If your garage door sounds like it’s coughing up a lung…
…or takes longer to open than a pensioner finding the right key, your garage motor might be ready to clock off for good.
Like anything with moving parts, garage motors wear out over time. The trick is knowing the difference between something that needs a tweak and something that needs replacing.
Let’s break it down, nice and simple.
First things first - how old is the motor?
Most garage motors last between 10–15 years (less if they’ve had a hard life, more if they’ve been looked after).
If yours is nudging that range and playing up, it might be time to retire the old fella.
5 signs your garage motor’s on its last legs
-
It’s struggling to open or close the door
If your motor hesitates, strains or gives up halfway, that's a red flag. Could be worn gears, failing electronics or just plain old age. -
It’s louder than a whipper snipper on full throttle
Grinding. Banging. Clicking. That noise you keep ignoring isn’t normal, it’s the sound of parts wearing out. A modern motor should be near silent. -
The remote is temperamental
Press it once. Nothing. Press it again. Still nothing. Then suddenly the door opens... halfway. If your remotes are playing up and you’ve changed the battery, it could be the receiver inside the motor on the fritz. -
The safety features are unreliable
Modern motors have safety features like auto-reverse and obstruction sensors. If the door doesn’t stop when something’s in the way - that's not just dodgy, it’s dangerous. -
It’s had more repairs than your mate’s ute
If you’ve replaced parts, adjusted settings and it still acts up, you’re better off with a fresh unit and full warranty peace of mind.
Still working... but clunky? You’ve got options
Some motors don’t have to be replaced yet but upgrading to a newer one gives you perks:
- Quieter and smoother operation
- Better safety features
- Smart connectivity (control via phone app)
- More reliable remotes
- Lower power usage
It’s like going from dial-up internet to fibre. Life just feels better.
What Garage Hub does when we install a new motor
We don’t just chuck it up and leave. Every motor job includes:
- A full system inspection
- Removal of the old unit
- Install and test of the new motor
- Force, limit and safety setting calibration
- Programming of remotes and accessories
- Full service of the door
- Final run-through with you (and a few cheeky jokes)
All done clean, tidy, and ready to roll.
