You may not use your printer enough and worry too much when encountering a seemingly minor error. But if left unchecked, it can lead to print quality issues, poor performance, costly maintenance, and more. Keep reading to learn how to tell if your printer needs regular maintenance.
5 Signs Your Printer Needs Fixing
No matter what brand you have, from HP to Canon, most inkjet printers display the same warning signs when they have problems. While they may vary slightly, here are five you can look out for.
1. Poor Print Quality
Ink splatter, smudges, and spots are sure signs that your printer is having trouble. Streaks and streaks can indicate problems with your printer’s ink cartridges or drum, especially if they appear with every print. Ink spots can indicate loose ink rollers or heat sinks.
Poor print quality doesn’t always mean a part is broken. Sometimes, dust and debris can build up, causing the ink to be distributed unevenly. This is simply a sign that you need to clean it.
2. Strange Noises
If your printer starts making strange noises, don’t ignore them. Clearing a paper jam and checking the shielded cable can sometimes fix the problem. However, other times, they can indicate a serious technical issue that requires special attention. Ignoring any grinding, rattling, or bumping noises you hear can escalate problems that can damage your printer and cost you more.
3. Slow Printing Speeds
Waiting forever for documents to print is a pain. It’s also a sign that your printer’s performance isn’t optimized. Slow printing speeds can be caused by some factors, including:
- Outdated drivers
- Network congestion
- Limited memory
- Low ink or toner levels
- Worn out parts
4. Network Connectivity Problems
Like most technology, printers need to be updated regularly. Updating your printer’s hardware can help prevent connection issues and extend life.
5. Frequent Error Codes
Error codes are the printer’s way of communicating with you, making them the easiest way to determine what’s wrong. Sometimes, errors are caused by a printing error. Then, please turn off the printer, let it cool, and restart it. Other times, they can indicate serious and minor problems, from hardware and motor faults to low line levels.
Common Printer Maintenance Tasks
Want to keep your printer at its best? Here’s how you can keep it running for longer.
Nozzle Checks
A nozzle check helps identify clogged or faulty printhead nozzles. Although the process may vary by model, the goal is the same. The printer creates a test page to check the nozzles are working. If the test page shows solid lines, the nozzles are working correctly. However, broken or missing lines indicate a problem.
Cleaning the Printer and Printer Heads
Most modern printers can clean the print head in the settings menu automatically. Otherwise, you can use third-party software.
In addition to the print heads, you should also clean the printer inside and out. A microfiber cloth works wonders to remove dust and debris. Remember to turn off the printer before cleaning the inside.
Performing Updates
Manufacturers regularly release firmware, software, and driver updates for printers. These updates help improve performance, fix bugs, and improve device compatibility. To implement them, check your printer’s control panel or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Technology Experts Near You
Sometimes, it’s best to leave your technology problems to the professionals. From computer repair to network security solutions, Victim Computers has the tools and expertise to help keep your business or home technology running at its best. Find a location near you to get started!