Video tutorial: How to program a garage door opener

Garage door openers: Don’t leave home without one. Unless, of course, you don’t have a garage. These remotes can be used again and again and reprogrammed as often as you need. You can also buy brand-new ones to replace lost ones, give them to others in your household or share them with family members or friends for temporary use.

A quick trip to the hardware store or a visit to your online retailer can help you find a universal remote at an affordable price. Once you have one, you just need a couple of minutes to program it and it’s ready to go.

Watch this video for tips on programming your garage door opener.

How to program a garage door opener

To program a garage door opener: 

1. Press and hold the program set button on the motor in your garage. 
2. Once the light changes, press the button on the new remote. 
3. Test it out. 

This process should be fairly similar, regardless of the make and model of the garage door opener or motor. This method also works when programming the garage door openers built into your vehicle. 

If you run into trouble, consult the remote’s instructions or find a tutorial for the model online. 

Tips for parking

Parking in a garage can be tricky, especially if it’s a tight squeeze. But there are some easy ways to help you park perfectly every time. 

• Tennis ball

Hang a ball on a string to help you park precisely. You can buy a parking ball or make your own using a spare tennis ball around the house. This solution works by using the marker as a guide — when your car touches it, you know you’re in the right spot. 

Watch this video for easy parking solutions that work in any garage. 

To use the ball-on-a-string method:

1. Start by parking your car exactly where you want it in the garage. 
2. Position the ball where it makes sense for you and your vehicle. Whether you place it so it touches the hood of your car or the windshield, the important thing is that it’s somewhere you can easily spot from behind the wheel.
3. Check that the string is straight and mark the spot on the ceiling. 
4. Install a lightweight screw with a hook into your ceiling. 
5. Secure the string to the hook. 
6. This method also works if you prefer to back into your parking space. 

• Laser parking assistant.

A laser parking assist can be especially useful if you’re parking two cars, and they come in both plug-in and battery-powered versions.

You can easily install one on your garage ceiling with an adhesive strip, though you can also secure it with screws for extra stability. Once it’s installed, pull your vehicle into the garage and adjust the laser so it hits a spot on your dashboard that indicates you’re in the right position.

• Parking blocks.

You know those concrete blocks that sit at the head of a parking spot? There are smaller, lighter versions you can use in your garage, too. They come in different sizes and styles, including miniature ones designed to sit in front of your tires. 

To install parking blocks: 

1. Park your vehicle where you want it. 
2. Use painter's tape to mark the spot in front of the tires where you plan to place the parking block. 
3. Move your car for an easier install. 
4. Sweep and clean the area where the blocks will be installed.
5. Line up the blocks with the tape and press down to secure them. Many parking blocks come with adhesive backing, but if yours don’t, you can find suitable adhesive at the hardware store.