Types of Doors Used in Car Dealerships

Automotive dealership facilities require specialized doors to meet the demands of vehicle movement, environmental control, security, and safety. 

1. High-Speed Roll-Up Doors

High-speed roll-up doors are designed to open and close quickly, facilitating the smooth movement of vehicles and personnel. They are often made from flexible, durable materials like PVC or reinforced fabric and can handle the high-traffic flow common in automotive dealership facilities.

Unique Features

• Rapid open and close times to minimize wait time and air exchange
• Flexible materials that resist impact and are easy to clean
• Optional transparent panels for visibility and safety

Applications
High-speed roll-up doors are used at entry and exit points, service bays, and other high-traffic areas in automotive dealership facilities where quick access and temperature control are priorities.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Wear on Rollers and Tracks: Constant use can cause wear on rollers and tracks. Solution: Regularly inspect and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
• Misalignment: Frequent movement can cause the door to become misaligned, affecting its speed and sealing. 

Solution: Schedule periodic adjustments to keep the door aligned.

Maintenance Tips

• Lubricate rollers and tracks monthly to reduce friction.
• Clean and inspect panels to maintain visibility and performance.
• Regularly check for alignment to ensure efficient operation.

2. Overhead Sectional Doors

Overhead sectional doors consist of horizontal panels that roll up and rest flat along the ceiling. They provide strong insulation, security, and durability, making them ideal for areas that need temperature control and restricted access.

Unique Features

• Insulated panels for energy efficiency and temperature regulation
• Strong materials, often steel, for enhanced durability and security
• Compact design that saves space by rolling overhead

Applications
Overhead sectional doors are used in service bays, storage rooms, and workshops requiring secure, insulated entrances.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Broken Springs: Heavy doors put a strain on springs, which may break over time. 

Solution: Replace springs regularly and check for signs of wear.

• Panel Damage: Doors may incur dents from vehicle contact or tools. 

Solution: Inspect panels frequently and replace damaged sections to maintain insulation and security.

Maintenance Tips

• Inspect and replace worn or damaged springs as needed.
• Clean and lubricate tracks and rollers for smooth operation.
• Regularly check for panel damage and ensure tight seals to maintain insulation.

3. Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors prevent the spread of flames and smoke, offering essential protection in a fire. They are often constructed from steel or other fire-resistant materials and have specific fire ratings.

Unique Features

• Made from fire-resistant materials like steel or specially treated wood
• Fire ratings to indicate the duration of fire resistance (e.g., 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes)
• Intumescent seals that expand in heat, blocking smoke and flames

Applications
Fire-rated doors are commonly used in storage areas, parts rooms, and workshops where flammable materials may be present.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Seal Deterioration: Fire seals may degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness. 

Solution: Replace seals periodically to maintain fire resistance.

• Misalignment: Misaligned doors may not close fully, compromising fire protection. 

Solution: Adjust and realign as necessary to ensure complete closure.

Maintenance Tips

• Regularly inspect fire seals and replace as needed.
• Test doors periodically to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
• Keep the area around fire-rated doors clear for full accessibility during emergencies.

4. Impact Doors

Impact doors are durable, swing-style doors that resist wear and damage from frequent impact. They are designed for areas where equipment and personnel frequently move through and can withstand bumps from carts, forklifts, and other machinery.

Unique Features

• Constructed with heavy-duty materials like rubber or reinforced steel
• Often equipped with spring-loaded hinges to allow bi-directional swinging
• Impact-resistant, reducing the need for frequent repairs

Applications
Impact doors are typically installed in areas with heavy foot and equipment traffic, such as workshops, storage rooms, and entrances to service bays.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Hinge Wear: Hinges may loosen over time due to repeated impact. 

Solution: Inspect hinges regularly and tighten or replace them as needed.

• Surface Damage: High-impact areas may show wear or scuffing. 

Solution: Apply protective coatings or consider doors with replaceable impact panels.

Maintenance Tips

• Regularly tighten and lubricate hinges for smooth swinging action.
• Inspect for surface wear and repair as necessary to maintain appearance and durability.
• Check for alignment to prevent dragging or uneven wear.

5. Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors provide visibility and ease of access, often used for customer-facing entrances or partitioning within auto dealerships. These doors allow natural light to enter, creating a more open and inviting environment.

