Your garage is more than just a place to park your car. It’s an on-site storage unit, work area, and often a second entry into your home. As such, you rely on your door to open and close smoothly multiple times each day. However, even a single bad garage door spring can leave you stuck inside or outside of your garage. Knowing how to tell if your springs are going bad helps ensure that your garage keeps working as it should. 

3 Signs of a Bad Garage Door Spring

1. The Springs Are Rusted

When you properly maintain your garage door opener, the springs will stay lubricated, reducing the risk of rust and corrosion. Over time, as the lubricant breaks down or wears away, rust may start to form. The more rust is on a spring, the more damaged it is, and the more likely you are to experience a malfunctioning door. Every few months, inspect your springs for signs of rust. If you notice any, schedule a maintenance appointment with your garage door repair technician immediately. The sooner the damage is identified, the longer your springs will last.

2. The Door Moves Crookedly 

As a garage door spring deteriorates, it loses the built-in elasticity required to lift the door properly. This can lead to the door raising and lowering crookedly if the tension in each spring is uneven. If you notice that one side of the door is sagging, your springs are likely going bad and need to be replaced. Leaving damaged springs unrepaired can lead them to break entirely, resulting in a door that can only be moved manually.

3. Grinding Noises When the Motor Is Engaged

Though every garage door will make noise when the motor turns on, it should never be excessively loud. When your springs wear out, they may make loud popping or grinding noises as they struggle to support the weight of the door. When springs are in good condition, they can support the door’s full weight without straining.

Are you worried about the condition of your garage or have you noticed the signs of a damaged garage door spring? Contact Kalispell Overhead Door Service in Flathead County, MT. Their dedicated technicians will help get your door back in shape, whether it’s been a few months since your last tuneup or several years. Learn more about their services online and call (406) 755-4120 to schedule an estimate today.