How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last? (And When to Replace Them)

Most garage door springs last 7–12 years. Here's how to tell when yours are failing, what replacement costs, and why this is one repair you should never attempt yourself.

Garage door springs are the hardest-working component of your entire door system. Every time your door opens or closes, the springs absorb and release hundreds of pounds of tension. That constant stress means they don't last forever — and when they break, your door isn't going anywhere. Here's everything you need to know about spring lifespan, warning signs, and replacement.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Actually Last?

Spring lifespan is measured in cycles, where one cycle = one open + one close. Standard springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. If you use your garage door 4 times a day (typical for most families), that's about 1,460 cycles per year — meaning standard springs last roughly 6–7 years. High-cycle springs (25,000–50,000 cycles) are available and can last 17–34 years at the same usage rate. They cost $30–$60 more per spring but are almost always worth it.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs: Which Lasts Longer?

• Torsion springs (mounted above the door): More durable, last longer, safer when they break. Used on most modern doors.
• Extension springs (mounted on the sides): Older design, more common on lighter doors, shorter lifespan. Should have safety cables installed.
• Torsion springs typically outlast extension springs by 2–3 years at the same cycle rating.

7 Warning Signs Your Springs Are Failing

• The door is heavy and hard to lift manually (springs counterbalance the weight)
• The door opens 6 inches then stops (opener safety feature triggered by spring failure)
• You hear a loud bang from the garage — a spring snapping sounds like a gunshot
• Visible gap in the spring coil (a broken torsion spring will have a 2–3 inch gap)
• The door is uneven — one side higher than the other
• The door moves slower than usual or jerks during operation
• Visible rust, corrosion, or stretched coils

How Much Does Spring Replacement Cost?

In the Twin Cities area, torsion spring replacement typically costs $150–$250 for a standard spring, including parts and labor. Extension spring replacement runs $100–$175 per pair. We always recommend replacing both springs at the same time — if one breaks, the other is usually close behind, and you'll save on a second service call.

Can You Extend Spring Life?

• Lubricate springs every 6 months with white lithium grease (not WD-40)
• Keep the garage at a stable temperature — extreme cold makes metal brittle
• Don't manually open/close the door more than necessary
• Have a technician inspect springs annually as part of a tune-up
• Upgrade to high-cycle springs at next replacement