Unique Features

• Made with tempered or laminated glass for durability and safety
• Operate on tracks for smooth sliding action
• Optional tinting or frosting for privacy or sun protection

Applications
Sliding glass doors are used in main customer entrances, waiting areas, and offices where visibility and accessibility are important.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Track Blockages: Dust or debris can accumulate in tracks, hindering movement. 

Solution: Clean tracks regularly to prevent blockages and ensure smooth operation.

• Scratches or Cracks: Glass doors are prone to scratches or cracks. 

Solution: Use scratch-resistant coatings or films and replace damaged glass when necessary.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean glass surfaces regularly for clear visibility.
• Lubricate tracks to reduce friction and ensure smooth sliding.
• Inspect for any chips or cracks, replacing glass panels as needed.

6. Rolling Steel Doors

Rolling steel doors provide a secure, durable barrier for restricted areas within auto dealerships. They roll up into a compact coil above the doorway, saving space and offering strong protection against unauthorized access.

Unique Features

• Constructed from interlocking steel slats for strength and durability
• Space-saving design that rolls up, leaving clear access when open
• Available with insulation options for added energy efficiency

Applications
Rolling steel doors are used in secure areas like storage rooms, workshops, and equipment storage.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Corrosion: Steel doors may develop rust, especially in humid areas. 

Solution: Apply anti-corrosion treatments and inspect regularly for signs of rust.

• Motor or Spring Failure: The rolling mechanism relies on motors and springs, which can wear out. 

Solution: Perform regular checks and replace motors or springs as necessary.

Maintenance Tips

• Lubricate rolling mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect for rust or corrosion, applying treatments as needed.
• Test balance and spring tension regularly to maintain proper function.

Call 1-800-884-4440  now!

How to Choose The Right Door for My Automotive Dealership Facility?

Selecting the right door for an automotive dealership facility involves assessing security, durability, accessibility, and functionality. Each area in a facility has unique requirements, so understanding these needs can help you make an informed choice.

1. Determine Your Facility’s Traffic Flow Needs

In automotive dealership facilities, areas like service bays and entry/exit points experience high traffic. High-speed roll-up doors are ideal for these zones, as they open and close quickly, minimizing wait times and allowing smooth vehicle and personnel flow.

Recommended Doors for High-Traffic Areas

• High-speed roll-up Doors are designed to handle frequent use and reduce air exchange, keeping the facility’s environment controlled.
• Impact Doors: Suitable for areas with heavy foot or equipment traffic, providing durability and easy access.

2. Consider Security for Restricted Areas

Security is a priority for storage rooms, parts rooms, and other restricted areas. Rolling steel doors provide robust protection and can be fitted with advanced locking systems to prevent unauthorized access.

Recommended Doors for High-Security Areas

• Rolling Steel Doors: Offer a strong barrier for securing parts and valuable equipment.
• Overhead Sectional Doors with Locks: Provide additional security with durable construction and lockable options for restricted access.

3. Consider the Need for Insulation and Climate Control

Certain areas in auto dealerships, like storage rooms or climate-sensitive workspaces, may require temperature control. Insulated doors, such as overhead sectional doors, help maintain a stable internal environment, which can improve energy efficiency.

Recommended Doors for Temperature-Controlled Areas

• Overhead Sectional Doors with Insulation are ideal for areas that need temperature regulation to protect stored materials or enhance worker comfort.
• High-Speed Roll-Up Doors: Useful for minimizing air exchange in frequently accessed areas, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.

4. Consider Fire Safety Requirements

Fire-rated doors are essential in areas where flammable materials are stored or used, such as repair shops, paint rooms, and storage rooms. They help contain flames and smoke and offer a safe barrier in the event of a fire.

Recommended Doors for Fire Safety

• Fire-Rated Doors: These are required in high-risk areas to prevent fire spread and provide safe exit routes.
• Rolling Steel Doors with Fire Resistance: Provide dual protection, combining security and fire resistance in sensitive areas.

5. Ensure Easy Access for Customers and Employees

In customer entrances or waiting areas, sliding glass doors provide easy access and a welcoming atmosphere. These doors allow natural light to enter and create a clear view of the facility, enhancing the customer experience.

