Generator Maintenance: Storage, Fuel Stabiliser and Startup Checks
A backup generator that's been sitting unused for months is exactly the one that won't start when the power actually goes out. A little maintenance between uses is what separates a generator you can rely on from one that lets you down.
Fuel is the number one failure point
Petrol degrades within a few months and gums up carburettors — the single biggest reason generators won't start after sitting idle. If it'll be stored for a while, either run the tank dry or add a fuel stabiliser and run the engine briefly to circulate it through the system.
Run it periodically, not just when you need it
Starting the generator for 10–15 minutes every month or two keeps the engine, seals, and fuel system in working order. It also means you find out about a problem on a calm afternoon, not during a storm at 11pm.
Battery care for electric-start units
If your generator has electric start, the battery needs the same attention as a car battery in storage — a trickle charger or periodic top-up charge stops it going flat when you actually need it.
Before you rely on it in an outage
- Check oil level and condition — don't assume it's fine because it looks clean.
- Check fuel is fresh, not left over from last season.
- Test the RCD safety switch actually trips before connecting anything valuable.
- Know your load limits in advance — working it out during a blackout is the wrong time.
Where you store it matters too
A generator kept in the open or under a tarp is exposed to the exact damp conditions that cause corrosion and hard starts. A weatherproof garden shed gives it (and its fuel can) a dry, secure spot that's still easy to wheel out when the power drops.
Browse the full range in Portable Generators.
For guidance on safe generator use, see Safe Work Australia.
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About the author: Ryan Griffiths is based in Newcastle, NSW, and works with the Toolaroo team helping tradies, farmers, and home workshop owners choose the right storage and equipment for their setup.