The Hidden Costs of Not Automating Your Gate

If you’ve ever wrestled with a heavy manual gate during a Highveld thunderstorm, or had to jump out of the car late at night to open one, you’ll know it’s not just a hassle, it can actually be risky. A lot of homeowners delay getting an automatic gate opener because they see it as a luxury.
However the small costs of staying manual add up quickly, often exceeding the price of automating in the first place.

Protect your family and save on long-term costs, browse our gate motors for sale now.

Let’s unpack the hidden expenses you might not have considered:

1. Safety Risks You Can’t Put a Price On

Every time you get out of your vehicle to open or close a manual gate, you’re exposed. In South Africa’s current security climate, those few seconds can make all the difference. Opportunistic criminals often target properties without automatic gates because the delay offers them a chance to act.

A Centurion gate motor doesn’t just add convenience, it allows you to open and close your gate from inside your car, keeping you and your passengers secure.

2. Increased Wear & Tear on Your Gate

Manual sliding gates often run off alignment over time, putting strain on the wheels and track. Wheels may develop flat spots, guide brackets can loosen, and the gate might even jump the track. Repairing that kind of damage isn’t just inconvenient — it can end up costing more than fitting a motor from the start.

An automatic system moves the gate in the same smooth, controlled way every time. You get steady, consistent operation, so the wheels, track, and other parts don’t wear down prematurely, meaning your gate lasts longer.

3. Potential Insurance Implications

Some insurance companies in South Africa offer better rates to homes with automated gates, and it can make claims after a break-in go a lot smoother.

Without automation, you may not qualify for certain discounts, and if an incident occurs while your gate was left open or unlocked, some claims could be challenged. Installing a Centurion Systems gate motor is not just a security choice, it’s a financial safeguard.

Upgrade to a Centurion automatic gate opener today and enjoy smooth, secure operation.

4. Lower Property Value and Buyer Appeal

In today’s property market, people expect automatic gates. Buyers and tenants today expect convenience, so a manual gate can be a drawback that affects your selling price. Adding a reliable motor, such as those from Centurion Systems, helps modernise your home and keep it competitive in the market.

5. The Inconvenience Factor

In the morning rush, every second counts, and with a manual gate, you’re losing time every day. Add to that the frustration of stepping out in heavy rain or blazing heat just to get your car through the gate, and the inconvenience quickly adds up and with the push of a button, a gate motor removes all of that hassle. Once you experience the smooth, reliable operation of a well-installed Centurion gate motor, you won’t want to go back.

Final Word – An Investment That Pays for Itself

The costs of staying manual go far beyond the initial savings. From safety risks and repair bills to missed insurance benefits and lower property value, the “cheap” option often turns out to be the most expensive in the long run.

Don’t wait for trouble, fit a Centurion motor now.

Get an automated gate and you’ll have safer access, day-to-day convenience, and peace of mind, all at the touch of a button.