Garage door maintenance is often left off homeowners to-do lists. Along with maintaining the garage door track, spring repairs keep the door opening and closing smoothly. Garage door springs handle a lot of tension every time the door opens and closes. Over time, this constant stress leads to wear and tear.

Temperature changes, especially in extreme cold or heat, can also make metal brittle and more likely to snap. Rust is another factor—when springs aren't properly lubricated, moisture can cause corrosion, weakening the metal. Not to mention, the balance. If the door isn’t balanced correctly, one spring may take on more strain than the other, which leads to uneven wear and premature failure.

Why should you inspect your garage door before winter?

A garage door torsion springs are under constant stress and have to align smoothly to work. This type of spring is vulnerable to water damage, hot summers, cold winter air—and inevitably, their life span will come to and end at a most inconvenient time.

You can DIY regular maintenance tasks like installing proper insulation, lubricating moving parts (garage door rollers, hinges, extension springs), tightening loose hardware, and checking the weather stripping and rubber seals. If the door makes unusual clinking noises or needs a simple tune-up, a DIY approach works well; however, if you notice broken springs, signs of rust, or frayed cables, it's best to hire an experienced garage professional. These problems may have been caused by a larger issue like an unbalanced garage door or damage to the high-tension torsion springs, and to avoid personal injury, should really be fixed by a professional technician.

A broken garage door spring.
Preventative maintenance can help prevent spring damage. Credit: campwillowlake / Getty Images

Choosing the Proper Lubrication for Garage Door Springs

Not all lubricants work well for garage door springs—you need a garage door lubricant. The best options are a silicone spray or white lithium grease designed for garage doors. If you do reach for WD-40, make sure it's the WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease.

These products provide a smooth coating without creating a buildup of excess lubricant, even along the horizontal track. A light, even application helps reduce friction, prevents rust, and keeps the heavy-duty springs moving freely, especially in colder weather.

How to Check the Garage Torsion Springs

  • Be safe. Improper maintenance can be a serious safety hazard. Make sure your garage door is closed completely and that you've disconnected the automatic opener. When in doubt, don't DIY; contact a garage door installer or a local garage door repair company for advice.
  • Inspect the garage springs for wear. Look closely at the springs on either side of the door. Check for any visible signs of damage, like rust, gaps between the coils, or any parts that look warped. Does it look like an unwound spring? All of these are signs the springs are wearing out, and you're due for a spring replacement immediately. Because metal contracts, becoming brittle under winter's extreme temperatures, they are more likely to break during a cold snap.
  • Perform a balance test. Try opening your garage door manually. If the door feels heavy or hard to lift, the springs might be losing tension. A properly balanced door should open with relative ease. If you notice a significant struggle, it's time to consider a replacement.
  • Listen for unusual noises. When you lift the door manually, listen carefully for any creaking, popping, or grinding noises. These sounds can indicate your springs are struggling to function properly.
  • Lubricate the springs. Keeping garage door springs properly lubricated reduces friction, prevents rust, and helps them last longer. Remember: Proper grease is either a silicone-based lubricant, or white lithium, not a traditional can of WD-40. Apply a light, even coat to the entire length of the spring, making sure it reaches the coils. Wipe away any excess to prevent dripping or buildup. Regular lubrication helps the springs move more smoothly, even in freezing temperatures.
An open garage door on its track.
Whether you have a new or old garage door, take a moment to check its condition on the tracks. Credit: lex20 / Getty Images

Remember to Check Garage Door Openers, Too

While you're at it, don't forget to give some attention to your garage door opener. Cold weather can affect its sensors, wiring, and overall function. Test it by opening and closing the door a few times to make sure it's working smoothly. If you notice any lag or the door struggles to open, you might need to replace the batteries or inspect the wiring. If the automatic opener only lifts the door a few inches, the safety sensor could be indicating a problem with the springs.

Pro Tip: If your automatic door opener is on its last leg, consider upgrading to a newer model with smart technology. These openers allow you to control your garage door from your phone, giving you peace of mind, especially during harsh winter weather when you don't want to go outside unnecessarily.