Why does my community's vehicle gates keep failing?
- Key C. Powell
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Vehicle gates are one of the most visible—and frustrating—amenities in a community. While only some residents use the pool or fitness center, every homeowner relies on the gate every day. When it fails, everyone notices.
So why do vehicle gates seem to break so often—and why can they be so difficult to keep running smoothly?
Vehicle Impacts
Gates get hit. A lot.
Tailgaters attempting to sneak in, vendors without valid access, distracted homeowners, and oversized delivery vehicles routinely collide with gate systems. Even a low-speed impact can cause significant damage, sometimes disabling the gate for hours or days. In many cases, repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
At our company, we respond to at least one significant gate impact every week. For this reason alone, we strongly recommend surveillance cameras at gate entrances. Video footage not only helps determine what happened, but can also be critical for liability, insurance claims, and enforcement.
Power Surges and Electrical Failures
Southwest Florida is frequently referred to as the lightning capital of the world, and vehicle gates are packed with sensitive electronics. These systems rely on multiple components working together, including:
Main control boards
Accessory boards
Safety sensors
Telephone or visitor entry systems
RFID readers and radio receivers
A failure in any one of these components can shut the entire system down. Power surges, lightning strikes, and unstable electrical supply are common causes of unexpected gate failures in coastal environments.
Safety Sensor Issues
Vehicle gates are far more dangerous than they appear. While damage to a car is inconvenient, an impact involving a person can be catastrophic. Because of this risk, modern gate systems include multiple safety devices designed to prevent movement when an obstruction is detected.
When a safety sensor fails, becomes misaligned, or is obstructed, the gate may default to a safe position—often remaining open—until the system can confirm it is safe to operate. While frustrating, this behavior is intentional and designed to reduce injury risk.
Unexpected (and Creative) Driving Behavior
Within our company, we joke that we try to design “fool-proof” gate systems—only to be continually impressed by human creativity.
We routinely encounter:
Vehicles attempting to enter while driving backwards
Cars driving into the exit lane
Tractor-trailers entering lanes designed for compact cars
Sprinklers spraying directly onto safety sensors
Motorcycles exiting via sidewalks
Trucks entering with 16-foot lumber extending out of the windows
Visitors backing into telephone entry pedestals
Landscapers cutting wires because they “didn’t know what they were for”
Gate systems are designed and tested for normal driving patterns. Accommodating every extreme scenario is nearly impossible, and unusual behavior frequently results in damage or shutdowns.
Poor or Infrequent Maintenance
Preventive maintenance plays a major role in gate reliability. We recommend that gate systems be professionally inspected at least twice per year. These inspections should include:
Battery testing
Sensor alignment and function
Hinges, chains, and mechanical wear
Wiring integrity
Signs of water intrusion
Damage from insects, rodents, or other pests
Experienced technicians often become “gate whisperers,” able to detect early warning signs from subtle noises, vibrations, or movement irregularities—before a failure occurs.
Aging Systems
A common question from boards is, “When should we replace our gate system?” Unfortunately, there is no universal answer.
A helpful comparison is your personal vehicle. Some people replace cars every few years to avoid repairs and gain new features. Others maintain the same vehicle for decades. Both approaches can be valid.
As a general guideline, if:
Major gate components are more than seven years old, and
Annual repair costs exceed 25% of the cost of replacement,
…it is time to seriously consider an upgrade or system redesign.
Final Thoughts
Vehicle gates are complex systems that rely on mechanical, electronic, and safety components working in harmony. Failures are not unusual, especially in high-traffic, coastal environments.
Communities that understand these risks, budget for maintenance, and partner with a responsive service provider are far better positioned to minimize downtime and resident frustration when issues occur.
