Generator Maintenance Tips:
Keep Your Backup Power Ready

By Amy, Licensed C-10 Electrician · 15+ years serving Los Angeles

Your generator is only useful if it starts. A light, regular maintenance routine ensures it's ready when the next Los Angeles outage hits.

Published: 2026-04-15 · Updated: 2026-06-20

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Maintenance

Generator Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Backup Power Ready

A generator only helps if it starts when you need it. Whether you have a portable unit or a standby generator with a transfer switch, routine maintenance keeps it reliable through LA's fire-season outages.

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Monthly

Run the generator for 15-20 minutes under load to circulate oil and charge the battery. Test the transfer switch if equipped.

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Oil & Filter

Change oil every 50-100 hours of run time (or annually). Use the manufacturer-specified weight - fresh oil is critical for engine life.

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Battery Care

Standby units have 12V start batteries that self-discharge. Keep terminals clean and replace every 2-3 years.

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Fuel Stability

Add fuel stabilizer for stored gasoline; propane and natural-gas units avoid stale-fuel issues entirely.

Annual Service

What a Pro Should Check Yearly

Inspect the transfer switch

Verify it isolates from utility power and engages cleanly - this is the safety-critical component.

Test under real load

A no-load run hides problems. We load-test to confirm the unit carries your essentials.

Check connections

Vibration loosens lugs and grounds over time. Torque checks prevent overheating failures.

Questions

Generator Maintenance FAQ

How often should I run my generator? ▾

At least once a month for 15-20 minutes under load. Standby units with exercise modes do this automatically.

Do I really need to change the oil if I rarely use it? ▾

Yes - annually. Even idle engines accumulate moisture and acid in the oil. An annual change protects the engine.

Why won't my generator start after sitting? ▾

Usually stale fuel, a dead start battery, or fouled spark plug. Stored gasoline degrades in 3-6 months without stabilizer.

Should a pro service my standby generator? ▾

Yes, annually. Transfer-switch testing and load verification are safety-critical and best done by a licensed electrician.

Is propane or gasoline better for backup? ▾

Propane and natural gas avoid fuel-storage problems and are ideal for whole-house standby. Gasoline is fine for portable units with stabilizer.

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