Installing electric gates is a worthy investment and ensures your home’s safety and ease of use. But just like any automatic system, electric gates require some maintenance to work properly, not to mention last long – does assume too heavy a word here? The good news is that you don’t always have to contact a technician, as there are some quick and easy DIY tasks you can do to keep the entirety of your electric gate operations running smoothly throughout the year.
This guide provides easy, useful, and, most importantly, helpful tips for DIY maintenance of your electric gate system, especially for Kent homeowners!
Want expert installation or servicing? Check out Patron Security’s smart electric gates in Kent for the best solutions providing security and aesthetics!
10 Must-Know DIY Maintenance Tips For Your Electric Gate System (Backed By Experts)
1. Start With A Monthly Visual Inspection
It may sound basic, but looking over your gate system can tell a lot. Are there any loose bolts? Does the motor casing look secure? Are there exposed or worn-down wires?
Look for:
- Rust on metal parts
- Cracks or rot in wooden gates
- Frayed cables or exposed wires
- Dirt or debris around the motor housing
Catching these early could prevent severe damage later.
2. Keep The Gate Tracks Clean And Clear
Especially for sliding gates, debris in the tracks is one of the biggest culprits of malfunction. Dirt, leaves, or even small stones can block the rollers and strain the motor.
DIY Tip: Use a broom or pressure blower once a week to clear the track. Use a damp cloth and mild soap for stuck dirt — no need for harsh chemicals.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts Every 3 Months
A bit of lubrication goes a long way. Hinges, rollers, and chains should move freely without squeaks or jerks. If you hear grinding noises or see jerky motion, it’s time to oil up.
Best Lubricants: White lithium grease for metal parts, silicone spray for plastics. Avoid WD-40 — it evaporates fast and doesn’t protect long-term.
4. Check The Safety Sensors
Your gate likely has photoelectric safety sensors. These stop the gate from closing on a car, pet, or person. Dirt, misalignment, or a faulty sensor can turn this safety feature off.
How to Check:
- Wipe down the lenses with a microfiber cloth.
- Make sure both sensors face each other directly.
- Test the reversal function by waving a stick in front while the gate closes — it should stop and reverse.
5. Listen To The Motor
Most electric gate motors hum softly. If you start hearing rattling, grinding, or unusually loud buzzing, that’s your cue to investigate.
DIY Fixes:
- Check for debris inside the motor housing (insects love these warm boxes).
- Make sure cooling vents aren’t blocked.
- Tighten any visibly loose screws or mounting brackets.
6. Check The Remote And Keypad
The issue might not be mechanical if your remote is laggy, or the issue might not be mechanical.
Quick Fixes:
- Replace the battery in the remote (usually CR2032).
- Clean around the keypad buttons with a dry brush.
- Check for moisture damage inside the keypad cover.
7. Keep It Weatherproof
The UK weather, especially in Kent, can be tough on electronics. Rain, frost, and wind all take their toll on gate motors and control boxes.
Preventive Measures:
- Apply rust protection spray before winter.
- Ensure motor housing is watertight.
- Use weatherproof seals on exposed cables.
8. Know When It’s Beyond DIY
If your gate suddenly doesn’t open, you hear loud grinding, or if there’s a burnt smell, don’t try to force it. It’s time to call in a pro.
Signs you need help:
- Blown fuses or breakers
- Faulty circuit boards
- Broken arms or motor mounts
- Obvious electrical shorts
9. Keep A Maintenance Log
This one’s easy to skip — but super helpful. Jot down what you’ve checked and when. If you call a technician, you can show them what’s been done.
Log Ideas:
- Date of lubrication
- Sensor checks
- Remote battery changes
- Notes on motor sound or speed
10. Get A Pro To Service It Once A Year
You can do a lot yourself, but it pays to get an expert’s eyes on your system once a year. Especially if you have a complex or custom-built gate.
If you’re in Kent, the team at Patron Security Ltd offers complete maintenance services and can catch issues you might miss. They’ve been trusted for years to install and service electric gates across the region.
FAQs About Electric Gate Maintenance
Q1. How often should I perform maintenance on my electric gate system?
At least once a month for basic checks and twice a year for thorough inspections.
Q2. What are the common problems with electric gates that I can fix myself?
Sensor misalignment, debris in the track, or remote battery issues.
Q3. How do I lubricate my electric gate, and which lubricant is best?
Use white lithium grease or silicone spray on moving metal parts, not electronics.
Q4. What should I check during an electric gate inspection?
Check hinges, sensors, wiring, track cleanliness, and gate motor noise.
Q5. How can I troubleshoot an electric gate opener that isn’t working?
Reset the system, replace remote batteries, or check for obvious obstructions.
Q6. Is it safe to repair an electric gate motor on my own, or should I call a professional?
DIY cleaning is fine, but repairs involving wiring or internal components should be left to professionals.
Conclusion: Stay Safe And Keep Your Gate Running Smoothly
You don’t need to be an engineer to care for your electric gate. With these DIY maintenance tips, you can keep your system running smoothly, safely, and quietly for years. It’s all about spotting small problems early, staying consistent with your care, and knowing when to call in the pros.
If you’re based in Kent and want that peace of mind, Patron Security Ltd is ready to help, whether installing a new gate or servicing an existing one. Their team combines top-tier expertise with friendly, local service.
