If you’ve ever had a garage door spring break, you know how inconvenient and frustrating it can be. Many homeowners wonder, “Should I replace both springs, or just the broken one?”
While replacing only one may seem like a quick fix, it’s actually more cost-effective and safer to replace both torsion springs together. Here’s why.
Understanding How Torsion Springs Work
Garage door torsion springs are tightly wound coils that store mechanical energy to help lift and lower your door. In a two-spring system, both springs share the lifting load equally every time the door opens or closes.
This means both springs experience the same amount of wear and tear over their lifespan — usually around 10,000–20,000 cycles, or 7–10 years for most residential doors.
What Happens If You Replace Only One Spring
Replacing just one torsion spring can create several issues:
-
Uneven Tension & Balance
The new spring will be stronger than the old one, causing uneven lifting force. This can make the door tilt, bind, or strain the opener. -
Added Stress on Your Garage Door Opener
The motor will work harder to lift an unbalanced door, shortening its lifespan and increasing the chance of mechanical failure. -
Premature Failure of the Old Spring
Since both springs were installed at the same time, the older one is already near the end of its life and likely to break soon after. -
Safety Concerns
A broken or weakened spring can cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly — a serious safety risk for you and your property.
The Benefits of Replacing Both Springs
Even Tension for Smooth Operation
Your garage door will open and close evenly, preventing unnecessary wear on hardware and the opener.
Improved Safety
Balanced springs reduce the risk of sudden door drops or uneven movement.
Lower Long-Term Costs
By replacing both at once, you’ll avoid a second service call, additional downtime, and future repair costs.
Peace of Mind
You’ll know your door system is restored to full strength, operating safely and efficiently.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Most torsion springs are designed for 10,000–20,000 cycles — roughly 7–10 years of average use. If one spring has failed, the other is close behind. Replacing both ensures balanced tension and long-term reliability.
Shop Quality Garage Door Torsion Springs
At My Garage Door Parts, we offer durable, high-cycle torsion springs for all major garage door types. Each spring is precision-engineered for long-lasting performance and easy installation.
Here’s how to find your match:
-
Use our Measurement Guide to select the correct size.
-
Choose a pair of springs to ensure even performance.
-
Enjoy fast shipping and expert support from our garage door specialists.
👉 [Shop Replacement Torsion Springs]
Safety Reminder
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause injury if handled improperly. If you’re not experienced or don’t have the right tools, always contact a professional technician for safe installation.
Final Takeaway
Replacing both garage door torsion springs when one breaks isn’t just a recommendation — it’s a smart, safe, and cost-effective decision. You’ll protect your door, your opener, and your peace of mind for years to come.
Need additional help? Contact us for personalized assistance to fit your garage door needs HERE.