Follow these maintenance checklists to keep your generator humming
Your generator maintenance schedule includes daily checks for oil leaks, weekly battery tests, monthly test starts, and yearly professional servicing to keep power reliable.
Test your generator monthly by performing a full start, checking battery connections for corrosion, and confirming coolant and oil levels stay where they should.
Your generator's air filters and spark plugs need regular replacement based on usage hours, while fuel filters require seasonal attention to prevent clogs and starting issues.
Hiring a local generator repair professional provides expert recalibration of gauges and meters, plus thorough inspections that catch electrical connection problems before they leave you without backup power.
When your power suddenly goes out in a big storm, the last thing you want to do is dig around for a flashlight or candles. Performing generator maintenance on your back-up power source will keep your house running smoothly during a power outage.
Here are a few handy checklists so you can keep up with the regular generator maintenance and keep your lights, appliances, and other necessities on.
While you may have to call an electrician or general contractor near you to fix any major issues with your generator, you can take simple steps to ensure it stays in working order. You’ll need some basic cleaning supplies and a few other essentials to make sure your generator continues running smoothly.
Air filters
Duster
Oil pan
Gas can
Work gloves (rubber, latex, or cloth)
Cleaning spray
Inspecting your generator daily might seem tedious, but you’ll thank yourself if an emergency arises. This checklist should be performed daily and each time your generator has been in use.
Check for evidence of oil leaks
Ensure the fuel tank is empty to prevent corrosion (only after each use)
Change the oil (after 25 hours of use)
Address any warning lights or alarms
Week by week, maintaining your generator is fairly simple. These weekly tasks can help extend its life and ensure it is ready for use in case of an emergency.
Test the batteries
Look for signs of pest damage
Inspect for oil leaks and corrosion
Top up oil and coolant levels, if necessary
Make sure the exhaust and intake are clear of debris
During monthly generator maintenance, you should be looking to catch any issues before they prevent your generator from running when you need it most. Here is what you should check each month to keep the power on for your household:
Perform a test start
Inspect the battery for corrosion
Check coolant and oil levels
Look for leaks
Address signs of pests or animal damage
Clean battery cables and cell ports
Replace spark plugs if needed
Test the emergency stop button
Replace the fuel filter (as needed)
Replace the oil filter (as needed)
Seasonal generator maintenance comes with the longest checklist, but you’ll only need to complete it once per year to keep your generator running well.
Recalibrate gauges and meters
Clean the generator enclosure
Test spark plugs and replace them if necessary
Test the battery
Tighten any electrical connections
Replace the fuel filter
Replace the air filter
Perform a full test of the generator
Test the emergency stop button
Ensure safety features are operating properly
Inspect belts and hoses for wear
Visually inspect the entire unit for corrosion or damage
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