A generator that hasn’t been maintained is a generator that fails exactly when you need it – during an actual outage. Here’s what keeps one reliable.
Routine maintenance that matters
Regular oil and filter changes (per the manufacturer’s schedule), periodic test runs even when there’s no outage, and battery checks for standby units with electric start all prevent the most common failure – a generator that simply won’t start when called on.
Common problems and what they usually mean
A generator that won’t start is most often a battery or fuel issue rather than a major fault. Uneven or surging output usually points to a fuel delivery or governor issue. Excessive noise or vibration beyond what’s normal for the unit is worth investigating before it becomes a bigger mechanical problem.
Fuel storage and safety
Stored fuel degrades over time – petrol especially – so fuel for a portable generator should be rotated periodically, not left indefinitely. Standby diesel units with a fixed tank need periodic fuel quality checks too.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a standby generator be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing at minimum, with more frequent checks for units used often.
Why won’t my generator start even though it has fuel?
Common causes include a flat starter battery, stale fuel, or a fouled spark plug (petrol units) – we can diagnose and fix these as part of a service call.
Generator not performing reliably? Book a service or repair.