A neglected generator will be prone to issues like breakdowns, constant repairs, and inefficiency. Considering the price of good generators, you want your machine to serve you for a long time so it’s important to learn and practice generator maintenance to extend its lifespan.

Here at Jubaili Bros, we understand and prioritize the health of our power solutions. In over 3 decades of maintaining best practices for generators, our team of experts has put together some helpful tips to help you optimize your generator’s performance and extend its life span. 

These tips will help you keep your generator running smoothly and efficiently to ensure that you get your money’s worth.

First, let’s take a brief look at the lifespan of a generator and the factors that determine how long a generator will last.

Let’s get into it.

Understanding Your Generator’s Lifespan.

“There is no ultimate standard on how long a generator can last,” Kelvin Ojiakor, a Jubaili Bros. Electrical Engineer says. “It all depends on how well it’s maintained, its usage, and the environment it operates in.” 

According to Taysir Hijazi, a Senior Engineering Team Leader at Jubaili Bros., a diesel generator can last from 10,000 to 20,000 hours while a gasoline generator can last anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 hours. 

If you convert these hours, you’ll see that you could get some decent years of use from your generator. However, these hours depend on some important factors. Let’s look into them. 

Factors that affect a generator’s lifespan.

1. Usage: Frequent and continuous usage as well as heavy loads will reduce a generator’s lifespan. 

2. Maintenance: Regularly maintaining your generator even with minor maintenance practices like oil changes goes a long way in extending its lifespan.

3. Environment: You won’t get the best out of your generator if it is constantly exposed to harsh weather, dust, and debris. 

4. Quality: Even if you have a great quality generator, using inferior spare parts and materials on it will decrease its lifespan.

5. Overloading: Every generator has a capacity that it shouldn’t go beyond. This can also reduce a generator’s efficiency. 

6. Fuel and oil quality: Using low-quality fuel or oil will negatively impact a generator’s lifespan. 

7. Age: Everything deteriorates with time. Like any other machine, your generator will deteriorate even if you don’t use it all the time.

Now let’s look into basic maintenance tasks that can extend your generator’s lifespan and ensure that it continues to perform efficiently. 

Regular Maintenance Tasks To Make Your Generators Last Longer.

Here’s a breakdown of regular maintenance tasks that will ensure the efficiency and longevity of your generator: 

1. Oil changes: Engine oil has many functions like lubrication, cooling the engine, and preventing corrosion. Ensure that you use the right quality oil as and when due.

2.  Filter replacements: Generator filters ensure that fuel and oil are clean and uncontaminated. For optimized performance, replace these filters every 500 hours or twice a year. 

3. Regular Cleaning: Removing dirt and debris from your generator will prevent damage. Regularly use a soft brush or cloth to clean the exterior and interior of your generator even if it’s been in storage. 

 4. Inspections: Invite experts to inspect your generator regularly.  Doing this can help you identify issues before they become bigger problems. Things to look out for are signs of wear and corrosion on the generator parts. 

 5. Battery maintenance: Always ensure that your generator’s battery is fully charged and functional. You can do this during oil replacements and filter replacements.

6. Spark plug replacement: A bad spark plug will affect your generator’s performance or stop it from performing. You should replace spark plugs every 1,000 hours or yearly.

7. Fuel system maintenance: Clean your fuel tank and filters regularly to prevent fuel contamination and any leaks.

8. Electrical connection checks: Check the electrical connections of your generator and ensure that they are undamaged and corrosion-free. 

10. Fluid checks: Before turning on your generator, it won’t hurt to check that the fluid levels(fuel and oil) are in proper condition. Doing this will help your generator to run without interruptions. 

11. Proper Storage: Protect your generator from harsh elements by storing it in a dry, well-ventilated area. 

These maintenance measures generally apply to most generator sets. But in any case, consult your generator’s manual carefully for specific maintenance recommendations.  

Importance of professional servicing for your generators.

Apart from some basic maintenance tasks, most maintenance tasks should be done by professionals recommended by your generator’s manual. Here are some reasons why you need these professional services:

1. Expert knowledge: Technicians have expert knowledge of generator mechanics and how they work. Your generator will benefit a lot from this expertise.

2. Specialized tools: Technicians use specialized tools to assess and diagnose the issues your generator might have. This also ensures that the generator is safely repaired and tested.

3. Saves Time: You save a lot of time when these expert technicians work on your generator. You also reduce downtime.  

4. Warranty maintenance: If your generator is still valid for warranty, using the required professionals will help to maintain the validity of your warranty. 

5. Preventive maintenance: Using the right professionals can help you notice issues before they become major problems.

Your generator needs regular care, maintenance, proper usage, and repairs by the right professionals to make it last longer. These measures ensure that you don’t waste time and money and that your generator’s downtime is reduced.

One of the services that Jubaili Bros offers its customers is 24/7 emergency support services when they need it. There are trained experts who not only assist in presales services but also provide you with top-notch advice and after-sales services to ensure that your generator continues to run smoothly. Our experts help in:

  • Installation and commissioning
  • Repairs and maintenance – which covers all the work that your generator needs to perform optimally.
  • Warranty periods to ensure you’re not alone in those first few years. 

Our experts prioritize excellence in all our activities so you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

Trust us to deliver on our promise. Visit our website to learn more about our products and services. Let’s give you your money’s worth in a reliable backup power plan and ensure a long and reliable lifespan for your generator.