Automatic gates are mechanical and electronic systems that open and close many times a day and are exposed outdoors to heat, dust, rain and salty air. Just as a car needs regular servicing, automatic gates need periodic maintenance too. In this article we explain why maintenance matters, what is done during maintenance and the simple checks homeowners can do themselves.
Benefits of periodic maintenance
Safety
On automatic gates, photocells and obstacle detection systems prevent the gate from harming a person, child, pet or vehicle. Over time these systems can get dirty, drift out of adjustment or fail. Testing the safety functions is the most important step in periodic maintenance.
Preventing faults
Worn wheels, dirty rails, loose connections and dried-out moving parts put strain on the motor. Spotted early, these small problems are solved with simple fixes; left unnoticed, they can cause more expensive parts such as the motor or control board to fail.
Longer lifespan
With regular cleaning, lubrication and adjustment, the motor and mechanical parts are under less strain and the system lasts longer.
Warranty
Our systems come with a 3-year warranty; if periodic maintenance is carried out without interruption, the warranty can be extended to up to 5 years. Regular maintenance is also important for keeping the warranty valid.
How often should maintenance be done?
Maintenance frequency depends on the gate type, how intensively it is used and its environment.
| Situation | Maintenance need |
|---|---|
| Lightly used home gate, inland | Infrequent maintenance may be enough |
| Heavily used residential complex or apartment gate | More frequent maintenance recommended |
| Coastal area, salty air | More frequent maintenance due to corrosion |
| Busy automatic entrances such as shops and clinics | Frequent maintenance according to usage |
The exact maintenance plan should be set during the site survey based on the gate's condition and use.
Checks carried out during periodic maintenance
- Safety tests: Testing the photocells, obstacle detection and reversing function.
- Mechanical check: Checking the rail, wheels, hinges, gear rack, springs and cables.
- Cleaning: Removing dust, sand and salt built up on the rail, gears and moving parts.
- Lubrication: Lubricating moving parts with products suited to the environment.
- Electrical check: Checking the control board, connections, cable entries and earthing.
- Settings: Checking opening/closing limits, speed and force settings.
- Battery check: Checking the battery condition on systems with battery backup.
- Remotes and accessories: Checking the remotes, warning light and any access control devices.
Important: Springs, motor settings and electrical connections are a job for an authorised technical team. Garage door springs in particular work under high tension, and incorrect handling can cause serious injury.
A simple checklist for homeowners
Between maintenance visits you can do these simple checks yourself:
- Clean the photocell lenses with a soft cloth.
- Do not leave obstructions such as stones, leaves or toys on the rail or in the gate's path.
- Carefully observe whether the photocells stop the gate when you pass in front of it while it moves; never test by going under the gate.
- Listen for any change in the noises the gate makes.
- If the remote's range has dropped, replace its battery.
- Note situations such as the gate stopping halfway or moving jerkily, and report them to service.
When to call service
- The gate does not stop or reverse when it meets an obstacle
- The gate is squeaking, grinding or clicking
- The gate stops halfway or moves on its own
- The motor runs but the gate does not move
- The garage door comes down unevenly on one side, or a spring/cable looks loose
In these cases, rather than continuing to use the gate, switch it off and contact service.
REKA maintenance contract
At REKA Otomatik Yapı Teknolojileri, we prepare maintenance contracts for homes, residential complexes and businesses according to the gate type and use. With a maintenance contract, your maintenance is planned regularly and your gate's history is tracked. Our systems come with a 3-year warranty; if periodic maintenance is carried out without interruption, the warranty can be extended to up to 5 years. We provide 24/7 service in case of breakdowns. For a maintenance plan, contact us or call +90 539 102 13 13.



