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Why You Should Always Replace Both Garage Door Springs at Once

Just-In-Time TeamMarch 5, 20265 min read

The Two-Spring Rule: Industry Best Practice

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at Central Florida homeowners, often at the worst possible moments. Few things are more frustrating than discovering your car is trapped in the garage because a spring broke. At Just-In-Time Garage Door, we follow industry best practices that ultimately save you time and money.

One of the most important recommendations we make: when one spring fails, replace both.

Why Both Springs Should Be Replaced Together

They Were Installed at the Same Time

Most garage doors use a pair of springs that were manufactured and installed together. They have the same age, the same wear patterns, and the same expected lifespan. When one fails, the other is almost certainly near the end of its useful life too.

Prevent a Second Service Call

If you only replace the broken spring, you will likely need another service call within months when the second spring fails. That means:

  • Two service call fees instead of one
  • Two disruptions to your schedule
  • More total cost than replacing both at once

Protect Your Garage Door Opener

When springs are mismatched (one new, one worn), they create uneven tension. This imbalance puts excessive strain on your garage door opener motor. The opener has to work harder to compensate, which can cause it to fail prematurely and require expensive replacement.

Think of It Like Car Tires

You would not replace just one tire if two were equally worn. The same principle applies to garage door springs. Replacing both preserves the balance of your door system and protects your investment in the opener and door itself.

The Importance of Proper Spring Selection

Not all springs are created equal. Garage doors vary significantly in weight and size, and using the wrong springs can cause serious problems:

  • Undersized springs: Door feels heavy, opener struggles, premature wear
  • Oversized springs: Door rises too quickly, safety hazard, opener strain
  • Mismatched springs: Uneven operation, door may twist or bind

Our Central Florida technicians carefully measure your door and select springs based on its specific weight. After installation, we perform a balance test to verify everything is working correctly.

Why DIY Spring Replacement Is Dangerous

Garage door springs are under extreme tension, sometimes hundreds of pounds of force. Improper handling can result in:

  • Serious physical injury
  • Damage to your door or opener
  • Installation errors that create ongoing problems

We strongly recommend leaving spring work to trained professionals who have the proper tools and expertise.

Our Spring Replacement Process

When you call Just-In-Time Garage Door for spring repair, here is what to expect:

  1. Thorough inspection: We examine both springs, cables, and related hardware
  2. Proper measurement: We determine the exact specifications needed
  3. Quality parts: We use commercial-grade springs rated for Florida conditions
  4. Balance testing: We verify proper tension and smooth operation
  5. Safety check: We inspect all safety features before leaving

Free Safety Inspection Included

Every spring repair includes a complimentary safety inspection of your entire garage door system. Since the hardware was likely installed at the same time as the springs, there may be other components showing wear. We check:

  • Cables for fraying or damage
  • Rollers for wear and proper movement
  • Hinges and brackets for looseness
  • Track alignment
  • Safety sensor operation
  • Opener function and settings

A failing spring can sometimes indicate a bigger issue with your door. Our inspection ensures your entire system is safe and functional.

Ready for Spring Repair?

If your garage door spring has broken or you notice signs of wear (door feels heavy, visible gaps in the spring, squeaking sounds), contact Just-In-Time Garage Door right away.

Call (352) 801-6590 for prompt, professional service throughout Central Florida.

Ready for Expert Help?

The Just-In-Time Garage Door team is here to help with any garage door repair, maintenance, or installation needs in Mount Dora and Central Florida.