The Benefits of a Car Door Opener

The car door opener allows you to open the doors of your car easily. It works by wirelessly communicating with the garage door opener to open or close the doors.

The sensors detect stationary and moving obstacles to avoid accidents. The sensor also halts the opening of the doors when there are obstructions in its path.

Battery Backup

If there is a power outage, you want to know your garage door opener still working. Especially in stormy weather when power lines can fall and you'll be unable access your home. You can still access your garage with ease when the power is out.

Battery backup units are generally simple plug-and-play items that can be easily installed. They are designed to kick in if your garage opener loses power for any reason. There isn't a need for a total power outage. It could be as simple as a circuit breaker that was shut off. The battery has enough stored power to operate your garage opener if you need it and it does not require a drop of fuel, which could be an issue with gas-powered backup systems in the event of a disaster.

Many newer openers come with a battery backup already installed. You can also have them installed on their own to your existing system. They're cost-effective and come with a long life, typically 3 years or more without maintenance. Certain models have indicators that tell you when it is time to change the battery.

This feature can be life-saving for those who are stuck in their car in the event of a disaster and you are unable to open your garage for whatever reason. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in an area with frequent severe storms, and you need to be certain that your garage is open when it is needed.

Apart from the security and safety benefits having a backup battery also offers convenience. You can pull down on the emergency release cord (which will disconnect the trolley) and manually lift the garage door, and then remove your car from the way. If you are disabled or have elderly relatives living with you, who might not be physically capable of lifting the door and close it, a backup battery can ensure that they can safely gain access to your garage when needed.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

A garage door opener that is connected to your home Wi-Fi is great option to control and monitor your garage from any location via an app on your smartphone. This feature is easy to install and works with all garage door openers. Simply mount the Wi-Fi controller on the ceiling near the garage door opener and use your home's existing Wi-Fi to connect it. Then, download the MyQ app onto your smartphone and follow the instructions to take advantage of the new features.

It's crucial to know the distinction between WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity when you're looking at an intelligent garage opener. Both let you connect your garage door opener to your smartphone, however WiFi offers more convenience and functionality than Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is a dated technology that transmits a signal using radio waves from your phone to the garage door opener. While it works well enough for some, it's not as reliable as Wi-Fi connections and requires a close proximity between the devices in order to operate. A Bluetooth connection can also be vulnerable to hackers or data breaches.

Fortunately, many garage door openers that were made after 1993 can be upgraded to a smart garage door with an add-on that can support Wi-Fi. Certain models have this technology built in to ensure maximum security and ease of use. With the addition of a MyQ controller, you can connect your garage door to a smart home automation system such as Wink, SmartThings, iHome and XFINITY Home. Some models are Apple HomeKit-compatible with an adaptor purchase. Siri can then help you with your everyday tasks.

You'll never again forget to close your garage on your way to work or when you go to bed. You can even program your garage to shut at a certain time of day or on specific days of the week.

If your home's WiFi isn't strong enough support a smart garage door, you could also install a mesh router, or a Wi-Fi range extender to increase the signal strength. Be sure to consult with an expert to ensure you get the most benefit from the installation.

Convenience

If you're driving on the road and suddenly realize that you've forgotten to shut your garage door, you can use a car-door opener to get things back in order. This feature will prevent you from putting your pets or children in the car and exposing them to hot or cold weather.

There was an era when locksmiths created their own car-opening devices out of spring stock that was bent flat into various shapes. Some even screamed at their competitors in their ads in the Locksmith Ledger, saying "no professional would ever use a tool like that," while simultaneously introducing long-reach tools of their own. There are a variety of lockout service car-opening tools available today to meet your needs. You will never again need to fret about not locking the door closed.

Safety

A garage door opener includes a variety of safety features. They include sensors that can detect objects within the "danger zone" of an operating garage door, and stop its movement if the object is detected, saving pets, children and cars from being injured. The sensors also have a light that activates when triggered and can stay on for a specific time, providing visibility in the dark. Many of the newer models have encrypted, rolling-code technology to stop burglars from hacking the system and opening the vehicle lockout service.

Another feature that is important is the auto-reverse function. Sensors that are mounted on both sides of the track will detect the presence of obstructions. A small electric motor activates when this happens. It will push the locking bars upwards against the jaws of the locking to allow them to be released. The force of the motor can be adjusted to match the sensitivities of sensors. This should be left to professionals.

Another security feature is a manual lock control in the Vehicle Lockout Service. This enables someone who has lost their locked my keys in my van to still use the door. It's important that this switch is positioned sufficiently high to be accessible to children, and that it's close enough to the door's view.

One of the most important safety features is the auto reverse function, which is now federally mandated to protect against injuries caused by the garage door closing on the car door lockout or a person. InterNACHI inspectors should know this feature and be prepared to give advice to their customers on how to adjust the sensitiveness of the sensor which is only possible by a certified garage door installer.

Lastly, the door handle should be easy to operate and free of any obstructions that might cause it to become stuck. If the handle is spongy or stiff cleaning it and applying lubricant with a suitable lubricant can solve the issue. It is also essential to examine the garage door's force setting. These can be tested by placing a brick or block of wood beneath the door without breaking the beam of light coming from the safety eye sensors. If the wood or brick is pushed through the sensors the force settings have to be increased.