Air compressors are an important part of your fuel station equipment arsenal. Their use is as extensive as any of your service equipment. You run them daily, throughout the operating hours, inflating the tires of deflated long queues of vehicles—rolling in, one after the another.
And so, amidst this heavy traffic of customers, it becomes easy to neglect the all too important—that is, the upkeep of your air compressor.
Poor maintenance of air compressors gradually lead to a build-up of situation, where its operational efficiency starts to drop and frequent breakdowns become a norm—before it eventually fails.
Your customers return disappointed, you lose business, and you are left with no other option but to pay for the costly repairs.
Therefore, it’s important you learn how to keep your air compressor up and running.
Following are some key air compressor maintenance tips that you should make note of.
Tip #1: Regularly Clean Your Intake Vent
If your intake vent is clogged with dirt and dust particles, you are forcing your air compressor to work harder than required. This could exhaust it, and lead to a premature failure of its components.
Avoiding the contraction with dirt and dust is not just possible. But, with regular cleaning of the intake vent of your compressor, you can definitely avoid the clog, and ensure that your air compressor operates smoothly.
Tip #2: Drain the Condensate Regularly
The air storage tank of your air compressor accumulates moisture from the air being compressed. If you don’t regularly drain the condensate, it could collect inside the tank and reduce its storage capacity. Less storage capacity means, less air pressure and higher operational cost.
Therefore, you should regularly drain the condensate from the storage tank of your air compressor.
Tip #3: Periodically Inspect the Hose Pipe
The hose pipe of your air compressor is what carries and supplies compressed air to the nozzle. Because of the daily rigors, hose pipe can get easily damaged and start leaking the compressed air. This can put an undue operational strain on your air compressor and its components.
Periodically inspect the hose pipe for any signs of damage. Replace or repair, where necessary.
Tip #4: Periodically Clean the Heat Exchangers
The purpose of a heat exchanger is to reduce the operating temperature of your air compressor. Keeping the temperature down, helps your air compressor to work at optimum efficiency levels and prevent premature failure of its components.
During a compressor’s service life, heat exchangers tend to get dirty. It’s important that you maintain a periodic cleaning schedule.
Follow these 4 tips and your air compressor will efficiently operate without any problems, servicing you and your customers for a longer period.
A Malfunctioning Air Compressor?
We can help. John W. Kennedy Company deals in the sale of high quality petroleum equipment and gas station supplies. Our stocked products include air compressors, air compressor parts, air towers and everything else that you need to keep your filling and service station operational. Check out our inventory of air compressors and conveniently shop for your gas station essentials online.