The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start — not just for your routines and goals, but for your automatic gates and garage doors as well. These essential entry systems are often overlooked until something goes wrong, yet they play a critical role in your home’s security, safety, and daily convenience.
For homeowners, regular gate and garage door maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, reduce noise, extend the life of motors and moving components, and avoid unexpected repair bills. This practical New Year gate and garage door checklist will help you identify early warning signs and know when it’s time to book a professional gate or garage door service.
Automatic Gate Maintenance Checklist
You do not need tools or technical experience for these checks — just a few minutes and some careful observation.
1. Listen for Unusual Noises
- Your gate should sound smooth and consistent.
- Grinding, squealing, or clunking noises are early warning signs
- Increasing noise often indicates wear or misalignment
Addressing noise early can prevent damage to the motor and moving components.
2. Check Gate Movement
- Watch your gate open and close fully.
- Movement should be smooth and even
- Jerking, hesitation, or slowing can indicate an issue and will add strain on the motor
Consistent movement helps extend the life of your automation system.
3. Inspect Rollers, Hinges, and Tracks
- Clear dirt, leaves, and debris
- Look for rust, cracking, or excessive wear
- Check for ants or insect nests around moving parts
Clean and well-aligned components reduce friction and noise.
4. Test Gate Safety Features (if present)
Gate safety systems are critical for protecting people, pets, and vehicles.
- Test photoelectric sensors
- Confirm the gate stops or reverses when obstructed
- Check remote controls for consistent response
If safety features aren’t working correctly, the gate should not be used until checked by a professional.
5. Check the Manual Release
Manual releases are essential during power outages.
- Ensure the release key is present and accessible
- Confirm it operates smoothly
Many homeowners only discover issues with manual releases when they urgently need them.
6. Check for Weather or Storm Damage
Summer storms can take a toll.
- Look for water ingress near motors and control boxes
- Check for shifting posts or tracks after heavy rain
- Inspect timber gates for swelling or warping
6. Solar gates
Ensure the sun is charging those batteries
- Give your solar panel a clean
- Ensure that there is nothing blocking sun exposure to your solar panel
Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
Garage doors are used multiple times a day and are one of the largest moving parts of your home.
Again, you do not need tools or technical experience for these checks — just a few minutes and some careful observation.
Please be aware: Garage doors can be dangerous because springs and cables are under extreme tension. If these parts fail or are adjusted incorrectly, they can release suddenly and cause serious injury or damage. Points on this checklist are for visual inspection only with any repairs required to be handled by a trained professional.
✅ 1. Listen for Changes in Noise
A garage door should operate quietly and evenly.
- Squeaking, grinding, or banging can indicate worn or unlubricated parts
- Sudden loud noises may point to spring or opener issues
Early noise changes are often the first sign of wear.
✅ 2. Check Door Balance and Movement
Watch the door through a full open-and-close cycle.
- Movement should be smooth and steady
- Doors that shudder, stick, or drop quickly may be out of balance
An unbalanced door places extra strain on the opener.
✅ 3. Inspect Tracks, Rollers, Hinges, and Springs
Visual checks only — springs are under high tension.
- Look for rust, wear, or loose hardware
- Ensure tracks are clean and free of obstructions
- Check rollers for cracking or excessive wear
If anything looks damaged, stop using the door and arrange a service.
✅ 4. Test Garage Door Safety Features
Safety features are essential for preventing injury or damage.
- Test auto-reverse by placing a soft object under the door
- Ensure photo-eye sensors are aligned and responsive (if present)
- Check wall controls and remotes
✅ 5. Check the Emergency Release Cord
This is crucial during power outages.
- Ensure the cord is accessible and functions correctly
- Confirm the door can be manually operated if needed
✅ 6. Inspect for Weather-Related Wear
QLD weather can affect garage doors over time.
- Look for water damage or corrosion
- Check seals for cracking or gaps
- Inspect timber or panel doors for warping (if applicable)
What you should not DIY with your Automatic Gate and Garage Door
While these checks are homeowner-safe, please avoid attempting:
- Electrical repairs or adjustments
- Motor force or limit setting changes
- Tension adjustments
- Spring replacements or structural realignment
- Structural realignments
- Safety sensor adjustments or bypassing
- Using lubricants or products not designed for gates or garage doors
These tasks should always be handled by qualified technicians to ensure safety and compliance.
Why the New Year is the Perfect time to book a Service
The start of the year is the ideal time to schedule a professional gate or garage door service. Early maintenance helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns, emergency call-outs, and costly repairs later in the year.
Its also a great time to remember to book in the service – but working with Automatic Entry Specialists, the hassle is handled for you. Join our preventative maintenance list and we will make all arrangements for you.
A professional service can:
- Identify small issues before they escalate
- Reduce noise and improve smooth operation
- Extend the life of motors, springs, and other moving components
Ensure safety systems are functioning correctly
When to Book a Professional Gate or Garage Door Service
You should consider booking a service if:
- Your gate or garage door is noisier than usual
- Movement is jerky, slow, or inconsistent
- Safety features aren’t responding reliably
- You haven’t had a service in the past 12 months
- Your system is several years old
- You live in coastal / canal suburbs where you experience “Salt winds” (sea-infused air carrying fine salt spray)
For homeowners from Burleigh to Beenleigh and west to Canungra, a local technician can provide fast, reliable inspections with knowledge of local conditions and weather impacts.
Take Action:
Start the year with peace of mind — book a professional gate or garage door service today to keep your home safe, quiet, and reliable.
- Contact us
- Ph: 0406 317 800 or 5519 4238
- E: info@automaticentryspecialists.com.au
Start the Year Right!
Your electric gate and garage door don’t need a New Year’s resolution — just a little attention.
By working through these checklists and addressing issues early, you can enjoy safer, quieter, and more reliable access to your home throughout the year. If you’d like added peace of mind, booking a professional gate or garage door service is the simplest way to start the year without surprises.