How often should you replace garage door springs?

Author: Matteo Fay MD  |  Last update: Monday, October 27, 2025

The most common reason your garage door springs break is wear and tear. When properly installed, your springs can last approximately 10,000 cycles. One cycle includes both the opening and closing of the door. Technically speaking, your springs should last between 7 to 10 years.

How do I know if my garage door springs need replacing?

Signs of a faulty garage door spring include difficulty lifting the door, uneven movement, or a loud snapping noise. Avoid attempting to fix it yourself, as springs are under high tension and require professional replacement for safety.

How long should a garage door spring last?

The industry standard for a pair of torsion springs is usually 10,000 cycles, or about 6 to 10 years, depending on level of use. If they're broken, it's easy to tell simply because broken garage door springs will usually just snap in half or stop working altogether.

How much does it typically cost to replace a garage door spring?

Expect to spend $120–$350 to replace your garage door spring, including material costs and professional installation. While these heavy-duty springs are built to last, they'll eventually need replacement due to wear and tear. Garage door spring replacement isn't your average DIY project, either.

Do garage door springs need maintenance?

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your garage door springs. Here's how to maintain them and know when professional help is needed. Apply Lubrication Regularly: Lubricating your garage door springs helps reduce friction and noise.

Everything You Need to Know About Garage Door Springs

Can I use WD-40 on garage door spring?

While WD-40 has many valuable applications, it is not recommended to use it on your garage door's springs. The best way to keep your garage door springs lasting throughout the years is to lubricate them 1-2 times annually with either white lithium or silicone-based spray.

What is the life expectancy of standard manufacturer garage door springs?

Standard manufacturer garage door springs have an average lifecycle of about 10,000 cycles, equivalent to approximately 48 months when used daily. Oil-tempered garage door springs show improved endurance, lasting for about 15,000 cycles, which translates roughly to a 10-year lifespan with regular use.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Replacing a garage door spring yourself isn't impossible, but it does require special knowledge about the springs and how a garage door works.

Should you replace both garage door springs at the same time?

Replacing both springs at the same time offers a significant benefit. It reduces the risk of one spring failing shortly after the replacement, saving you from having to repeat the entire repair process.

Do garage door springs weaken over time?

While the most common reason garage doors springs break is general wear and tear, on average, garage door springs typically last between 7 to 9 years or approximately 10,000 cycles (one cycle is a full open and close of the door).

How often should I oil my garage door springs?

The tracks, rollers, hinges and springs of your garage doors face significant stress and will need the most frequent lubrication. In general, all moving parts (i.e. garage door springs, rollers, hinges etc.) will need lubrication often – every three months or possibly more with heavy use or in some climates.

What is the life expectancy of a garage door?

Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.

How do I prolong the life of my garage door spring?

How Can You Make Springs Last Longer?
  1. Keep rust and corrosion at bay. Regular lubrication plays a big role in preventing rust and corrosion, but it has to be done with the right lubricant. ...
  2. Keep your garage door properly balanced. ...
  3. Keep road salt out of your garage. ...
  4. Keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance.

How long does it take to replace a garage door spring?

Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. New garage door springs last 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles. It is important to hire a professional to help, because changing a garage door spring can be dangerous.

Is it common for garage door springs to break?

Out of all parts of your garage door, its springs experience the greatest stress and are the most prone to breaking.

How long do garage door rollers last?

You may wonder how long your rollers will last. This will depend on the type of garage door rollers you currently have. With proper maintenance, rollers can last between 10 and 20 years. Other factors will affect the longevity of your rollers as well, such as weather and frequency of use.

How to tell if garage door springs need to be replaced?

Here are five signs that a set of springs is ready to go.
  1. You Hear the Garage Door Opener Strain. ...
  2. The Door Slams Shut Without Warning. ...
  3. You Hear a Loud Popping Sound When the Door Is Closed. ...
  4. The Door Feels Heavier. ...
  5. You Can't Rest the Door in the Mid-Level Position.

How much does a garage door spring repair cost?

On average, a garage door spring repair price ranges from $150 to $350 per door, inclusive of the hardware and labor per door. However, if your damage is less severe and you will only need to lubricate the springs, the cost will lower, usually costing up to $100.

Can you manually open a garage door with a broken spring?

It is clear that opening a garage door with a broken spring, whether manually or using the opener, is dangerous and potentially damaging to the door and the opener and can incur additional costs. The safety risks involved cannot be overstated.

Do I need to replace both garage door springs if one breaks?

Make sure you always replace both springs when they snap, regardless of which side snapped first. A broken spring without a repaired or replaced second spring can be problematic – as the garage door will now be subject to extra pressure on only one side.

Are garage door springs universal?

How To Choose The Right Torsion Spring. Garage door torsion springs aren't one-size-fits-all products.

Is it safe to replace garage door springs?

Some homeowners may attempt DIY repairs on their garage doors, including repairing or replacing broken springs themselves. However, this is not recommended and can lead to more problems than solutions. Not only is it unsafe, but it can also cause more damage to your garage door system if not done properly.

What is the longest lasting garage door spring?

Standard manufacturer springs typically last around 18 months. Oil-tempered springs have a longer lifespan of about 3 years. A1 Garage Door Service MaxLife springs offer the longest durability, lasting over 22 years.

How hard is it to replace springs on a garage door?

Its a bit tricky the torsion springs are wound under considerable tension. If you slip you can have a serious gash from the tool. I always leave it to a professional since this is a once every 10–20 year repair and can be very dangerous if you don't do it just right.

Can a garage door opener last 30 years?

The average garage door opener's lifespan is between 10-15 years. An opener can last for more or less time, depending on how you take care of it. Most people use their garage doors thousands of times per year. Scheduling professional maintenance once or twice per year can help your opener keep up with daily use.

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