As temperatures drop, it’s tempting to put your lawn mower in the shed and forget about it until spring. But ignoring winterization can cause rusted blades, dead batteries, and clogged carburetors.
Taking the time now to winterize your mower protects your investment and makes spring mowing easier. If you empty the gas tank, change the oil, clean the mower, and store it properly, your mower will roar back to life when the grass starts growing again.
In this article, I’ll walk you through all the steps to get your mower ready for the cold months ahead.
Empty gas tank or add fuel stabilizer
Gas left in the tank through the winter can degrade, gum up the carburetor, and cause engine problems. Empty the tank by running the engine until it’s out of gas.
If you don’t want to burn off the fuel, you can add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh for up to a year. Follow the directions on the label, but in general, you need to add an ounce of stabilizer for every two gallons of fuel. Run the engine for about 10 minutes to pull the mixture through the lines before storing it.
Change the engine oil
You should change your mower’s engine oil after every 50 hours of use. Even if you didn’t run it that much, you should drain old oil before storing it, as it can contain moisture and other contaminants that can damage the engine.
Starting the season with clean oil also means your engine has optimal lubrication right from the first spring start.
Want to know how? Check out our article, How to Change Oil in a Lawn Mower.
Replace the spark plug
You should change the spark plug after 50 hours of use, but if you replaced it recently, you can leave it there. Just make sure to check the condition of the plug with a spark plug test tool.
Follow these steps to replace the spark plug. You can usually find it on the side of the engine:
- Disconnect the spark plug wire by pulling off the rubber boot at the end of the wire. If it’s stuck, you can use a set of pliers.
- Use a spark plug socket attached to a wrench to loosen the plug. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen, then remove by hand.
- Spray a small amount of lubricating oil into the cylinder through the spark plug opening.
- Before installing the new spark plug, make sure the gap between the center electrode and curved metal piece is 0.02 to 0.03 inches.
- Thread the new spark plug by hand, then use a wrench to finish tightening.
- Grab the spark plug wire boot and push it back onto the spark plug.
- Turn on the lawn mower and make sure everything is working properly.
For more detailed instructions, check out our article, How to Change Spark Plugs on a Mower.
Clean or replace the air filter
I recommend cleaning and replacing the air filter while the spark plug is out, as it’s easier. Otherwise, you’ll have to remove the plug again to prevent the motor from starting accidentally.
On push mowers, the air filter is located on the side under a cover. On riding mowers, it’s on the top under a large cover.
Paper filter: Check for holes, oil stains, or dirt blocking light when you hold it up. If you notice any, replace the filter. If not, remove loose dirt by gently tapping the filter on a hard surface with the open end facing down.
Foam filter: Inspect for any tears or excessive dirt buildup. If the foam is still intact, you can wash it with warm water and dish soap to remove dirt. Rinse and squeeze the foam until it’s clear of water before reinstalling.
Clean the filter housing, then insert the filter directly into the housing. I recommend replacing the air filter every season.
For more information, check out our article on How to Clean and Replace Lawn Mower’s Air Filter.
Take out the battery
If you have a battery-powered mower or your mower has an electric start, make sure to disconnect the battery before storing. Remove the negative cable (black) first, and then the positive (red). Wipe off any dirt from the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place.
Charge the battery every five to six weeks and keep it at a level of around 40% to 70%.
Sharpening your lawn mower blades gives a clean cut and reduces strain on the engine. Dull blades also tear grass and make it more susceptible to diseases. You can tackle this job in the spring, but you might as well get it out of the way before winter.
See Related:
Clean the undercarriage
While the blade is off, use a putty knife to remove stuck-on grass and dirt. Wash under the deck and the outside body with a garden hose, but make sure not to let water reach the motor.
Let the mower dry fully. Use a leaf blower on the lowest setting to speed up the drying process.
If your riding mower doesn’t have a removable deck, use a mower lift to raise the front of the mower.
For more information, check out our article on How to Clean a Lawn Mower Deck.
Lubricate moving parts
Spray WD-40 on moving parts like wheels, cables, throttle linkages, and height adjusters. Wipe off excess with a rag. Use a light-duty lubricant for the wheel bearings. Spray silicone under the deck to reduce grass clippings from sticking.
Make sure to inspect the belts as you lubricate. If a belt is frayed, replace it before storage.
Store it with care
Choose a dry location like a shed or garage to store your mower, and cover it with a breathable polyester cover. Before putting on the cover, make sure the tires are properly inflated.
I recommend placing mothballs near your mower to keep mice and other pests away. Even then, it’s best to check on your mower once a month to make sure no pests have chewed through wires or nested inside.
FAQs
Winterize your lawn mower in late October to early November, when the growing season ends and before the first frost. The exact timing can vary depending on your region.
I highly recommend using an oil that’s specifically designed for lawn mowers, as the additives in automotive oils can be harmful to small air-cooled mower engines.
If you have a gas mower, you don’t need to run it after emptying the tank or stabilizing fuel. However, for battery-powered mowers, I recommend recharging every five to six weeks to keep the charge at around 40 to 70%.
Set yourself up for a successful spring
After the last mow of the season, winterize your lawn mower with these steps so it’s ready to roar back to life when spring arrives.
As your grass starts growing again, you need to mow it to keep it in good shape. If you don’t have the time or just don’t want to deal with it, get in touch with Lawn Love.
Lawn Love pros can help you with everything related to lawn care, whether it’s mowing, aeration, or fertilization. Hire a pro through Lawn Love today to get the job done right at a price you’ll love.
Main Image: Winterize your mower in order to set yourself up for success in the spring. Photo Credit: auremar / Adobe Stock
Related Posts:
