Even though dormant lawns surround us, there are still plenty of tasks you can accomplish to prepare for next year’s sunnier seasons. One of the most important things you can do right now is get your lawn mower ready for next spring. Properly maintaining and storing your lawn mower ensures that it will startup again in 2016. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Prepare the fuel tank

Untreated gasoline left in the tank will thicken into varnish. Even worse, the ethanol in gasoline can cause the rubber and plastic parts of a mower to break. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank can help reduce these negative effects. Be sure to carefully read the product’s directions before pouring. Add the stabilizer and run the mower for a few minutes so it can run through the carburetor. Completely fill the tank with gasoline to avoid rusting. As an alternative to stabilizer, simply run your mower until the tank is empty.

Clean underneath

Forget spring-cleaning; a little work now can increase your mower’s airflow and prevent deck corrosion. Remove the spark plug before doing any cleaning. Set it aside as a safety precaution. Carefully tip your lawn mower on its side in an open area. You can use a brush to clear away any accumulated leaves or grass. Do not use your hands to clear any debris from the blade. Next, wash down the deck with a hose. Before you put the mower away for storage, make sure that it’s dry.

Change the oil

Keep your lawn mower’s engine in tiptop shape with a regular oil change. You will prevent overheating when the time comes to mow again. Use a flat drain pan to catch the oil. Make sure the fuel tank is empty and remove the dipstick cap. Tilt the mower towards the cap, carefully draining the oil into the pan. Before you add fresh oil, make sure that it is the correct grade for your mower. Pour the oil until it reaches the full line.

Replace the filter

If you have a walk-behind mower, it probably has a paper air filter that needs to be replaced. Check your owner’s manual to learn how to remove the filter. It usually takes less than a minute. Purchase a new filter from any retailer that sells lawnmower equipment. You will need to know the brand of your mower and your engine to find the right filter.

Keep the mower dry

 

Store lawn mowers in a dry and safe place for the winter. Garages and sheds usually provide enough protection. Be sure not to leave the mower next to a furnace, water heater or any other fire hazard.

If it seems like a lot of work, you have another option: leave the mowing to us next spring. We have some of the best equipment in the business, and it’s guaranteed be ready when green grass returns. Lush lawns take dedication – even at the beginning of winter.