Keep your generator ready: Tips for winter prep

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One of the most vital disaster and winter equipment pieces to have ready is your generator.

Generators are essential for hurricane season and the winter. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when trying to start one up before the season.

You’ll want to run your generator well before you need it. Old gas and other wear components could fail if not taken care of throughout the year.

Marty Jagodowski with Taplin Yard, Pump, and Power Equipment told 22News one measure that could save you hundreds in repairs. “For all small engines, you should be using a fuel stabilizer to counteract the ethanol because all the fuel you buy at the pump around here has ethanol in it. Small engines are designed to run on ethanol,” says Jagodowski.

If you don’t opt for fuel stabilizers, you’ll need to drain the fuel in any power equipment if it’s been sitting in your garage since last winter. Not following any of these preventative measures may cost you money and time in repairs when you need a generator most.

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