Air Compressor Maintenance: What to Do & When
Whether you’re running a rotary screw, portable, or reciprocating air compressor, one thing’s universal: maintenance matters. It keeps your system running efficiently, helps avoid costly breakdowns, and extends the life of your machine.
This guide gives you the basics—what to check, when to service, and how to stay ahead of problems. Simple, clear, and built for self-service.
Start with a Checklist
If you're the type who likes to track things manually or post a copy in the shop, here’s our go-to air compressor maintenance checklist. It’s designed for rotary screw machines, but many of the tasks apply across the board.
- Check coolant and oil levels
- Inspect for leaks, unusual noise, or vibration
- Drain water from tanks and filters
- Monitor pressure, temperature, and hour readings
- Change oil, filters, and separators at recommended intervals
Click here to view or download the checklist (PDF).
How Often Should You Perform Maintenance?
Every compressor type has its own rhythm. Here’s a general guideline to help you stay on track:
Stationary Rotary Screw Compressors
- Oil change: Every 4,000–8,000 hours or once a year
- Oil filter: Every 2,000 hours
- Air filter: Every 2,000 hours
- Separator: Every 4,000 hours
Portable Rotary Compressors
- Oil change: Every 4,000–8,000 hours or once a year
- Oil filter: Every 2,000 hours
- Air filter: Every 2,000 hours
- Separator: Every 4,000 hours
Air-Cooled Reciprocating Compressors
- Oil change: Once a year
- Oil filter: Every quarter or every 6 months
- Air filter: Every quarter or every 6 months
- Separator: Not applicable
Stock the Right Parts
Not sure what to buy? These are the usual suspects for preventative maintenance:
One Last Thought
Downtime is expensive. But most maintenance tasks are simple, fast, and cheap—especially when you plan ahead. Whether you're maintaining a single machine or managing a whole fleet, this guide gives you the basics you need to stay ahead.
Need a deeper dive? Visit our service page or track your past orders to keep maintenance on schedule.