Winter weather can be quite harsh on automatic gates. Cold, rain, snow, and accumulated dirt cause extra wear and tear, malfunctions, and sometimes even complete breakdowns. A gate opens or closes poorly not only causes frustration—it also costs time and money and can compromise safety.

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With a few simple steps, you can prepare your system for winter and avoid unpleasant surprises. Our experts share their best maintenance tips.

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1. Clean regularly and remove obstacles

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During winter, debris can quickly accumulate: leaves, mud, salt, snow, and twigs can get stuck in the rail, between the wheels, or on the rack. This creates extra resistance and can gate the opening and closing of the gate .

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• Remove leaves, mud, and snow from the rail, the tooth bar, and around the gate.
  Please note: during snow or frost, try to avoid using road salt in the rail, as this can have a corrosive effect on the gate rail, tooth bar, etc.).
• Use a soft brush to remove dirt.
• Ensure that there are no bushes, cobwebs, or other obstacles that could interfere with the safety cells and the movement of the gate.
  
  

Wooden gate?
Before the freezing weather sets in, apply a water-repellent protective coating to make the wood less susceptible to moisture and frost cracks.
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2. Lubricate moving parts in a timely manner

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Moving parts such as hinges, wheels, bearings, and locks suffer extra damage in low temperatures.
They can become stiff or freeze up.

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Our expert Benjamin from Portomatic explains:

Use a silicone spray as a lubricant to prevent parts from seizing up in cold weather. It keeps everything running smoothly and extends the life of your gate. Remember to wipe off any excess product to prevent dirt buildup.

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Tip: spray some lubricant, such as WD40, into the lock before the frost period so that it does not freeze shut.
Also check immediately that there are no loose screws or other parts.
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3. Prepare motorization and cabling for winter

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Automatic gates extra attention in winter. The motor, control box, and cables are sensitive to moisture, cold, and dirt.

• Remove leaves, sand, and mud around the engine housing.
• Check whether the housing is still watertight, whether the screws are tight, and whether the rubber seals are intact.
• Rain, snow, and frost can also cause damage to the power supply and cabling.
  Ensure that all cables are in good condition and that the connections remain clean and dry.

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Benjamin from Portomatic adds:

“In freezing conditions, electrical connections can become damaged more quickly. A cable with cracks can prevent your gate from opening or closing. If you notice any damage, contact Portomatic immediately to prevent further damage.”

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4. Have a specialist perform a check

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Although you can perform a lot of preventive maintenance , it is wise to have your gate checked by a professional gate year or every two years. A specialist will be quicker to spot early signs of wear or minor problems that could lead to unexpected malfunctions.

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Private individuals can schedule maintenance on demand, so you can enter the winter with peace of mind. For property managers and companies, this type of inspection is included as standard in maintenance contracts; if there is no contract, it can also be carried out on demand.

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Portomatic's 4 winter tips in a nutshell

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Here is a brief summary of our tips for preparing your automatic gate for winter:

1. Clean regularly and remove obstacles 
2. Lubricate moving parts in a timely manner 
3. Prepare motorization and cabling for winter 
4. Has it been a while? Have a specialist perform a check.

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Why choose Portomatic?

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With over 35 years of experience and a team of 18 specialists, Portomatic is a reliable partner for automatic gates doors. From installation to maintenance repair: we provide smooth and reliable service.

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Our service helps your automatic gate to function gate , even in bad weather.

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Feel free to contact us to find out how our experts can help you get gate through the winter.