How Often Should You Replace Garage Door Springs?

Garage door springs do the heavy lifting every time you open or close your garage. But just like any other mechanical part, they wear out over time—and when they fail, they fail hard.

If you’re in Lincoln, NE and wondering how long garage door springs last—or whether it’s time for a replacement—this guide breaks down the average lifespan, signs of wear, and why replacing them on time can save you money and keep your family safe.

The Average Lifespan of Garage Door Springs

Most garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which means about 7–10 years of typical use for a residential home. A “cycle” is one open and one close. If you open your garage door 3–4 times per day (which is pretty average), your springs may wear out faster than you think.

There are also high-cycle springs rated for 20,000+ cycles, which may be worth the upgrade if your garage sees frequent use or you have multiple drivers in the home.

How to Know When Your Springs Need Replacement

Springs often don’t give you much warning before they snap—but there are a few telltale signs that yours are nearing the end of their life:

• Your garage door feels heavier than usual
• The door slams shut instead of lowering smoothly
• The opener struggles or strains during operation
• You hear a loud bang in the garage (a snapped spring)
• The door only opens a few inches and stops

👉 Learn more about high-risk issues in: Garage Door Repairs That Can’t Wait: Safety Comes First

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Spring Replacement

When a garage door spring fails:

• Your opener may burn out trying to lift the full weight of the door
• Your door may fall suddenly, damaging property or causing injury
• You risk being stuck in or out of your garage until a technician can arrive

Spring failure is one of the most common emergency garage door issues, and it’s often avoidable with timely replacement.

👉 Related post: The Hidden Costs of Delaying Garage Door Service

Torsion vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?

• Torsion springs are mounted above the door and offer smoother, more controlled lifting. They’re longer-lasting and safer in the event of failure.
• Extension springs run along the sides of the door. They’re more affordable, but they stretch under tension and can snap more violently if they break.

Most modern doors in Lincoln now use torsion springs for better performance and safety.

Can You Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself?

It’s not recommended. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and improper installation can lead to serious injury or damage. Always hire a licensed garage door technician with the right tools and safety protocols.

👉 Before calling a pro, check this out: How to Test the Balance of Your Garage Door

Is It Time to Replace Yours? Let’s Take a Look.

If your garage door feels heavy, moves unevenly, or just doesn’t feel “right,” your springs may be reaching the end of their life.

At Next Day Garage Doors, we offer:

• Same-day spring replacement
• High-cycle spring upgrades
• Full safety inspections with every repair
• Honest, upfront pricing and expert service in Lincoln, NE

👉 Book your garage door spring inspection and get it done before you’re stuck in an emergency.

‍