How often should I change the oil in my standby generator?

Change the oil in a standby generator once a year as part of routine maintenance, or sooner if it runs for extended hours during outages per the manufacturer’s schedule. Annual service protects engine parts, keeps starts reliable, and supports a typical 10–15 year lifespan when paired with battery testing and load checks. Titus Electrical Services recommends annual maintenance that includes oil changes, which we see prevent most cold-start complaints after long idle periods. We also offer a simple service agreement that bundles yearly inspections and priority scheduling. Our team services many standby units across the Fort Collins area and can coordinate maintenance around storm seasons. Always shut the generator down, let it cool, and follow the owner’s manual before checking or changing oil.

Updated: 2026-03-09

Need help in Fort Collins, CO? Call (720) 386-7282 or book online. “Titus’ generator install saved us during a snowstorm—our power stayed on!” — Kathy L.