How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Most garage door springs last about 7 to 12 years, because standard springs are typically rated for around 10,000 open-and-close cycles. Heavy daily use and cold Illinois winters can cut that lifespan in half, so how often you use the door matters most.
What a “cycle” means and why it matters
One full open-and-close is a single cycle. A standard spring rated for about 10,000 cycles will last roughly seven years for a family that uses the door four times a day — but far less for a busy household that opens it a dozen times daily. If you use your garage as the main entrance, ask about high-cycle springs rated for 20,000 cycles or more.
What shortens spring life
- Frequent daily use (more cycles used up per year)
- Cold weather, which makes steel brittle
- Rust and moisture on unlubricated springs
- An unbalanced door forcing the springs to overwork
- Skipping regular maintenance
How to get more life from your springs
A yearly tune-up keeps the door balanced so the springs are not overworked, and light lubrication a few times a year reduces friction and rust. Leave any spring adjustment or replacement to a technician — springs are under extreme tension and are not a safe DIY task.
Foremost is a family-owned garage door company serving Orland Park and the Southland since 1941. Need spring replacement? Call (708) 708-9525 — same-day, 7 days a week, 7 AM to 9 PM. Learn more about our spring replacement or our garage door service in Orland Park.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make my garage door springs last longer?
Yes — annual tune-ups, keeping the door balanced, and light lubrication all extend spring life. High-cycle springs are also available if you use the door heavily.
Do both springs need replacing at the same time?
If your door has two springs installed together, replacing both at once is usually smart since they wear at the same rate and it avoids a second service call.
Is a broken spring an emergency?
Treat it as urgent. The door is unsafe to operate with a broken spring and can fall, so stop using it and call for a same-day replacement.
Written by Adam Wright, co-owner of Foremost Garage Door Repair in Mokena, IL. Published September 26, 2026.