Tips on how to lengthen the life span of your generator

 A generator is a good investment, and one should make sure that they keep it safe and lengthen the time they enjoy its use. Here are some tips on how you can increase the life span of your generator

1. Regular Maintenance

After purchasing your generator ensure that it receives regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or recommendations. Ensure you make use of qualified people to do this for you. Ensure that you use original genuine quality spares as using counterfeit or imitation parts will reduce your generator’s performance and life span. Always remember to run your generator for at least 10 to 15 minutes every week to ensure that it is in perfect working condition as you do not want it to fail when you need it the most. This will also help you detect any malfunctions in advance. Regularly check your running hour meter to keep track of when service is due. Powershop has service interval recommendations that one can get upon purchase of the generator.

2. Check your Oil levels & leaks

Before starting your generator always make sure that you check the oil level through the dipstick. Always make sure it is at the optimal level. Ensure that you buy and use genuine oils as specified by the manufacturer, Powershop recommends specific petrol and diesel oils from Castrol GTX. Oil filters must be changed regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use of the wrong fuel will damage your generator. Always check for oil leaks.

3. Check for Fuel Leaks

You need to check your generator for fuel leaks. Fuel leaks may make it appear as if your generator’s fuel consumption is high. A damaged fuel systems negatively affects your generators performance and may start fires on your unit. Powershop urges generator owners to buy fuel from a trusted source as contaminated fuel will damage the generator.

4. Water Checks

Before running your generator check the water level in the radiator. Running your generator without water will cause it to overheat and damage it. The generator uses water to cool its engine.

5. Battery Check

Regularly check your battery to ensure that the acid level is ok and that the terminals are free from corrosion. Ensure that the cable terminals are secured correctly

6. Storage

Ensure your generator is stored in a dust free place and not exposed to rain. Ensure the generator is cleaned regularly i.e., making sure the free from debris such as spider webs, birds nests and any plants that may grow around it. Also check for mice/ rats as these may cause serious damage to the wiring of the generator as well as other parts.

7. Load Checks

If your generator is usually lightly loaded, it is recommended that load checks are done. This means loading the generator to its full capacity. This is conducted to ensure that carbon deposits that result from unburnt fuel that collects around the combustion chamber, pistons and exhaust chamber are fully burnt out as the generator does not reach its optimum temperature during light loads. This also helps one ascertain if the generator will work fully in the event of such a need.

8. Installer

It is ideal that your generator is installed by fully qualified Technicians. Powershop has a list of recommended Installers that one can choose from. This helps to ensure that your generator is installed and works correctly. This also helps with warranty claims and ensures your generator lasts longer.