By Rightly Garage Doors – Salida, CO
When your garage door works smoothly, you hardly notice it. It opens with a steady hum, closes securely, and protects your home day and night. But when something goes wrong—especially with your garage door springs—you notice immediately. A loud snap, a crooked door, or one that refuses to budge can quickly turn convenience into frustration.
At Rightly Garage Doors, we understand that your garage door is more than just an entryway—it’s an essential part of your home’s safety and daily routine. The springs that lift and lower your door work hard every single day, enduring thousands of cycles each year. Without proper care, they can wear out, rust, or break unexpectedly. The good news? With a little attention and maintenance, you can keep your springs working reliably all year long.
Let’s walk through the steps to protect and extend the life of your garage door springs—so you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly.
Know What Your Garage Door Springs Do (and Why They Matter)
Garage door springs are the muscle behind your door’s motion. They counterbalance the heavy weight of the door, allowing it to open easily, whether you’re using an automatic opener or lifting it by hand.
There are two main types of springs:
- Torsion Springs – Located above the garage door, they twist and store energy as the door closes, releasing it when you open the door.
- Extension Springs – Found on either side of the door, they stretch and contract to assist with movement.
These springs are under extreme tension, which is why spring maintenance isn’t a DIY task. Improper handling can cause serious injury or property damage. However, there are simple things homeowners can do to spot problems early and keep their system in great condition.
Listen and Look for Early Warning Signs
Your garage door will often tell you when something’s wrong—if you know how to listen.
According to our friends at Central Oregon Garage Door, here are a few common signs your springs might be wearing out:
- Loud Noises: A squealing, grinding, or popping sound when the door moves often means the springs are dry or strained.
- Uneven Movement: If one side of your door rises faster than the other, a spring could be out of balance.
- Slower Opening: Springs lose tension over time, so your door might start to move more sluggishly.
- Visible Gaps or Rust: A small gap in the spring coil or visible corrosion is a red flag that replacement is needed soon.
Catching these issues early can prevent a sudden break, which can be both inconvenient and dangerous.
Lubricate the Springs Every Few Months
Lubrication is one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend your springs’ lifespan. Springs that move without friction last longer, operate more quietly, and resist rust.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Disconnect the opener to ensure the door won’t move unexpectedly.
- Use a garage door-specific lubricant (never WD-40—it’s a cleaner, not a lubricant).
- Apply a small amount directly to the coils of the spring and wipe off any excess.
- Open and close the door a few times to evenly distribute the lubricant.
Doing this every three to six months—especially before winter—keeps your springs flexible and corrosion-free, even in Salida’s cold mountain climate.
Balance and Tension Checks (Leave This to the Pros)
A properly balanced garage door should stay in place when lifted halfway. If it falls quickly or rises on its own, the springs may be misaligned or under too much tension.
Adjusting spring tension is not a DIY fix—it requires special tools and expertise. Attempting to do it yourself can result in serious injury. Instead, schedule a professional inspection with Rightly Garage Doors once or twice a year. Our technicians can safely test, balance, and adjust your system so it continues working effortlessly.
Protect Your Springs from Rust and Moisture
Salida’s weather can be unpredictable—sunshine one day, snow the next. Temperature swings and humidity can cause metal parts to expand, contract, and rust over time. To protect your springs:
- Inspect regularly for rust and clean with a soft cloth if needed.
- Apply lubricant to prevent corrosion and keep metal moving smoothly.
- Keep the garage dry by checking for water leaks or poor drainage near the door.
By managing moisture, you prevent corrosion from weakening your springs and other metal components.
Replace Springs Before They Break
Most garage door springs last about 7–9 years or around 10,000 cycles (one open and close equals one cycle). If your door gets heavy daily use, its lifespan can be shorter.
When springs near the end of their life, they lose tension and can break without warning. Replacing them early prevents sudden failure—and the risk of your door becoming stuck halfway open.
A professional inspection can tell you how much life your springs have left. At Rightly Garage Doors, we can assess their condition and recommend safe replacement options that match your door’s weight, size, and usage.
Don’t Ignore Other Components
Your springs don’t work alone. The rollers, tracks, cables, and opener all play a role in smooth operation. When one part wears out, it can put added stress on the springs.
During a maintenance visit, a technician should:
- Inspect cables for fraying
- Check rollers for cracks or wear
- Tighten hardware and brackets
- Clean tracks and sensors
Regular maintenance keeps every part of your system aligned, reducing unnecessary tension on the springs and extending the lifespan of your entire garage door setup.
Schedule Seasonal Tune-Ups
Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your garage door benefits from seasonal tune-ups—especially before winter and after spring storms. These checkups ensure your door runs efficiently year-round, no matter what Salida’s weather brings.
At Rightly Garage Doors, our seasonal service includes:
- Comprehensive safety inspection
- Spring and hardware lubrication
- Balance and tension testing
- Door alignment and opener performance check
We help homeowners stay ahead of issues before they become expensive emergencies.
Keep Your Home Safe and Your Door Reliable
Your garage door springs do the heavy lifting every day—literally. With regular attention and professional maintenance, you can prevent breakdowns, reduce repair costs, and enjoy peace of mind year-round.
At Rightly Garage Doors, we’re proud to serve the Salida, CO community with dependable, expert garage door care. Whether you need spring replacement, annual maintenance, or a complete system upgrade, we’ll make sure your door operates safely and smoothly through every season.
Let’s keep your garage door working “rightly” all year long.
