Easy Tips to Maintain Your Generator for Better Life

The moment of truth has arrived.

You fire up your generator, and nothing happens. It's every generator owner's worst nightmare. 

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. Like any other machine, a generator requires constant upkeep to remain in good working order. Proper generator maintenance will help extend the life of your home generator and save you money in the long term. 

Don't be the guy with a dead generator. Follow these six important tips for how to maintain a generator.

1. Keep Your Generator Clean

It can't be mentioned often enough: maintain your generator by keeping it clean. 

As with any complicated machine, a generator is liable to cease functioning if dirt and grime accumulate in it. The main components of a generator consist of the rotor and stator, and these tend to attract dust and dirt. 

Generators, which operate in dirty conditions, need a little more cleaning than most machinery. So make sure you clean your generator's air filters to remove dust and debris. 

2. Get an Oil Change

A generator oil change is a critical component of proper generator maintenance. 

For smaller generators (generally backup generators), it's recommended to change the oil about every 50 hours of operation. For larger diesel generators, it's usually only necessary every 500 or so hours of operation.

However, there are other variables that can affect how often you change the oil in your generator. Newer, more efficient generators may need oil changes less frequently. Operating a generator in a very dusty environment may require more frequent changes. 

Either way, changing the oil is an effective way to increase the life span of a generator. 

3. Check It Once a Month

It's tempting to let the generator sit idle when you're not using it. 

One of the best tips for how to take care of a generator is to ensure it's working the way it should. Even if you're not using your generator, fire it up once a month.

The last thing you want to learn is that your generator isn't working when you need it. Ensure this doesn't happen by checking it to make sure the carburetor is functioning and the batteries are charging. 

4. Test Your Generator

It's always a good idea to test your generator. That way, you can ensure it's operating at peak performance. 

So when you check your generator every month (see above tip), test it at 30%-50% of its maximum load for 30 minutes. 

5. Store It in a Safe Place

Finally, there are a few precautions you should take when storing your portable generator. 

Aside from draining the fuel tank, make sure the fuel lines are empty. Keep your generator in a dry, cool location. This will extend the generator life span by preventing rust and other damage. 

Use These Generator Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Engine Running

Bottom line: if you follow these tips, you can keep your generator in good working order for decades. Most importantly, it translates into cost savings down the line. 

At DTR Services, we have an excellent supply of top-of-the-line generator brands to choose from. So, if you're in the market for a new generator, please don't hesitate to give us a call.