Maintenance, Storage and Battery Care
GridGuardPlusGENERATOR BUYER'S GUIDE · ARTICLE 13 OF 15
A generator that sits for a year without care often will not start when you need it. A few minutes each month prevents that. Intervals below are typical, so your owner's manual always has the final word.
Gas, propane and diesel generators
| Task | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Check oil level | Before every use |
| First oil change | After the first 5 to 20 hours (break-in) |
| Regular oil change | Every 50 to 100 hours, or once a year |
| Clean or replace air filter | Per manual; more often in dusty conditions |
| Replace spark plug | About once a year |
| Run it under load | Monthly, for 15 to 20 minutes |
| Full test before storm season | Once a year |
Fuel care
Stale gasoline is the top cause of a generator that will not start.
- Add fuel stabilizer to gasoline you plan to store, and run the engine for a few minutes so it reaches the carburetor
- Use fuel with no more than 10 percent ethanol unless your manual says otherwise. Ethanol-free is better for storage
- For storage longer than about 30 days, follow your manual. Some call for draining the carburetor, and others for running it until the fuel is used up
- Rotate stored fuel and use it in your car before it ages
Storing a gas generator
- Keep it in a dry, ventilated place, covered but not sealed in plastic that traps moisture
- Shut the fuel valve if the unit has one
- Never run it or store it in a closed space with the engine hot
- Keep it where kids cannot reach it
Power station battery care
Lithium batteries are low maintenance, but they have preferences.
- Charge level for storage: store between about 50 and 80 percent unless the maker advises otherwise
- Top up periodically: recharge to the recommended level every three to six months, because batteries lose charge slowly even when idle
- Temperature: avoid heat, such as a hot car or a sunny window, and avoid freezing. Many lithium batteries cannot charge safely below freezing, so warm the unit before charging
- Ventilation: keep vents clear and do not stack things on top
- Cycle life: LiFePO4 batteries are commonly rated for around 2,000 to 3,500 full cycles. Other lithium types are often rated for fewer. Ratings vary, so check the spec sheet
- Damage: stop using a unit that is swollen, smells, or is unusually hot
A simple routine
- Put a reminder on your calendar once a month
- Check fuel, oil and charge level
- Run the unit briefly under load
- Write the date and hours in a log
- Replenish stabilizer, oil and spark plugs before you run out
Then see how to prepare before a storm arrives with our storm and outage prep checklist.
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