Recommended Doors for Customer Access

• Sliding Glass Doors: Create an inviting, accessible entry point with a clean, professional appearance.
• Automatic Doors: Offer hands-free entry and exit, ensuring convenience and ADA compliance for accessible areas.

6. Factor in Noise Control in Sensitive Areas

auto dealership facilities can be noisy, so soundproof doors may be beneficial in offices, meeting rooms, and customer areas to reduce noise transmission. Soundproof doors help create quiet, private spaces in otherwise loud facilities.

Recommended Doors for Noise Reduction

• Soundproof Doors: Suitable for offices and waiting areas, minimizing noise transmission for quieter workspaces.
• Impact Doors with Noise Dampening: Useful in separating noisy workshop areas from quieter customer or administrative zones.

7. Consider Maintenance and Durability Needs

Certain doors, such as high-speed and automatic sliding doors, require regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. Choosing durable materials like steel for high-impact areas or glass for aesthetic purposes can help reduce repair and replacement costs over time.

Recommended Doors for Durability and Low Maintenance

• Rolling Steel Doors: Durable and low-maintenance, suitable for secure areas and frequent use.
• Impact Doors: Built to withstand heavy use, minimizing maintenance in high-traffic zones.

A-24 Offers Door Services for Auto Dealership Facilities 

Installation 

Our door installation services for auto dealerships prioritize durability, functionality, and security. We install high-quality doors, including service bay doors, fire-rated doors, and secure entry doors, that can withstand the demands of busy automotive environments. 

Our installations support smooth operations and are tailored to accommodate the heavy-duty needs of vehicle movement and equipment. From selecting materials to final adjustments, we ensure every door functions efficiently and safely, enhancing your facility’s workflow and safeguarding personnel and equipment.

Replacement

Replacement becomes essential when doors in your automotive facility show significant wear or no longer meet safety standards. Our team specializes in replacing doors with durable, high-performance options suited to automotive environments. 

Our local door contractor provides fast, efficient door replacement with minimal disruption. We focus on secure, high-traffic doors that endure vehicle and equipment movement. From high-speed roll-up doors for service bays to secure entry doors, our replacements support security and operational efficiency, ensuring your facility meets safety and compliance requirements.

Repairs

Heavy use in auto dealerships can damage doors, impacting operations and safety. We offer prompt, reliable repair services for different automotive facility doors, from roll-up service bay doors to secure access points. 

Our repair solutions address issues, such as malfunctioning openers, damaged tracks, and worn seals, restoring functionality to keep your facility running smoothly. With expertise in high-durability doors, we help prevent downtime and enhance safety by quickly fixing any issues.

Maintenance 

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping doors in auto dealerships fully operational and secure. Our maintenance services include inspecting door tracks, lubricating moving parts, checking seals, and ensuring safety features work correctly. 

We help prevent costly breakdowns by identifying potential issues early, allowing for smoother operation and reduced risk of accidents. With a proactive approach to door maintenance, we help auto dealerships extend the lifespan of their doors and keep daily operations running without interruption.

Hardware Repair

Door hardware wears in auto dealership facilities due to frequent use and heavy-duty tasks. Our hardware repair services focus on fixing locks, hinges, openers, and other essential components that ensure smooth door operation and security. 

We understand the demands of automotive environments and work to restore hardware functionality quickly, minimizing downtime. With expertise in heavy-duty door hardware, our repair solutions enhance door reliability and support the daily operations of auto dealership facilities.

Call 1-800-884-4440 now!

FAQs

What types of doors are commonly used in auto dealership facilities?

automotive dealership facilities typically use overhead garage doors, rolling steel, high-speed, and glass bay doors. These doors are designed to accommodate large vehicles, provide durability, and ensure efficient operation in high-traffic environments.

How often should doors in automotive dealership facilities be maintained?

Doors in automotive dealership facilities should ideally be serviced every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the door’s lifespan, and ensures smooth and safe operation.

What safety features should doors in automotive dealership facilities have?

Automotive facility doors should include safety features like sensor-based automatic reversal, motion detectors, and emergency manual release. These features help protect employees, vehicles, and equipment during daily operations.

How do I know if my automotive facility door needs repair or replacement?

Slow operation, unusual noises, frequent malfunctions, and visible wear or damage are signs that a door may need repair or replacement. Regular inspections can help identify these issues early and avoid costly downtime.