It’s been far from a normal year. With record-breaking heat and unusually dry conditions, many diesel generators have already been pushed to their limits. But with the new storm names for 2025–2026 now released, it’s clear that unsettled weather is on its way. That makes now the perfect time to prepare your generator for the seasonal shift ahead.
When a generator is called into action, it’s more than just a piece of equipment, it’s your business security, your operations continuity, and your peace of mind on the line. Taking the right steps before colder weather arrives ensures your generator remains reliable, storm-ready, and fully capable of handling the conditions it will face.
Owning a generator isn’t just about having backup power when things go wrong, it’s about making sure it’s ready to perform when you need it most. The intense heat of summer may already have stressed components, and once colder, wetter, and stormier conditions set in, any hidden weaknesses can quickly turn into failures. With storm season driving demand and uptime more critical than ever, the last thing you need is downtime, repair costs, or lost trust from those who rely on your power supply. That’s why winterising and storm-proofing your generator now is essential to safeguard performance and keep your operations running.
Preparing Your Generator for Cold and Stormy Weather
Generator Checklist
1. Full Service & Inspection
Before the cold weather hits, schedule a full cold-climate service:
- Replace oil and filters with grades suited to lower temperatures.
- Check and top up antifreeze/coolant levels.
- Inspect for water ingress around cabling, seals, and enclosures.
- Keep a record of all checks so you know the system is ready.
2. Cold-Start Reliability
Sub-zero temperatures make starting tougher. Improve cold-weather reliability with:
- Block heaters to keep coolant warm.
- Battery warmers to preserve cranking amps.
- Low-viscosity oil to reduce wear on startup.
Fitting these upgrades now means fewer headaches when the temperature drops.
3. Fuel Management for Winter
Fuel can be a weak point in colder climates. Protect your system by:
- Using winter-grade diesel or anti-gel additives.
- Keeping tanks topped up to reduce condensation.
- Following a clear maintenance routine for filters and fuel lines.
4. Storm-Season Weatherproofing
Storms bring wind, rain, and snow. Protect your generator by:
- Checking all-weather enclosures and ventilation.
- Sealing against water or snow ingress.
- Ensuring any outdoor units are secure and corrosion-resistant.
5. Extra Steps for Peace of Mind
Small details can make a big difference:
- Keep a set of spare filters, belts, and fluids ready to hand.
- Review your generator’s output settings for your specific needs.
- Make sure staff know the cold-start and emergency procedures.
After a year of extreme heat, the storm season is approaching fast. For generator owners, this is the critical moment to prepare for the challenges of colder weather. Servicing, antifreeze checks, water ingress protection, and storm-proofing all help ensure your generator performs when you need it most.
By staying ahead of the weather, you’re not just maintaining a generator, you’re protecting reliability, safeguarding continuity, and ensuring steady power, whatever the season brings.
Preventative maintenance and ensuring your standby generators are in good working order is always better than emergency call outs and surprises. Generators For Export is here to support you, with a huge range of used generators, parts and accessories, we can keep your company running through the Winter. Contact our friendly team today.
Call: +44(0)1386 553344 | Email: sales@gfe.uk.com