Table of contents
- Maintenance 101: Quick Answer
- Why Maintenance Matters for Longevity
- Generator Maintenance Checklist (By Frequency)
- Fuel & Fluid Management Tips
- Safety Should Never Be Overlooked
- Boosting Lifespan Through Exercise & Testing
- Recommended Maintenance Plan for Your Generator
- Trust Colorado Standby for Generator Maintenance
Maintenance 101: Quick Answer
To maximize your generator’s lifespan—whether portable, standby, or diesel—start with one clear rule: run it regularly and care for key components. That means routine oil and filter changes, frequent test runs under load, using high-quality fuel and fluids, and keeping a log. A well-maintained generator can last well beyond 10,000 hours with minimal downtime.
Why Maintenance Matters for Longevity
Proper care not only avoids breakdowns but also:
- Prevents carbon buildup and wet stacking
- Maintains fuel efficiency
- Keeps starting reliable
- Extends the engine and component life
Studies show that neglected generators may fail mid-outage—routine maintenance can prevent 80% of reliability issues.
Generator Maintenance Checklist (By Frequency)
| Frequency | Key Tasks |
| Weekly / Monthly | Run under load (at least 30 minutes) to bleach crank seals and charge the battery. For standby units, run a self-test weekly. |
| Every Use / Weekly | Check oil, coolant, and fuel levels. Inspect filters, spark plugs, and the battery—especially terminal condition. |
| Monthly | Clean exterior, ensure ventilation is clear, test start-up, including under load. |
| Every 6–12 Months / 500 Hours | Change oil, air, and fuel filters. Perform load bank testing to burn off carbon and test capacity. |
| Annually | Full inspection: belts, hoses, electrical, exhaust, cooling systems, antifreeze, and battery replacement if needed. |
Fuel & Fluid Management Tips
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fluids and service intervals.
- Use high-quality oil, coolant, and fuel—inexpensive or contaminated fluids speed up wear and corrosion.
- For portable units used infrequently, run the engine dry or add stabilizer to avoid stale fuel issues.
Safety Should Never Be Overlooked
- Always position generators outdoors, at least several feet from doors, windows, or intake vents, with proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Never backfeed your home’s electrical system through a regular outlet. Instead, use a transfer switch for safe power routing.
Boosting Lifespan Through Exercise & Testing
- Regular operation under realistic load keeps seals lubricated, avoids wet stacking, and assures smooth starts.
- Diesel backup systems, especially when used infrequently, benefit from monthly load bank testing and annual full-load tests.
Recommended Maintenance Plan for Your Generator
- Weekly – Run under load; inspect fluids and battery.
- Monthly – Clean and test under load for 30 minutes.
- Semi-annually – Full service: oil & filter changes, inspections, load test.
- Annually – Deep inspection and testing of all systems.
- Always – Keep records of maintenance to support diagnostics and warranties.
Trust Colorado Standby for Generator Maintenance
At Colorado Standby, we’ve been serving Colorado Springs and the Front Range with trusted generator maintenance and service since 1999. Whether you need professional inspections, tune-ups, or filter replacements, our certified team ensures your generator remains dependable year-round.
Click here to schedule service or request a maintenance quote today.
For more information, or to speak with someone on our team, please call 866-888-6111.
