If you have just purchased your first air compressor, it is important that you stay on top of the maintenance so that you can get many years of use out of your new machine. Air compressors, in general, are pretty low maintenance; however, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Start Out By Reading Your Owner's Manual

It may not be the most entertaining material to read, but before you start using your air compressor, you should sit down and read your manual. Your manual will tell you exactly how to use your air compressor in the safest manner. It will also inform you of any safety rules you should follow while using your air compressor. Finally, it should provide you with detailed information about how to care for your new air compressor. 

Find Out When You Need To Drain The Tank

While reading your owner's manual, look for a section about the tank. Your air compressor pulls in air and filters it throughout its system in order to create the pressure that you need to get your job done. When your air compressor pulls in air, it also removes the moisture from the air before sending it through the rest of the machine. All of this moisture has to go somewhere; in most air compressors, it is sent into a reserve tank.

This tank is generally located somewhere near the bottom of your air compressor. You don't want to let this water sit in the tank for an extended period of time. It is a good idea to drain the tank after every use. If you use your new air compressor for multiple hours in the same day, you may even need to drain your air compressor fluid tank more than once. Your owner's manual should let you know the capacity of your tank and how often it needs to be drained.

Keep An Eye On The Oil Levels

One of the keys to keeping your air compressor in good working condition is to keep an eye on the oil level before you use your machine. 

Some air compressors have windows next to the oil container that allow you to easily glance at the window and see if you need to add in some oil. If your air compressor does not have a window, you will have to pull out the dipstick and check it before you use your machine. Your dipstick should have a mark on it that shows when your tank is full and when your tank is in need of some oil. 

Finally, you should make sure that you change the oil in your air compressor on schedule. Just like with your car, after a certain amount of time, the oil will degrade, which is why you need to change it on a regular basis. Your owner's manual should let you know how often the oil needs completely changed and not just topped off. 

If you want your brand new air compressor to last for an extended period of time, get familiar with your owner's manual and always keep an eye on your moisture tank and oil levels before using your machine for optimal performance.