Generator Maintenance: A Seasonal Checklist

Why a seasonal maintenance routine matters

A generator that sits for months between outages needs a routine before it is called on. The Florida Division of Emergency Management's generator safety page lists "Check & Test: Ensure your generator is in good working order" as the first step before a storm. That check is easier when you have a seasonal schedule.

The owner's manual is the only source for your specific model's intervals. It lists how often to check oil, when to change filters, and how to care for the starter battery. This article explains the common items on a seasonal checklist and points you to the manual for the details.

Oil: check the level, change on schedule

Oil is the first item on most generator checklists. The manual states the correct oil type and viscosity for your climate, and it gives the interval for changes, often measured in hours of use or a calendar period. Before each use, check the oil level with the dipstick while the generator is off and on a level surface.

Seasonal maintenance means changing the oil at the interval the manual lists, even if the generator has not run many hours. Old oil can break down over time. Record the date and hours when you change it, so the next service is easy to track.

• Check the oil level before each use, with the generator off and level.
• Change the oil at the interval in the manual, based on hours or months.
• Use the oil type and viscosity the manual specifies for your climate.
• Dispose of used oil as the manual or local rules direct.

Air and fuel filters: inspect and replace

Air filters keep dust and debris out of the engine. The manual tells you how often to inspect the air filter and when to clean or replace it. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, so a seasonal check is a good habit.

Fuel filters, if your generator has one, are also on the manual's service list. The manual states the replacement interval and how to access the filter. Some generators use an inline fuel filter; others rely on a screen in the fuel tank. The manual describes your model's setup.

• Inspect the air filter at the start of the season and after dusty use.
• Clean or replace the air filter as the manual directs.
• Replace the fuel filter at the interval in the manual, if equipped.
• Use only the replacement parts the maker lists.

Spark plug: check the gap and condition

The spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture, and the manual lists when to inspect and replace it. A seasonal check involves removing the plug, looking at the electrode for wear or buildup, and setting the gap to the specification in the manual.

Replacement intervals are in the manual, often tied to hours of operation. Use the plug type the maker specifies. If you are unsure about the gap or the condition, the manual's troubleshooting section and the maker's support line are the places to ask.

Starter battery: keep it charged and clean

Many portable generators have a small battery for electric start. The manual describes how to charge it, how often to check it, and how to store it between seasons. A battery that sits for months can lose its charge, so a seasonal check is important.

The manual may list a maintenance charger or a specific charging routine. Keep the battery terminals clean and the connections tight, as the manual shows. If the battery is removable, the manual explains how to store it and at what temperature range.

• Charge the starter battery as the manual directs before the season.
• Clean the terminals and check connections.
• Store the battery according to the manual's instructions between seasons.
• Replace the battery at the interval or when the manual says it no longer holds a charge.

Before the storm: the Florida check

The Florida Division of Emergency Management's generator safety page lists "Check & Test" as the first step before a storm. That means running the generator briefly, with a load, to confirm it starts and produces power. The manual describes the break-in and testing procedures.

The National Weather Service's hurricane preparation page also advises checking emergency equipment, including generators, before the season begins. A seasonal maintenance routine makes that pre-storm check a formality rather than a scramble.

• Run the generator with a small load for the time the manual suggests.
• Confirm the generator starts easily and runs smoothly.
• Check for leaks or unusual sounds, and consult the manual if anything seems off.
• Keep the owner's manual and service records with the generator.

Between seasons: store as the manual describes

When hurricane season ends, the manual's storage section tells you how to prepare the generator for months of inactivity. That may include draining or treating the fuel, changing the oil, and disconnecting the battery. The manual is the only guide for these steps.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management's generator safety page says to "Clean & Store" the generator after a storm. A clean, dry unit stored in a dry place, as the manual directs, is ready for the next season.

Keep records and the manual together

A simple log of oil changes, filter replacements, and battery care helps you stay on schedule. Note the date, the hours on the hour meter if the generator has one, and the parts used. The manual's maintenance table is the reference for what to record.

Store the manual and records in a waterproof bag with the generator. That way, the next check is straightforward, and you have the maker's contact information if a question comes up.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

How often should I change the oil in my generator?

The owner's manual lists the oil change interval, usually based on hours of use or a calendar period. Follow that schedule, and check the oil level before each use.

Do I need to check the spark plug every season?

The manual states when to inspect and replace the spark plug. A seasonal check of the gap and condition is a good habit, but the manual is the authority.

How do I keep the starter battery ready?

The manual describes charging and storage for the battery. Charge it as directed, keep terminals clean, and store it according to the manual between seasons.

What does the Florida Division of Emergency Management say about generator maintenance?

Its generator safety page lists "Check & Test" as the first step before a storm, and "Clean & Store" after. The manual provides the specific procedures.