What Actually Happens During a Standby Generator Maintenance Visit?

You made the smart investment to protect your home with a whole-house standby generator. Whether it is a Generac, Kohler, or Cummins, you expect it to fire up the second the West Michigan grid goes down. But just like a car sitting in your driveway, a generator needs regular tune-ups to ensure it is ready when severe weather strikes.

At Michigan Critical Power, we highly recommend an annual preventative maintenance visit. But what exactly are you paying for when our technicians show up at your home in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or the surrounding areas? Here is a behind-the-scenes look at our comprehensive maintenance checklist.

1. The Oil and Filter Change

Your generator's engine works incredibly hard during an outage. Over time, the oil breaks down and collects debris. We drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and fill the unit with premium synthetic oil designed to withstand Michigan's freezing winter temperatures and hot summer days. This prevents the engine from seizing up during a multi-day outage.

2. Battery Inspection and Testing

The number one reason a standby generator fails to start during a storm is a dead battery. The battery provides the initial spark to crank the engine. Our technicians test the battery's voltage and cold-cranking amps. If it shows signs of weakness or is older than four years, we will recommend replacing it on the spot so you aren't left in the dark.

3. Spark Plug Replacement

Worn-out spark plugs lead to misfires, rough idling, and poor fuel efficiency. We remove the old spark plugs, check for proper gapping, and install fresh ones so the engine runs as smoothly and efficiently as the day it was installed.

4. Debris Removal and Enclosure Cleaning

Mice, bugs, and blowing leaves love to make their homes inside warm generator enclosures. We clean out the cooling vents, remove any debris around the alternator, and ensure the air intake is completely clear so the unit doesn't overheat.