How to Get Your Car Out If Your Garage Door Won’t Open

It’s early morning, and you’re rushing to leave the house. You press the remote for your garage door—but nothing happens. You try again, and still, your garage door wont open. Your car is stuck inside, and the clock is ticking. This frustrating situation is more common than you might think, especially during seasonal changes or after power outages.

A stuck garage door can disrupt your entire day. But don’t worry—there are safe, effective ways to get your car out and fix the issue. This guide will walk you through the most common garage door problems, explain how to open the door manually, and provide smart maintenance tips to prevent future issues.

Let’s take a closer look at why your garage door might be acting up and how to get back on the road quickly and safely.

Why Your Garage Door Wont Open

Garage doors are complex machines with many moving parts. When something goes wrong, figuring out the cause can help you solve the problem faster.

1. Power Outages

Garage doors rely on electric motors. If your home has lost power due to bad weather or electrical issues, your opener won’t work.

Check your lights and outlets. If nothing works, the power might be out in your area. If you’re in a rush, the good news is that you can still open the door manually. We’ll cover how later in this guide.

In some cases, the power source to your garage opener might be disconnected. Check the plug to ensure it’s fully inserted and hasn’t been knocked loose.

2. Dead Remote Batteries

A dead remote is one of the easiest issues to fix—but also one of the most overlooked. If the wall button works but the remote doesn’t, your batteries may be dead.

• Replace the batteries and try again. Keep spares on hand in a drawer or glove box.
• Try pressing the remote close to the opener. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to reprogram it.

Sometimes, interference from other wireless devices or thick walls can block the signal. Stand closer and remove any nearby electronics that could be interfering.

3. Faulty Safety Sensors

Modern garage doors have safety sensors near the bottom of the frame. If these are dirty or blocked, they won’t let the door open or close.

• Clean the sensors gently using a soft, dry cloth.
• Make sure nothing is in the way—like bikes, garbage bins, or boxes.

Sensors must face each other properly. If one is out of alignment, the door may not respond. Gently adjust the angle and check for a solid light signal on both units.

4. Broken Springs or Cables

Springs and cables support the heavy weight of your garage door. If a spring breaks, the opener can’t lift the door—even with power.

• Warning signs: loud bang, door hanging unevenly, or a visible gap in the spring.
• Do not try to fix this yourself. Broken springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury.
• Call a professional immediately. Garage door repair requires special tools and training. For safety’s sake, leave this job to the experts.

5. Frozen or Rusted Parts

In Canada’s cold winters, stuck garage doors are often caused by ice forming along the bottom or in the tracks. Humidity and road salt can also rust the metal parts.

• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Avoid oil- or grease-based products—they attract dirt and clog parts.
• In severe cases, use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt ice near the floor.
• Never kick or force the door—it can damage the panels and make the situation worse.

How to Open a Stuck Garage Door Manually

If your garage door is stuck and you need your car immediately, you can manually open it—if it’s safe to do so.

Step 1: Make Sure the Door Is Safe to Move

Before anything else, inspect the door carefully. Is it crooked? Is one side hanging lower than the other?

• If the door looks unstable, do not try to open it manually. This could cause it to fall and cause injury or damage.
• If the door is closed and level, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Locate the Emergency Release Cord

The emergency release is a red cord that hangs from the door opener rail. It connects the door to the automatic opener system.

• Pull the cord down and back—this disengages the door from the opener.
• You’ll now be able to lift the door by hand.

Step 3: Lift the Door Slowly and Evenly

Use both hands to lift the door from the bottom. Use your legs for support and keep your back straight.

• If the door doesn’t move, don’t force it. A stuck spring or damaged track may be the problem.
• Ask for help if the door is too heavy—some doors weigh over 100 kg.

Step 4: Move Your Car Out

Once the door is fully open, slowly drive your car out. Be careful not to hit the track or any part of the frame.

Step 5: Lower the Door Gently

• Hold the door firmly as you lower it back into place. Do not let it slam shut.
• Once you’re ready to reconnect the door to the opener, pull the red cord again, this time toward the opener. You should hear it click back into place.

What to Do If the Door Still Won’t Budge

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the garage door remains jammed. If you’ve tried the above steps and nothing works, it’s time to bring in the experts.

Signs You Need Professional Help

• You hear grinding, screeching, or banging sounds.
• The door moves unevenly or shakes.
• You see broken cables, springs, or bent tracks.
• The door is stuck partway open or closed.

Trying to force the door can lead to expensive damage—or worse, personal injury. A qualified technician will have the tools and experience to fix the issue safely.

What to Do While Waiting for Help

Can’t open your garage and need to get to work? There are other options:

• Ride-sharing apps: Use Uber or Lyft to get to work on time.
• Public transit: Buses or trains are a reliable backup.
• Carpool with a neighbour: Ask someone nearby for a quick lift.
• Let your workplace know: Most employers understand mechanical delays.

Being prepared with a backup plan can help reduce stress during a garage emergency.

Easy Garage Maintenance Hacks

Routine care helps prevent garage door problems before they start. Here are some easy ways to keep everything in good shape:

1. Lubricate Moving Parts Monthly

• Use a silicone spray on springs, rollers, tracks, and hinges.
• Avoid WD-40—it’s a cleaner, not a lubricant.

2. Wipe Down Safety Sensors

• Clean the lenses every two weeks.
• Align the sensors so their lights are solid.

3. Tighten Bolts and Screws

• Vibrations from the opener can loosen hardware.
• Use a socket wrench to tighten rollers, brackets, and hinges.

4. Test the Door Balance

• Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway.
• If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls, call a technician.

5. Check Weather Stripping

• Look for cracks or peeling at the bottom of the door.
• Replace if needed to block drafts and pests.

These garage maintenance hacks only take a few minutes but can save you hundreds in future repairs.

How Weather Affects Your Garage Door

Canadian weather can make your garage door act up in surprising ways.

Winter

• Cold stiffens metal springs and can freeze the door to the ground.
• Keep the bottom clear of snow and ice.
• Use de-icer spray on the base if needed.

Summer

• Heat expands metal and softens rubber parts.
• Keep your garage well-ventilated to reduce wear.

Rainy Seasons

• Moisture causes rust and can affect wooden doors.
• Check for water damage and repaint or reseal as needed.

Seasonal changes are a top reason for stuck garage door complaints. Being proactive makes all the difference.

When to Call Doorcare

When your garage door won’t open and you’re out of ideas, Doorcare is your trusted partner for fast and friendly service.

Why Choose Doorcare?

• Same-day emergency appointments
• Experienced, licensed technicians
• Honest quotes with no hidden fees
• Maintenance plans to keep your door working year-round
• They’ll inspect, repair, and restore your garage door quickly so you can get back to your daily routine.

Final Thoughts

A garage door that won’t open isn’t just annoying—it can stop your whole day. Luckily, with a few basic steps, you can often get your car out and back on the road. For more serious issues, it’s always best to call a professional.

Preventing problems starts with smart habits. Clean your sensors. Lubricate moving parts. Check your system monthly. These small actions can save you from bigger troubles down the line.

And remember—when your garage door is stuck, Doorcare is just a call away.

Don’t let a garage door that won’t open trap your car or your day. Contact Doorcare now for expert help, same-day service, and friendly advice. Book your repair or maintenance visit today—and keep your garage door running smoothly, no matter the season!