Buzz
Although summer vibes linger, autumn is just around the corner. For those with grassy lawns, the idea of storing your landscaping tools for the season might not be unwelcome.
However, before stashing your lawn mower in the garage, taking a few preparatory steps can prevent future headaches. Learn how to winterize your lawn mower with tips from Elizabeth Flaherty for Family Handyman.
Now is the perfect time for an oil change
Like most motorized equipment, lawn mowers rely on oil to function properly. According to Flaherty, aged oil—which contains gasoline, moisture, soot, and acids—can lead to corrosion in the engine's internal parts over time.
To avoid corrosion during the winter months, she suggests performing an oil change on your lawn mower and running it briefly afterward. This ensures the fresh oil circulates and protects the engine's components, preparing it for spring. Flaherty also emphasizes changing the oil before addressing the gasoline in the tank.
Address the remaining fuel in the tank
If your lawn mower is done for the season but still has gas in the tank, Flaherty explains you have two options: drain the remaining fuel or fill it with fresh, stabilized gasoline. However, she cautions that fuel stabilizer should only be mixed with new gas.
To determine the best approach, consult your owner’s manual. It will provide guidance on the ideal method for your mower and any additional maintenance needed before storing it for the winter.
