5 Ways to Prevent Your Garage Door Spring from Breaking
Your garage door spring is one of the hardest-working parts of your entire system—lifting and lowering hundreds of pounds every time you open or close the door. But when it breaks? Everything grinds to a halt. Whether you’re dealing with broken garage door springs or hoping to avoid a surprise garage spring replacement, these five preventative tips can help extend the life of your system.
1. Keep Springs Lubricated
Why it matters: Without proper lubrication, your springs experience unnecessary friction, which increases wear and leads to premature failure.
What to do:
- Apply a silicone-based spray or lithium grease to the springs every 3–4 months.
- Avoid WD-40—it cleans but doesn’t lubricate.
- Wipe off excess to avoid attracting dust.
Pro tip: If your door starts squeaking or sounding rough during movement, it’s time to reapply.
2. Limit Unnecessary Use
Why it matters: Garage door springs are rated in cycles (one cycle = open + close). The more you use the door, the faster you burn through its lifespan.
What to do:
- Avoid using the garage door like a front door.
- Encourage household members to enter through other doors when possible.
- Consider upgrading to high-cycle springs if usage is high.
Pro tip: A standard spring lasts about 10,000 cycles. High-cycle options can last 20,000+ with proper care.
3. Schedule Annual Tune-Ups
Why it matters: Most homeowners don’t notice issues with spring tension or alignment until the garage door spring breaks. An annual garage door inspection and tune-up can catch problems early.
What to do:
- Have a garage door professional inspect spring tension and balance.
- Ask for a safety check on cables, rollers, and tracks.
- Replace springs proactively if they’re nearing the end of their life.
Pro tip: Many garage door service companies offer maintenance plans that include spring inspection.
4. Test Door Balance Regularly
Why it matters: If your garage door is unbalanced, the spring will work harder on one side and wear unevenly—leading to a quicker break.
What to do:
- Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually halfway.
- If it stays put, it’s balanced. If it falls or shoots up, it needs adjustment.
- Never adjust spring tension yourself—call a pro.
Pro tip: Testing balance takes less than 5 minutes and can reveal hidden strain on your system.
5. Replace Both Springs at the Same Time
Why it matters: If one spring breaks, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing just one causes imbalance and uneven wear, making the second fail sooner.
What to do:
- Always replace both springs in a two-spring system.
- Use matching springs in size, strength, and cycle rating.
- Ask your technician about upgrading to longer-lasting models.
Pro tip: Replacing both springs together often saves money on labor and prevents mid-year breakdowns.
Be Proactive to Stay Protected
When your garage door spring broke, it’s not just a hassle—it’s a safety issue. By investing in simple maintenance and smart habits, you can extend the life of your springs and avoid unexpected failures.
If your garage door feels off, starts making noise, or moves unevenly, don’t wait. Preventive action now can save you hundreds on garage spring replacement later—and keep your door running smoothly every time you need it.
