Long Lasting Games: Basic Maintenance Tips & Tricks
At Bay Tek Entertainment, we believe great games deserve great care. Well-maintained machines mean happier guests, higher earnings, and fewer costly repairs. Whether you're running a high-traffic family entertainment center or managing a small arcade room, keeping your games running smoothly is essential to maximizing revenue and ensuring a positive guest experience. Our Parts & Service team supports operators like you every day, and we've compiled this list of essential maintenance tips to help you extend the life of your arcade games.
These basic maintenance practices will not only reduce downtime but also protect your investment and help your games perform at their best.
Tip 1: Keep It Clean, Inside and Out
It may sound simple, but routine cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prevent unnecessary issues. Dust and debris can build up inside cabinets, clog fans, overheat electronics, and impact the responsiveness of buttons, sensors, and ticket dispensers.
Wipe down high-touch surfaces daily and schedule interior cleanings monthly or after major events
Vacuum inside the cabinet to remove dust from boards and fans
Clean coin and bill acceptors, touchscreens, and player interfaces
A clean game is a reliable game—and one that guests are more likely to play.
Tip 2: Don’t Wait to Replace Broken Parts
If a component breaks, it’s tempting to wait until others go too. But in many cases, one broken part can strain the rest of the system, leading to more complex and expensive repairs.
Replace worn buttons, sensors, and motors promptly
Keep spares of common failure items on hand
Monitor for early signs of failure, like unusual noises or input lag
Addressing small issues early prevents larger disruptions later.
Tip 3: Read the Manual. Yes, Really
Every Bay Tek game comes with a comprehensive manual, and it’s more helpful than many realize. From troubleshooting advice to wiring diagrams, these guides are packed with information.
Review the troubleshooting section before submitting a service ticket
Use parts lists and diagrams for quick repair references
Check setup instructions for proper calibration
Getting familiar with the manual right away, can save your valuable time later on.
Tip 4: Monitor Your Power Supply
Power regulators are critical to the long-term performance of your game. Voltage spikes or inconsistent power delivery can lead to damage over time.
Use a surge protector or dedicated arcade-grade power strip
Avoid plugging into outlets with heavy appliance use
Monitor for signs of power supply strain (e.g., random reboots)
Stable power equals stable performance.
Tip 5: Skip the Breaker Switch
We strongly recommend not using the circuit breaker to turn your arcade machines on and off. While it may seem convenient, this method can cause strain on internal components especially PCs.
Use the game’s power switch or a connected power strip instead
Allow PCs and control boards to complete their shutdown cycles
Avoid rapid on/off cycling, which can wear out systems prematurely
Taking a few extra minutes to power up/down correctly helps extend the machine's lifespan.
Tip 6: Stick with Bay Tek-Supported Parts
Using OEM Bay Tek parts ensures consistent performance and warranty coverage, helping operators avoid costly downtime.
Order parts through our official Bay Tek Parts & Service team
Ensure that replacements meet original equipment specifications
Avoid non-certified knock-offs that may wear out faster or perform inconsistently
We design, test, and support our parts to meet the demands of commercial environments.
Tip 7: Power Down Before Maintenance
Always power down the machine before opening panels, removing parts, or performing any internal repairs.
Prevents electrical shorts and component damage
Reduces risk of injury or unintentional system changes
Protects circuit boards from static electricity or improper connection
It’s a simple habit that can prevent costly mistakes. Always follow local electrical and safety guidelines when performing maintenance.
Tip 8: Stock the Essentials
Even with regular maintenance, things can break and usually at the worst possible time. That’s why we recommend stocking key consumables and "game-down" parts so you can respond quickly.
Keep ticket rolls, belts, buttons, and sensors on hand
Maintain a basic toolbox with screwdrivers, hex keys, and electrical tape
Create a checklist of your most critical games and their common failure points
Fast response times = less downtime = more revenue.
Extend Game Life, Maximize Revenue
Arcade games are built to withstand hours of play, but even the toughest cabinets need a little TLC. By following these basic maintenance tips, you can:
Reduce service calls and expensive repairs
Improve guest experience with cleaner, better-performing games
Increase uptime and boost your location’s overall earnings
Whether you're a first-time operator or a seasoned pro, routine maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make in your arcade business. Need help sourcing replacement parts or setting up a preventative maintenance plan? Contact the Bay Tek Parts & Service team — we’re here to keep your arcade performing at its best.
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