Winter is coming to the Midwest, which brings challenges that facility managers in warmer climates never face. For businesses operating automatic gate systems, winter weather creates a perfect storm of frozen hydraulic lines, corroded moving parts, weakened battery backup systems, and access control sensors affected by ice and snow.
An automatic gate that works flawlessly in September can become unreliable by January if it’s not properly maintained. For many facilities, a gate failure during winter weather creates an operational nightmare and a security vulnerability.
With proper fall maintenance and smart winter practices, you can keep your automatic gates operating reliably all season long.
How Cold Weather Affects Gate Systems
Hydraulic fluid gets thicker in cold weather. If your gate operator uses hydraulics, this thickening slows the system and reduces responsiveness. In extreme cold, the fluid becomes so thick that the system won’t operate at all. Gates that move smoothly at 70 degrees can barely move at 20 degrees if the hydraulic system isn’t properly maintained.
Winter brings salt, road chemicals, and moisture. This combination accelerates corrosion on metal gate components. Hinges, locks, and fasteners that work fine in summer can become stuck or fail in winter if they’re not protected.
Battery backup systems can also lose capacity in cold weather. Most automatic gates have battery backup for emergency operation during power outages, but cold weather reduces battery capacity by 30 to 50 percent. A system providing eight hours of emergency access in September might only provide four hours in January. You won’t know it until you need it during a winter power outage.
Moisture, ice, and snow accumulation around sensors and readers affects their performance, too. Card readers get gummed up, motion sensors miss movements, and photocells and safety loops become unreliable.
Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist
The best defense against winter gate problems is a thorough inspection before cold weather hits.
Hydraulic Systems: Have a qualified technician inspect hydraulic fluid levels and condition. Verify that winter grade hydraulic fluid is being used. Check all hoses for cracks, leaks, or damage. Test system operation through a full cycle.
Electrical and Controls: Test gate operation from all control points. Verify backup power systems are functioning. Check weatherproofing on electrical connections and control panels. Test emergency manual operation.
Gate Tracks and Wheels: Clean tracks thoroughly of debris. Check for damage in track channels. Inspect wheels for wear or flat spots. Look for ice buildup prevention needs. Verify track alignment.
Hinges, Locks, and Moving Parts: Inspect hinges for corrosion or damage. Check locking mechanisms. Apply protective lubricant to hinges and locks. Use proper gate lubricant, not WD 40. Verify all fasteners are tight.
Access Control and Detection: Clean and test all card readers and keypads. Verify proximity sensors are clean. Test photocells and safety loops. Verify all detection systems respond correctly.
Foundations and Support Structure: Inspect gate frame and support posts for damage. Check concrete foundations for cracks or settling. Verify no water is pooling around gate areas.
Common Winter Failure Points
Hydraulic systems are the most cold weather sensitive. Make sure your contractor uses winter appropriate hydraulic fluid. This costs a bit more but prevents expensive emergency repairs.
Test your battery backup system before winter arrives. If it hasn’t been tested in a while, have your contractor check it professionally. Replace batteries if they’re more than a few years old.
Make sure water isn’t collecting in or around gate tracks. Pooling water will freeze and can immobilize your gate. If your facility doesn’t have proper drainage, ask about remedies.
Card readers and keypads are exposed to weather and are common failure points. Make sure they have proper weatherproofing. Some facilities add protective covers during winter months.
Make sure all staff understand how to manually operate the gate in case of equipment failure. This is especially important in winter when problems are more likely.
Emergency Preparedness
Above all else, you need to have a plan for what steps to take if your gate fails during winter weather. How will traffic flow? How will emergency responders access your property? Communicate this plan to your team.
Winter emergencies happen after business hours and on weekends. Make sure you have emergency contact information for your gate contractor readily available. Garrison Gates provides 24/7 emergency service.
If possible, identify alternative access points to your facility in case your primary gate system is temporarily down.
The Bottom Line
Winter gate problems are largely preventable. A thorough fall inspection, proper winter maintenance, and smart snow and ice management keep your gates operating reliably all season.
If you haven’t had your gates professionally inspected recently, don’t wait until we’re in the thick of winter. The cost of preventive maintenance is a fraction of the cost of emergency repairs or operational disruption.
Garrison Gates & Access Control specializes in winter maintenance for Midwest facilities. Call us at (317) 555-GATE (4283) to schedule your pre winter gate inspection and make sure your facility is ready for the season ahead.