Garage Door Torsion springs are found above the garage door and run parallel to the ground. They may be one large spring in the center or two smaller ones on either side of the door, and they are mounted on a shaft that holds the cables responsible for lifting and lowering the garage door. The torsion springs wind up the cables on the spools at the end of the shaft and provide the tension needed to easily open and close the garage door. Without torsion springs, you would have to lift the heavy garage door manually, which would be a difficult task. It's important to maintain your torsion springs to ensure the smooth operation of your garage door.