Power Up for Spring: 8 Essential Generator Maintenance Tasks

As you complete all your spring cleaning chores this season, you shouldn’t overlook your power equipment. Timely maintenance will extend the lifespan of your system, reduce the risk of major repairs, and help prevent downtime and the associated financial losses. At Valley Power Systems, we want to help you keep your system running smoothly year-round. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most essential generator maintenance tasks that should be handled this spring.

1. Change Oil & Filters

Routine oil and filter changes are crucial to maximizing your system’s lifespan. Fresh oil provides lubrication for your generator engine’s various moving parts, reducing friction and overall wear. It also helps with temperature regulation. However, oil degrades over time, so sticking to your oil change schedule is vital. This task is best handled by a trained technician.

Your generator filters are responsible for keeping out dirt, dust, and other small particles that might be present in the air around your power system. Clogged filters will place additional strain on your engine components as the system will have to work harder to pass air through. This can increase fuel consumption, cause performance issues, and make your system less efficient. This spring, be sure to check your filters and clean or replace them as needed.

2. Check on Battery Status

Add a battery inspection to your spring checklist to reduce the risk of a power failure. Look for any rust or corrosion around the battery terminals. These can impede the electrical current, and a battery replacement may be needed. You could also have a battery problem if your system is experiencing power fluctuations or isn’t starting up at all. Have our team come out to confirm your battery’s status. Generator batteries are only designed to last a few years, so if a replacement is needed, you can count on us to handle it promptly.

3. Refill Coolant

Coolant is vital for the health and longevity of your generator engine. It helps keep the engine’s running temperature within the optimal range, ensuring reliable and efficient operation. The coolant absorbs the excessive heat generated by the engine to prevent overheating components. Refilling the coolant to the recommended level will protect your cooling system and prevent premature wear and tear.

Along with coolant checks, Valley Power Systems also offers coolant sampling to assess the quality of your coolant, ensuring your system is getting the maximum benefit. If necessary, we can perform a coolant flush to remove contaminants and replenish the cooling system with fresh, high-quality coolant.

4. Inspect Hoses & Connections

Your generator has various hoses and connections that require periodic maintenance. A hose leak can greatly reduce the efficiency of your system. It can also result in wasted energy expenses as your system is forced to work harder to perform at the same level. However, many leaks are hard to detect on your own. Our skilled technicians have the proper equipment and tools to identify leaks and repair them promptly. We’ll also check and tighten hose connections. If we discover any are corroded, we will likely recommend replacement to prevent further damage.

5. Check Belts

It’s crucial to inspect your generator belts to ensure optimal system performance. Over time, belts can show signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying, or they can become loose. If your belts need attention, call in a professional from Valley Power Systems. We can replace worn belts and ensure proper tension according to manufacturer specifications. We’ll also lubricate pulleys and bearings and clear any accumulated dust and debris. Taking care of these tasks now can reduce friction, prolong belt life, and prevent costly breakdowns.

6. Test Engine Performance

You might not need to rely on your generator every day or even every month. However, you want to ensure this vital power system will function properly when your business must depend on it to keep operating. You don’t want to find out your system is down when a power outage hits. To maintain generator reliability, it’s critical to test engine performance this spring. We recommend having a trained generator specialist perform this assessment. They will run the generator for a specific period of time, such as 30 minutes. This gives them time to check that the system is working and to identify any potential issues. If any are found, they will provide you with your repair options.

7. Check Remote Monitoring System

Your remote monitoring system is a critical component of your generator. It allows you to monitor generator status and perform essential functions from anywhere via a smart device. You can operate the system, adjust settings, and even get alerts about generator issues without needing to be on-site. During your spring maintenance, it’s imperative to test the remote monitoring system to ensure it’s working as expected. If you find that it is malfunctioning, it’s essential to have a technician come out to troubleshoot the system before your next power emergency.

8. Clean Generator Area

This is a generator maintenance task that’s all too easy to forget, but it’s easy to do on your own. The health of your generator engine depends on a clean environment. Your generator vents will intake all the surrounding dust, dirt, and debris, which can accumulate over time and clog your generator filters. We recommend surveying your generator area periodically to clear away debris. This is especially true after a spring rainstorm. Heavy wind and rain can stir up the dirt and debris that can wreak havoc on your power system. Sweep the area clear, clean or replace the filters, and wipe down the generator exterior with a soft cloth as needed. But remember never to spray water on your generator—doing so can lead to serious damage. If you need a comprehensive generator cleaning, contact our professionals for the job.

Our Maintenance Professionals

At Valley Power Systems, we recognize that good generator maintenance is key to ensuring reliable power, minimizing downtime, and extending the system’s lifespan. You can trust that our maintenance technicians are fully trained and certified to work on industrial power equipment. When we visit your site, we’ll meticulously address your system’s maintenance needs to ensure nothing is overlooked. If we notice any generator problems during the job, you can count on us to provide cost-effective repair solutions. Handling minor repairs now can help you prevent major problems later, saving you a ton of money on repair expenses.

We proudly offer custom maintenance contracts to suit your individual needs and budget. With the right level of service, your system will be more reliable and efficient, and you won’t have to worry as much about unexpected breakdowns.

Valley Power Systems – Your Power Partner

Do you need help with springtime generator maintenance tasks? Trust Valley Power Systems for all your generator service needs now and in the future. Our family-owned and operated business has been serving California since 1949, so you can rely on us to be here for any power emergency you might experience. We are committed to keeping your equipment operating properly so it’s ready when you need it most.

To learn more about the benefits of our generator maintenance, contact our knowledgeable staff at Valley Power Systems today!