Rotary Screw Air Compressor Maintenance: What to Do & When
When it comes to rotary screw compressors, consistent maintenance isn’t just a good idea. It’s the only way to avoid costly downtime and extend the life of your machine. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How often should I change my compressor oil?” or “When do I replace the separator?”, this guide is for you.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Rotary screw compressors operate under intense pressure and high temperatures. If you ignore maintenance, parts wear out faster, performance drops, and you risk system failure. Staying ahead of issues with a maintenance schedule helps keep operations smooth and budget surprises to a minimum.
Basic Maintenance Intervals
Here are the standard service intervals we recommend, based on our years of experience in the field:
- Oil Changes: Every 4,000–8,000 hours or once a year
- Oil Filter Replacement: Every 2,000 hours
- Air Filter Replacement: Every 2,000 hours
- Air/Oil Separator Replacement: Every 4,000 hours
These guidelines apply to most rotary screw compressors, but usage conditions (humidity, dust, heat) can affect frequency. If you're in a harsh environment, you may need to perform service more often.
Pro Tips to Stay on Track
- Use Our Compressor Maintenance Checklist – Download our free PDF to keep track of routine tasks.
- Track Your Data: Use our printable Rotary Screw Maintenance Schedule to record service dates, hours, and temperature readings.
- Stick to OEM Specs: All of our compressor oils, oil filters, air filters, and separators are designed to meet or exceed OEM performance requirements.
Need Help With a Repair?
If your rotary screw unit needs a deeper inspection or a full overhaul, we’ve got you covered. From repairs to airend rebuilds, our expert team handles everything in-house so you can stay focused on your operation.
Get the most from your rotary screw compressor. Download our free checklist and start tracking your maintenance today.