Most gates don't break down out of the blue. They give warning signs first – and if you catch them, the repair is usually quicker, cheaper and less hassle than a full breakdown at the worst possible moment. Here's what to look out for.
Warning signs
It's slower than it used to be. Worn gears, a gate that's dropped, stiff hinges or a tired motor.
It's noisy. Grinding, clunking, squealing or banging. See noisy electric gates.
It jerks or stutters. Worn gearbox, a sliding gate rack out of line, or wheels wearing out.
It stops or reverses for no reason. Safety devices, wind, settings or a gate catching on something. See gate won't close?
It works some days and not others. Often photocells, damp in the control box or a cable fault.
The remote range has dropped. Remote batteries, receiver or aerial issues.
The gates don't meet properly. Sagging, dropped hinges or posts moving. See sagging or misaligned gates.
It trips the electrics. A fault, often water getting in – switch it off and call me.
You can see damage. Cracked photocells, split safety edges, rust, oil leaks or damaged cables.
Early Warning Signs of Electric Gate Trouble
Gates rarely fail without warning. Slower movement, jerky starts, new noises, a remote that only works close up, or a gate that occasionally reverses for no reason are all signs that something needs attention before it becomes a full breakdown.
Spotting these signs early, and calling us before the gate stops completely, normally means a smaller and cheaper repair. It also means you're not left stranded on the road or with an open entrance at the worst possible moment.
Booking an Electric Gate Repair Before It Breaks Down
If you've noticed any of these signs, tell us what you're seeing and how long it has been happening. A short video of the gate opening and closing is often enough for us to give an initial view and work out which parts we might need.
We'll diagnose the fault on site, give you a price before starting, and check the safety devices once the work is done. Many early-stage faults are quick to fix, and a service afterwards helps keep the gate reliable for longer.
Safety warning signs – act now
Stop using the gate automatically and get it checked if:
- it doesn't stop or reverse when something's in its way
- the photocells or safety edges are broken or missing
- the gate is wobbling, leaning or could come off its hinges or track
Keep it working
A yearly service catches most of these problems early. See electric gate maintenance.
Spotted one of these? Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.
Questions people ask me
How do I know if my electric gate needs repairing?
If it's slower, noisier, jerkier or less reliable than it used to be, it's worth getting checked.
Can I keep using a gate that's playing up?
If it's still safe – stopping and reversing properly – yes, but get it looked at soon. If the safety devices aren't working, don't.
Is it cheaper to repair early?
Usually, yes. A worn hinge is a lot cheaper than the motor it eventually wrecks.