Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. Every time your garage door opens or closes, these springs take on the load, helping to counterbalance the door’s weight and ensure smooth, controlled movement. But despite their importance, they’re often overlooked—until they fail.
Like any mechanical component, garage door springs wear out over time. Without regular maintenance, they can snap, stretch, or become misaligned, leading to costly repairs and safety hazards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five essential tips for maintaining garage door springs to help you keep your door operating safely and efficiently.
1. 🧽 Keep Garage Door Springs Clean and Free of Obstructions
One of the simplest ways to extend the life of your garage door springs is to keep them clean. Dust, dirt, and cobwebs can build up around the spring system, especially if your garage is not climate-controlled.
Cleaning the springs:
- Helps you spot early signs of wear
- Prevents rust and corrosion buildup
- Reduces friction and stress on moving parts
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away dust and dirt. Avoid using water directly on the springs, as it may accelerate rusting—especially in humid environments.
2. 🛢 Lubricate Garage Door Springs Regularly
Friction is the enemy of garage door springs. To keep them moving smoothly and quietly, lubricate them every 3 to 6 months using a silicone-based or lithium-based spray lubricant designed for garage doors.
How to lubricate:
- Spray the entire length of the spring coil
- Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant
- Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and dust
Do not use household oils like WD-40, as they can strip away existing lubrication and dry out the metal.
3. 🔍 Inspect Garage Door Springs for Wear or Damage
Regular inspections help catch small issues before they turn into serious problems. Visually inspect your garage door springs every few months—or at least once a year.
Look for:
- Gaps or stretching in the coils
- Uneven wear or corrosion
- Loud squeaking or grinding noises
- A sagging or unbalanced door
If the door feels heavy when you manually lift it, the springs may be losing tension or starting to fail.
4. ⚙️ Adjust Garage Door Spring Tension Safely
When garage door springs are too loose or too tight, they throw off the door’s balance. This can lead to uneven opening, sudden slamming shut, or even a stuck door. While some homeowners may attempt spring adjustments themselves, we strongly advise against it—especially for torsion springs, which are wound under extreme pressure.
Instead, call a professional technician to:
- Test the door’s balance and force
- Adjust the spring tension safely and accurately
- Replace springs if necessary
This ensures safety and avoids accidental injury from DIY attempts.
5. 🔁 Replace Worn or Damaged Garage Door Springs Promptly
Eventually, even well-maintained garage door springs will wear out. Most springs last about 7 to 10 years with regular use. If your spring is broken, overstretched, or damaged, don’t delay—replace it immediately.
Why prompt replacement matters:
- Prevents sudden failure that can damage your door or opener
- Maintains proper door alignment and balance
- Keeps your garage secure and functional
Always replace both springs (if your system uses a pair) to maintain symmetry and avoid uneven wear.
🛠 Why Garage Door Spring Maintenance Is Important
Maintaining garage door springs is critical to keeping your garage door safe, quiet, and functional. Neglecting these components can lead to:
- Costly emergency repairs
- Dangerous accidents due to sudden failure
- Uneven wear on other door parts like rollers and openers
With proper care, your springs will last longer, perform better, and save you money over time.
📅 How Often Should You Maintain Garage Door Springs?
Most experts recommend professional garage door spring inspections once a year. However, if you live in a high-humidity or coastal area, you may need biannual checkups to prevent rust and corrosion.
Also, increase inspection frequency if:
- Your garage door is used multiple times a day
- You hear new noises or experience slower operation
- The door feels heavy or moves unevenly
✅ Final Thoughts
Garage door springs are vital components that require regular maintenance to operate safely. With just a few simple steps—cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, tension adjustments, and timely replacements—you can extend their lifespan and avoid frustrating breakdowns.
Don’t wait for your springs to snap unexpectedly. Stay proactive and keep your garage door running smoothly with these essential maintenance tips.
Stay Connected with Just Garage Door Houston
Looking for expert help with garage door springs or other garage door issues? Stay in touch with us across our platforms for tutorials, quick fixes, reviews, and easy booking.
🔗 Social & Video
- 🛠️ Tumblr: justopenerhouston on Tumblr
- 🧰 X (formerly Twitter): @justgaragedoor0
- 🎥 YouTube Channel: @justgaragedoorhouston
📝 Business Listings & Profiles
- ⭐ Yelp Reviews & Info: Just Garage Door on Yelp
- 🌐 Google Business Page: Google Sites – Just Garage Door
