How Winterizing Your Lawn Mower Will Prolong Its Life
Autumn is almost over in New Jersey. Even though we’re still a few weeks away from our winter solstice, now is the best time to start thinking about winterizing your lawn mower. In past years, you may have decided to skip this important step after getting lost in the never-ending owner’s manual. While you’re not alone, a lawnmower is an investment that is heavily relied upon. Your mower should be treated with the proper care before the winter arrives.
Steps to Winterizing Your Lawn Mower
Whether this is your first year or you are seasoned at prepping a mower for winter, we’ve put together a list of steps to make the process a little less painless.
Stabilize the fuel
Some individuals remove the fuel entirely for the winter months. Stabilizing the fuel instead prevents unwanted moisture from getting into the reservoir tank, which can cause rust next season. Fuel stabilizers can be purchased at local home and garden centers and should be added to tanks before storing for the season.
Remove the battery
Batteries should not be left on the mower during the winter. Instead, remove the battery and store it indoors. Built-up grease, dirt, or grime should also be cleaned before storing. When it is time to mow again next year, the battery will need to be charged before reinstalling.
Clean/replace air filters
If you noticed the mower idling roughly or it was difficult to start, these are signs the air filter is dirty. Some filters can be cleaned and replaced. If the filter is extremely dirty and caked with build-up, it is best to replace the filter and discard the old one.
Change the oil & filter
Before storing, empty the oil from the mower and replace it with the manufacturer’s recommended type and weight. Filters should not be reused.
Scrape the deck
After months of mowing, grass clippings and dirt are likely covering the deck. If they are dried onto the mower, the deck may need scraping and a wash to remove it. Ignoring this build-up can lead to rust and trouble with the mower in the spring.
Change the spark plug
Spark plugs should also be replaced every season. After taking the existing one out of the mower, consider spraying oil into the cylinder and pull the recoil handle. This assures the oil has coated the cylinder before installing a new one.
Sharpen or replace blades
Sharpening blades isn’t mandatory for winter storage, although taking care of it now means you won’t have to worry about it in the spring.
Following these tips for winterizing your lawn mower will make the spring season less of a headache when it’s time to tend to the lawn. For information on lawn care and treatment programs, contact Perennial Lawn Care today!
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