically test the balance of the door. Start with the door closed. Disconnect the automatic opener release mechanism so the door can be operated by hand. The door should lift smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open about 3 to 4 feet above the floor. If it doesn't, it is out of balance and should be adjusted by a professional.

In addition to extending its life, monthly inspection and testing of the automatic opener can prevent serious injuries and property damage. Careless operation and allowing children to play with garage door opener controls are dangerous situations that can lead to tragic results. A few simple precautions can protect your family and friends from potential harm.

Never stand or walk under a moving door. Don't let children play "beat the door." Keep transmitters and remote controls out of reach of children. Teach children that they are not toys. The pushbutton wall control should be out of reach of children at least 5 feet from the floor and away from all moving parts. The button always should be mounted where one can clearly see the door in full operation.

All garage door openers manufactured today must have, by law, a safety reverse system that automatically opens the door if it meets an obstruction while closing. If you have an older door that does not have this safety feature, consider replacing it with a newer, safer model.

Test the force setting of the opener by holding up the bottom of the door as it closes. If the door does not reverse readily, the force is excessive and needs adjusting. The owner's manual will explain how to adjust the force sensitivity.

To avoid entrapment, perform the 1-inch reversing test after any repairs or adjustments are made to the garage door or opener. To do this simply place a 2-by-4 block of wood flat on the floor in the door's path before activating the door. If the door fails to immediately stop and reverse when it strikes the wood, disconnect the opener and use the door manually until the system can be repaired or replaced.

For more information on garage door safety and maintenance call Stanley Door Systems 24-hour Consumer Hotline at 1-800-521-5262 or write the Consumer Products Safety Commission for their free Garage Door Safety & Maintenance Guide. Their address is Washington, D.C. 20207