There are some systems that you can probably afford to do without if they malfunction. Generators are not one of those things. Your generator is an emergency system. If it malfunctions when you need it, your situation could end up getting quite a bit worse than merely being inconvenient.
The best way to prevent your generator from completely breaking down on you when you need it the most is to schedule preventive maintenance for it at least once a year. This will give your technician the opportunity to make sure that any issues are dealt with before they can get worse. You should make sure to keep watch for any signs that your generator is developing problems between appointments, though. The faster you can recognize an issue and have it fixed, the better off your generator will be. Have a look at the following signs that your generator is in need of repairs.