We’re used to regularly servicing our car – changing oil, filters, checking the brakes. We know that without this, it will break down.

Automatic gates, however, are treated differently – we press the button every day, in rain and snow, expecting the mechanism to work forever without any intervention. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Without care, even the most expensive Italian motor can fail in 3–4 years.

The good news: maintaining your gate’s automation doesn’t require complicated skills – just 15 minutes twice a year.

Rule #1: Cleanliness matters more than lubrication

The most common cause of sliding gate failure is debris. The gear rack and motor gear are close to the ground – leaves, twigs, ice, and small stones can get stuck in them. If a hard object jams between the teeth, the gearbox can break or the motor can burn out.

What to do: regularly inspect the movement area. In winter, always clear the track of snow and ice before pressing the button. Don’t make the motor act like an icebreaker.

Common mistake: “I’ll grease everything!”

Many owners, trying to do a good deed, make a fatal mistake – they heavily grease the gear rack and gears with thick grease.

This is absolutely forbidden! Street dust and sand immediately stick to the grease, turning it into a powerful abrasive paste. It begins to wear down the teeth (especially polymer ones) at an incredible rate. The gear rack and gear should be dry and clean.

What really needs lubrication are the hinges on swing gates and the rollers. Use penetrating sprays (like WD-40) or silicone grease for them.

False faults: photo sensors and remotes

It often happens that the gate opens but refuses to close. Owners assume the control board is burned out and call a technician. Often, the cause is trivial:

• Dirty sensors – safety photocells “see” each other with an infrared beam. If the lenses are smeared with mud, covered with wet snow, or blocked by an overgrown bush, the automation thinks something is in the way and blocks closing. Wipe the lenses with a damp cloth – everything will work again.

• Remote battery – if the gate doesn’t respond, check the LED on the key fob. If it’s weak or not lighting up, just replace the battery. This can save you 50 euros for a “false service call.”

Invisible residents: insects

The motor board heats up slightly during operation. In autumn, when the weather cools, this warmth attracts insects. Ants, spiders, and even snails often make nests inside the automation housing, on the circuits.

This can cause short circuits and failure of the electronics. Expensive motor repairs are often caused by a single ant. Tip: check the motor’s enclosure and the condition of cable gaskets once a year.

Emergency release

Every motor has a key to switch to manual mode (for power outages). But this mechanism is rarely used – over the years, the lock cylinder can “seize” from moisture and dirt.

When the power goes out, you may simply not be able to turn the key and open the gate. Solution: every six months, perform a technical check – open it, switch to manual mode, then return it. Put a few drops of oil in the lock.

Prevention saves money

Gate automation is reliable equipment, but it operates in an aggressive outdoor environment.

Your job as an owner is to provide normal working conditions:

• Remove snow and dirt from its path.

• Don’t pour oil where it should stay dry.

• Check for enclosure tightness.

If you hear unusual squeaks, buzzing, or see the gate moving jerkily – don’t wait for a total breakdown. Call a technician for service. Replacing a bearing or capacitor costs pennies compared to buying a new motor. Careful attention guarantees a long life for your equipment and comfort for your family.

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