You installed an automatic gate to provide you privacy, security, and an extra level of protection. It is nice, especially during cold weather, to roll up to the gate and have your gate open in front of you, as well as close behind you. Unfortunately, during cold weather, there may be a few things that keeps this from taking place. The good news is, there are easy things to check that might get your gate working again.

Are You Using The Right Lubricant?

There are numerous reasons why your gate may not open during cold weather. One of the first things that you want to check during really cold weather is whether your lubricant has thickened up to the point it is preventing your gate from opening. This normally takes place due to the type of grease or lubricant that has been used in a number of locations. These may include:

• The gimbaled joint surrounding your sealed bearings
• Any bearings that are not sealed
• Wheel bearings
• The bearing below your gates hinge pin
• Internal or slide chains, if applicable
• Rim gear, if applicable

Different parts of your gate will require different types of lubricants. Using other types of grease and oils than what has been suggested, or approved by the manufacturer, will attract dust, dirt, and even pests. If you are in doubt about which type to use to prevent this problem, ask your professional installer or consult the gate manufacturer for the best lubricants to use during the winter in your area.

Is Your Battery Dead?

If your gate will do nothing at all, or moves very slowly, it is usually an electrical problem. After checking to ensure that your power source is on, and has not been compromised, check your the battery in your gate. Just like the battery in your vehicle, cold weather can also help to hasten the death of the battery in your gate. If your gate clicks but does not open, your battery may just be weak and not completely dead. Try these few simple steps to get it working again.

Always make sure the power is off to your gate before you begin to disconnect any of your electrical systems. Inspect your battery. If you see anything that appears to be corrosion or types of debris, remove and clean the ends of your battery cables, as well as your battery terminals.

This can be done with an inexpensive wire brush and plain water, or you can use a mixture of baking soda and water along with your wire brush to scrub them down. If you do not have baking soda, it has been reported that the acid found in Coca Cola also makes a great cleaning agent. Once clean, put your battery cables back on and try your gate again.

If cleaning your gate does not fix the problem, remove your battery and take it to your local auto supply store to have it tested. They will be able to tell you what type of strength, if any, your battery is putting out. They may even be able to charge it and get it to work again like it should.

Is Anything Blocking Your Gate Or Your Gate Sensors?

Snow and ice can create obstacles that are not present when the sun is shining. If your gate will not open, make sure that the sensors, chains, or other gate components are not coated with ice or snow. Make sure there are no snow drifts blocking your gate. Removing these obstacles should get your gate quickly working again.

If you have looked but you cannot find the cause of your gate not working, call a professional installer, such as those at Bells Garage Door Services, to get them to come and repair your gate. This will keep you from spending unnecessary time, as well as money, trying to do it yourself. Because, if you are not able to use your gate, it will not serve the purpose that you had it installed for originally.